Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Manager

Based at City Football Academy in Manchester, this permanent full-time role leads the delivery of a comprehensive player support programme for Academy players aged U9 to U21. You will work closely with players, families and Academy colleagues to help ensure every player is supported to develop, thrive and perform on and off the pitch.

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 Operations division, our Performance Lifestyle and Player Support team works alongside players, families and colleagues across the Academy pathway to create an environment where young people feel supported, informed and able to reach their potential. We combine high standards of care with close collaboration, helping to build positive experiences on and off the pitch.

The Role

In this role, you will lead the delivery of a player support programme that places the wellbeing, personal development and day-to-day experience of Academy players at the centre of everything we do. You will help ensure players are supported in a way that is practical, thoughtful and tailored to their stage of development, while keeping their wider needs in view.

You will coordinate and deliver lifeskills and personal development sessions, work with players who need additional support, and provide mentoring and one-to-one guidance where it is needed. You will also help shape and deliver parent and player voice activity, making sure feedback is gathered, understood and used to improve the Academy experience.

Alongside this, you will build trusted relationships with players, families and stakeholders across the Academy, maintain accurate records and communicate clearly across the team. The role also includes line management of the Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Executive, so you will provide supervision and guidance through regular feedback and mentoring.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience of managing, supporting and developing team members in a care, wellbeing, education, youth development or player support setting
• Experience of working within an elite sporting, youth development or other high-performance environment
• Ability to design, coordinate and deliver engaging presentations, workshops or development sessions for different audiences
• Experience of building trusted relationships with young people, families and multidisciplinary stakeholders
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion, empathy and sound judgement
• Comfort working flexibly outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the role

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.