Pre Academy Lead

Location:
Carrington Training Complex

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

To lead the Pre-Academy Operations, recruitment strategy and coordinate the Academy scouting operation in the Northwest region. The role will ensure Manchester United remain competitive in attracting and retaining local talent through innovative recruitment strategies and programme initiatives, while providing market intelligence to strengthen the Academy’s long-term player pathway.

• Oversee the recruitment strategy within the Pre-Academy phase, ensuring Manchester United has leading understanding of the local talent.
• Coordinate the casual scouting network to identify, track, recommend, and support the recruitment of grassroots players of potential interest in the North West region.
• Act as a figurehead for the Pre-Academy from both a recruitment and programme perspective.
• Line-manage the Pre-Academy Scouts & Hub Managers, setting clear goals, targets, and expectations.
• Build and enhance relationships with key stakeholders, while maintaining high levels of communication with parents.
• Work closely with the Head of Academy Recruitment, Lead National Scouts, Pre-Academy Manager And Head of Player Development FP to deliver the club’s recruitment strategy.
• Oversee and manage the Pre-Academy budget, including the validation of expenses for casual scouts.
• Produce detailed knowledge and recommendations on players, presenting evidence to support U9 recruitment decisions.
• Implement and oversee a leading programme that supports both recruitment and retention of Pre-Academy players.
• Take a proactive approach to scouting & self-sufficiently attending matches, sessions, and overseeing the HUB programme
• Compile and maintain up-to-date Target Lists, Monitor Lists, and Market Depth Lists for Pre-Academy players in the North West.
• Play a key role in recruitment and retention decisions, ensuring regular player review meetings take place with relevant staff.
• Develop strong knowledge and opinions of all players in the Manchester United Pre-Academy system from U6–U8.
• Manage the performance and development of casual scouts in the North West.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Premier League and Football League rules, particularly regarding player registrations.
• Ensure compliance with the Manchester United Academy Scouting Internal Code of Conduct, wider club policies, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding standards.
• Always maintain professional conduct and confidentiality, safeguarding the image and reputation of Manchester United.

• Proven track record in academy football and working with pre-academy and foundation phase age groups whether coaching or recruitment
• Strong network within grassroots football (Local Leagues, schools, community clubs, regional FAs, development centres).
• Prior experience of leading or coordinating scouting teams at academy or pre-academy level.
• Background in talent  player development pathways (knowledge of characteristics at Pre Academy, Foundation, Youth Development.
• Demonstrable experience of collaborating with coaches, parents, and education staff to support holistic player development.

• Deep knowledge of the local football landscape (Greater Manchester and surrounding regions).
• Familiarity with Premier League Academy rules, EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) standards, and safeguarding requirements.
• Strong grasp of youth player profiles, including technical, tactical, physical, and psycho-social attributes.
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equality challenges in football recruitment.