Shaun Goater says he is confident he can help the next generation on their football journey in his new role at Manchester City’s academy.

The former Bermuda and City striker has joined the academy coaching staff as part as part of an initiative geared towards increasing the number of Black, Asian and minority ethnic coaches working full time in professional football.

Goater, who netted 103 goals in 211 appearances for City between 1998 and 2003, will work across all the academy age groups, from the foundation phase up to the professional development phase, in a varied role that will provide a wide range of experience.

The Uefa A licence holder successfully applied through the Premier League’s Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me,” Goater 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, while 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.”

The CIDS aims to help coaches forge and maintain successful careers to enable the coaching landscape in England to become more representative of the diversity seen in football and British society.

Successful applicants receive financial support throughout the programme, which also includes learning opportunities to further aid coaching development.

Goater has been appointed after 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 the club’s academy.

“Shaun really impressed us at all stages of the interview process,” Jason Wilcox, the academy director, said.

“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.”

After a highly successful playing career, Goater launched his coaching career at childhood club North Village, where he won several trophies.

He has also worked with the forwards at Doncaster Rovers and Scottish club St Johnstone and was part of the under-18 staff at Macclesfield Town.

For the past year Goater has been a regular pundit on City’s Matchday Live show.