Foundation Phase Coach

Based at City Football Academy in Manchester, this permanent full-time role supports the delivery of high-quality training sessions and game day coaching within Manchester City’s elite Category 1 academy environment. Working closely with the lead age group coach, you will help players develop as individuals and as part of a team, while contributing to the Club’s long-term player pathway and style of play.

 

Who We Are

Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long-term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.

Within our Academy, we create a high-performance learning environment that supports young players at every stage of their journey. Our coaching teams work collaboratively to develop talent, uphold standards and help players grow on and off the pitch.

 

The Role

This role sits at the heart of the Academy’s day-to-day coaching delivery. You will support the lead age group coach in helping players grow within Manchester City’s style of play, with a focus on individual development, positive habits and consistent standards across training and match day.

You will help create individual learning plans, track progress and support players through the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of their stage of development. The role also includes contributing to transition planning, maintaining high behavioural standards and adapting coaching to suit individual needs.

Working collaboratively with academy staff, scouting and recruitment colleagues, and parents or guardians, you will help build a joined-up environment around each player. You will also support the wider academy as needed and work in line with EPPP principles and the Club’s footballing philosophy.

 

What You’ll Bring

• UEFA B Licence and FA Youth Award.
• Experience coaching players aged U6 to U11 within an academy structure, in a lead or assistant capacity.
• Understanding of academy football pathways and EPPP principles.
• Ability to identify, develop and support football talent.
• Clear and effective communication skills when working with players, colleagues and parents or guardians.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and solve problems in a competitive environment.

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work.

As part of our team, you will receive 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance.

Manchester-based employees also benefit from free on-site parking, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and access to a range of sports and leisure clubs.

You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.

 

How to Apply

If this role sounds like it is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your application via our careers site by 19 August 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can.

We work with a select group of agency partners and do not accept unsolicited applications. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be treated as a direct application.

 

Equal Opportunities

City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. If you require reasonable adjustments or any support throughout the process, please contact hiring@cityfootball.com and we will be happy to help.

All CFG recruitment communications originate from @cityfootball.com email addresses. If you receive communications from Gmail, Outlook.com or other personal email services claiming to represent CFG, please verify with the hiring team. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK-based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.