Academy Psychologist inManchester inManchester PUBLISHED 9 SEP 2024

Manchester United is committed to working with and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees.
Location: Carrington Training Centre



At Manchester United, our focus is to create a high-performance environment where everyone can be their best, working together towards our common goal of football success. We believe the key to achieving this goal is connection and collaboration. Everyone coming together, working from one of our Manchester United office locations every working day to share skills, knowledge and ideas, building on the best of what we already do and looking at where we need to change and innovate. 



The Purpose


The Academy Psychologist will play a crucial role in supporting the mental and emotional development of our academy players, contributing to their overall performance and well-being. This position is integral to the holistic development of young athletes, ensuring they are mentally prepared to meet the demands of elite football.


The Role



  • Reporting to Lead Academy Psychologist, the post holder will deliver sport psychology services aligned to the academy psychology strategy.
  • Work across development phases and lead the delivery of psychology support at the youth development phase.
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of the Academy CORE programme.
  • Work with coaches and MDT staff to enhance teaching, learning and feedback methods.
  • Contribute to the development and monitoring of multi-disciplinary agreed development plans (ADPs) for academy players U13-16.
  • Work alongside coaches and support staff to promote the development of psychological skills by integrating this into the technical and tactical coaching program.
  • Be a core member of academy MAPS working group - supporting complex cases related to performance and/or wellbeing.
  • Undertake other duties as directed by the Lead Academy Psychologist, Academy Director or the Technical Board.



The Person:



  • BSc (Hons), MSc in Psychology/Sports Psychology
  • Professional Qualification from either BPS QSEP, BASES SEPAR or HCPC Approved Professional Doctorate
  • HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist or ability to become HCPC registered within agreed timeframe.
  • Experience working as a psychologist in an elite sport academy setting.
  • Experience of delivering sport psychology support within the academy programme of a professional football club and knowledge of EPPP.
  • Experience of delivering sport psychology services in collaboration with MDT and applying psychology at system level/utilizing systemic approaches.
  • Experience of working alongside coaches to integrate psychology into the technical and tactical coaching programme.
  • Passionate about developing young people.
  • Commitment to learning, development and contributing to a world leading development environment.
  • Belief in the power of sport to act as a vehicle to develop young people.


If you'd like to submit your application, please do so by Thursday 19th September.


We recognise the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk at Manchester United, as part of this commitment this post is required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level, as well as full reference history.



Manchester United is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to background, ethnicity, race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.



Manchester United Football Club are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the armed forces community to transition into careers outside of the armed forces.



Manchester United is committed to working with and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application and perform at your best, please do not hesitate to contact us to make a request; we are here to help.



It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry.
Location: Carrington Training Centre


At Manchester United, our focus is to create a high-performance environment where everyone can be their best, working together towards our common goal of football success. We believe the key to achieving this goal is connection and collaboration. Everyone coming together, working from one of our Manchester United office locations every working day to share skills, knowledge and ideas, building on the best of what we already do and looking at where we need to change and innovate.


The Purpose

The Academy Psychologist will play a crucial role in supporting the mental and emotional development of our academy players, contributing to their overall performance and well-being. This position is integral to the holistic development of young athletes, ensuring they are mentally prepared to meet the demands of elite football.

The Role

  • Reporting to Lead Academy Psychologist, the post holder will deliver sport psychology services aligned to the academy psychology strategy.
  • Work across development phases and lead the delivery of psychology support at the youth development phase.
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of the Academy CORE programme.
  • Work with coaches and MDT staff to enhance teaching, learning and feedback methods.
  • Contribute to the development and monitoring of multi-disciplinary agreed development plans (ADPs) for academy players U13-16.
  • Work alongside coaches and support staff to promote the development of psychological skills by integrating this into the technical and tactical coaching program.
  • Be a core member of academy MAPS working group - supporting complex cases related to performance and/or wellbeing.
  • Undertake other duties as directed by the Lead Academy Psychologist, Academy Director or the Technical Board.


The Person:

  • BSc (Hons), MSc in Psychology/Sports Psychology
  • Professional Qualification from either BPS QSEP, BASES SEPAR or HCPC Approved Professional Doctorate
  • HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist or ability to become HCPC registered within agreed timeframe.
  • Experience working as a psychologist in an elite sport academy setting.
  • Experience of delivering sport psychology support within the academy programme of a professional football club and knowledge of EPPP.
  • Experience of delivering sport psychology services in collaboration with MDT and applying psychology at system level/utilizing systemic approaches.
  • Experience of working alongside coaches to integrate psychology into the technical and tactical coaching programme.
  • Passionate about developing young people.
  • Commitment to learning, development and contributing to a world leading development environment.
  • Belief in the power of sport to act as a vehicle to develop young people.

If you'd like to submit your application, please do so by Thursday 19th September.

We recognise the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk at Manchester United, as part of this commitment this post is required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level, as well as full reference history.


Manchester United is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to background, ethnicity, race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.


Manchester United Football Club are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the armed forces community to transition into careers outside of the armed forces.


Manchester United is committed to working with and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application and perform at your best, please do not hesitate to contact us to make a request; we are here to help.


It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry.


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