Academy Performance Coach

Seattle Sounders•Renton, WA

58d•$29 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic performance coach to add to the team and service our academy teams (U18/U16) as part of the Sounders developmental pathway. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite youth footballer and has a passion for player development working with players from U16>U18. This individual within the club will need to seamlessly integrate with our performance/medical/technical staff and add to our culture of excellence every day. Utilizing a deep understanding of age-appropriate scientific best practices and the real-world applications in sport will allow this coach to excel. Being able to effectively communicate and connect with people of all backgrounds, educations, and personalities is a must. This role will primarily be based on the field and in the gym, leading academy performance improvements. YOU ARE Authentic – Great understanding of self and lives values every day. Adaptable - Able to deliver results under imperfect, evolving scenarios. Highly Collaborative – Able to effectively work with different departments and stakeholders. Enthusiastic - A source of energy for the group. Curious – Constantly looking to improve processes and inefficiencies, a beginner’s mindset. Selfless – Able to check your ego at the door and put the needs of the team first. Creative Problem Solver – Ready to identify solutions, rather than pointing out problems. Kind - A good human.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
2+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach, in particular youth development.
Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, etc.).
Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify and Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.
Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
Experience as a professional or high level athlete.
Coaching ‘C’ license. (USSF, UEFA, AFC etc.)
Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

Responsibilities

Plan all on field academy training sessions in conjunction with technical staff and other stakeholders.
Plan and deliver all academy activation/gym sessions in accordance with the performance department objectives and methodology of training/player development.
Plan and deliver all on field warm-ups and conditioning for academy training sessions.
Ensure the Performance department philosophy and methodology is implemented, with age-appropriate modifications to enhance player development.
Manage all data streams for Academy athletes and provide detailed analysis/reporting to performance/medical/technical staff in relation to player/team loading, return to play, performance and program interventions/strategies.
Provide tailored reporting of performance metrics to technical staff to enhance the training process in alignment with club developmental processes.
Liaise with the MLS Next Performance Coach on player development and the fluid movement of players up and down throughout the developmental system to maximize growth of high potential players.
Liaise with academy medical staff in the planning/delivery of end stage rehab and individual injury mitigation programs.
Perform on field readiness and athletic profile testing.
Detailed tracking of individual physical development for all academy players, including performance testing, growth, and maturation.
Assist the MLS Next performance coach staff where needed.
Travel with the team as required.
Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage : We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
Generous Paid Time Off & Leave : We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
Retirement Planning Support : 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
Inclusive Parental Leave : Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
Peace of Mind Coverage : Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
Exclusive Perks : Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
Continuous Growth Opportunities : We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
Community Engagement : We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

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