The 51-year-old, who scored 103 goals in 211 games for the Club between 1998 and 2003, has embarked on a 23-month placement after successfully applying through the Premier League’s Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS).
He will work across all the Academy age groups, from the foundation phase up to the professional development phase, in a varied role which will provide a wide range of experience.
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A UEFA ‘A’ licence holder, Goater began his coaching career in his native Bermuda, where he won seven trophies whilst in charge of North Village Rams.
He has since worked with the forwards at Doncaster Rovers and St Johnstone, whilst his most recent position was as part of the Under-18 staff at the now defunct Macclesfield Town.
For the last 12-months Goater has been sharing his expertise as a regular pundit on City’s Matchday Live show, but has welcomed the chance to return to coaching.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me,” he told mancity.com.
“To work at one of the best academies in the world, in top-class facilities and with some of the most talented youngsters in the country is something every coach aspires to.
“I enjoyed some wonderful times here as a player and, in this role, I am confident I can help the next generation on their journey, whilst also improving as a coach.
“It is so important that people from all backgrounds are represented within football and it is great to see Manchester City and the Premier League are committed to helping coaches from under-represented groups build a career in the game.”
CIDS aims to help coaches forge and maintain successful careers, so that the coaching landscape in England becomes more representative of the diversity we see in football and society.
Successful applicants receive financial support throughout the programme, which also includes learning opportunities to further aid coaching development.
Goater has been appointed following a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment process in which City worked in partnership with the Premier League to find a candidate whose values reflected the ethos of our Academy.
“Shaun really impressed us at all stages of the interview process,” added Academy Director, Jason Wilcox.
“He has the characteristics we look for in our coaches, who play a vital role in creating the right environment for our young players to maximise their potential.
“His experience from a 17-year career in all four divisions in English football is invaluable, but more importantly, he is knowledgeable, understands the Club, how we want to develop players and has great enthusiasm.
“Many different cultures and ethnic minority backgrounds are represented within our Academy teams and we want this diversity to be reflected in our coaching staff, so our players have visible role models.
“Shaun will receive all the support and opportunities he needs to develop as a coach, and I am looking forward to working with him.”
