Rochdale AFC recruiting for five roles across first team, academy and women's side ahead of League Two return

Rochdale AFC has announced five vacancies across the club as it gears up for life back in the Football League.

The roles span the men's first team, the academy and the women's first team: a kit assistant, two performance analysts, a youth development phase lead coach and a women's first team physiotherapist or sports therapist.

The recruitment drive is a direct consequence of the club's growth. Jim McNulty's side won promotion back to Sky Bet League Two at Wembley in May, ending three seasons in the National League, and a return to the EFL brings bigger demands across every department - from matchday operations to sports science and the academy.

The kit assistant role, focused on the men's first team, is aimed at someone passionate about providing excellent service across the club's teams, with applications closing at 5pm on Friday 14 August. The club is also seeking a men's first team performance analysis work placement student for the 2026/27 season - a role suited to a student taking a sandwich year in an undergraduate degree, though masters students and recent graduates seeking industry experience will be considered.

On the academy side, Rochdale is recruiting a youth development phase lead coach. Applicants must hold a UEFA A Licence and relevant youth coaching qualifications, with previous experience in a professional academy environment an advantage. The club has said academy positions are subject to a Category 3 licence under the Elite Player Performance Plan being awarded this summer - a significant step for an academy that has long punched above its weight in producing first-team players.

The women's first team is recruiting a physiotherapist or sports therapist on a part-time, sessional basis, covering all women's first team fixtures, at least one training session a week, and injury rehabilitation and gym-based work.

The vacancies come with the 2026/27 campaign only just under way. Dale opened their season with a Carabao Cup preliminary round trip to Tranmere Rovers, and the League Two campaign is in its opening days - far too early for the table to tell us anything meaningful about how the newly promoted side will fare. The summer has brought new faces to Sandy Lane, including French midfielder Gomez-Mancini, midfielder Humbles, and Jason Taylor joining the coaching staff.

Full job adverts, including details of how to apply, are available on the club's website at rochdaleafc.co.uk, with any further academy vacancies listed on the EFL's iRecruit platform.