Academy Sport Scientist

At Manchester United our aim is to Win the United Way – and the quality of our behind-the scenes team sets us apart from the competition. 
 
Our people are as committed to the success of the company as the players are to winning trophies. We offer a unique and exciting working environment, excellent training, with recognition and rewards for the part each individual plays. Sounding good so far? 

The Purpose:       
The role will have two key focus points:

• Profiling our PDP players to determine where they fit in the athletic spectrum
• Monitoring and reporting on training load to maximise the player’s athletic development

All related data generated by appropriate analysis and evaluation will then be distributed to key stakeholders with the phase, wider Academy and Club. This involves the development of comprehensive datasets, with semi-automated feedback in a timely manner whilst also having the developing young player at the centre of the process.

The successful candidate will also be able to contribute to daily gym sessions, matchdays and any individual player work. A key requirement is to contribute to the development and evolution of our programme to being a world-class high-performance environment.

The Role:

Supported by the Head of Athletic Development (PDP) and Athletic Development staff, enhance the ability to evaluate progress and individual needs through developing, implementing and evaluating both field and gym based assessments and monitoring protocols, supporting the optimisation of athletic development of players, returning players back to full fitness after being injured, identifying players at risk of injury through inappropriate loading whilst consistently applying sound scientific principles to daily practice.

More specifically:

• Manage the day-to-day running and administration of the GPS loading and reporting for the PDP age players (17-23) to feedback to staff and players.
• Work with the Head of Athletic Development (PDP) and the Athletic Development Coaching staff to optimise training sessions and monitor individual and team training sessions. 
• Lead on testing and profiling all players within the PDP, giving relevant feedback on individuals and how they can improve as well as maximising their strengths.
• Work with PDP staff to create engaging, individualised, player centred Athletic Development programmes.
• Meet daily with the MDT to discuss player readiness to train and individual player load management tailoring the needs to stretch and challenge each individual where appropriate.
• Manage appropriate strategies to optimise and monitor recovery processes and return to play performance data.
• Innovate and initiate uses of technology such as Output Sports and their benefit to players within their programmes.
• Plan weekly loading schedules for each individual player, evaluating post session to feedback to all staff.
• Produce weekly and monthly reports outlining player athletic progress.
• Support the dissemination of player loading and profiling to relevant Academy staff to ensure consistency in analysis and reporting, bridging the gap between the Academy and First team.
• Manage the Academy PMA Sports Science system for the PDP, supporting the performance review process.

The Person:

The role demands someone who is player centred and wants to help young players through the final stages of their development toward playing 1st team football. Whilst the technical competence for the role is a mandatory need, the person successful in the process will need to demonstrate that they have a genuine, authentic desire to help young players be the best version of themselves both on and off the pitch.

Experience & Skills
 

• BSc (Hons) degree in Sport Science (or equivalent)
• Working toward or have completed BASES accreditation.
• Experience of working in professional football in a multi-disciplinary team of staff
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organisational and workflow patterns to fulfil the demands of the role.
• Display the values of the Academy to help young players develop.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft office or similar packages with high-level of expertise in Excel.
• Understanding and a working knowledge of Tableau would be advantageous.
• A Masters in a relevant qualification will also be advantageous.

If you would you like to join the team and be part of our mission, to win the United way, please submit your application by 11th May 2023.
 
Manchester United endeavour to respond to all job application, however, please consider that we receive a high volume of applications and this may not always possible. 


 
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 Morson