Academy Assistant Coach

Chicago Fire FC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Chicago Fire FC is seeking a dedicated Academy Assistant Coach to join our Youth Development Coaching Program. The role reports to the Academy Head Coach and supports daily training, games, and performance assessments for Academy players.

You will collaborate with MLS Next Pro and Academy coaches, design sessions, and help foster a positive culture in line with the club's values. A USSF B License is required; A License and EFCL License are preferred; bilingual ability is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must possess a USSF B License or equivalent.
• Experience coaching in an amateur, professional level, or reputable development team.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in utilizing and understanding Match Analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Understanding of pressures for youth players in high level youth soccer or elite youth sports development.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• In conjunction with Chicago Fire FC’s Developmental coaches, player development system, players, and standards of play:
• Support the design, implementation, and management of the Academy’s Youth Development Coaching Program
• Assist the Academy Head Coach in planning and execution of daily training sessions, games, and performance assessments
• Assist and support Academy Head Coach in management and conduct of Academy players per the Academy Code of Conduct
• Liaise with the Academy management team regarding multi-disciplinary requirements of all Youth Development players
• Support player development and motivation with positive, constructive feedback
• Use session planning tools, performance planning, and video platform to record player data
• Demonstrate willingness to further personal knowledge and development
• Carry out responsibilities following club policies and safeguarding youth
• Establish and implement the Club’s culture reflecting Chicago Fire FC values
• Other duties as assigned by Academy Head Coach or Academy Technical Director

Skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Team leadership

Communication (verbal & written)

Match Analysis understanding

Education

USSF B License or equivalent

USSF A License

EFCL License

Job description

There has never been a more exciting time to join Chicago Fire FC.

As one of Major League Soccer's original clubs, Chicago Fire FC is in the midst of an exciting era fueled by tremendous investment, ambition, and growth. With a new $100M state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center now open, new offices in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building, and plans underway for a privately-funded $750M+ soccer-specific stadium set to open in 2028 in the heart of Chicago, the Club is building the future of soccer in one of the world's great sports cities.

Chicago Fire FC is becoming a cultural force in Chicago by connecting communities, shaping experiences, and creating new ways for fans to engage with the game and the city. The Club's future home, McDonald’s Park, will anchor Chicago's newest neighborhood and serve as a catalyst of growth for the next chapter of professional sports and entertainment in the city.

Joining Chicago Fire FC today means joining an organization on the rise. Our growth creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for ambitious professionals to generate meaningful impact and help shape the future of our Club. Whether on the pitch working match day or in the front office, every team member plays a role in building something incredibly special.

If you're looking for a place where your work will matter, your ideas will be heard, and your career can grow alongside one of the most ambitious projects in professional sports, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Overview:

Chicago Fire Football Club is seeking a dedicated Academy Assistant Coach to join our team! The Academy Assistant Coach will report to the Academy Head Coach. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual that will work closely with our Academy players and support the Academy Youth Development Coaching Program.

Job Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with Chicago Fire FC’s Developmental (MLS Next Pro and Academy) coaches, player development system, players, and standards of play:
• Support the design, implementation, and management of the Academy’s Youth Development Coaching Program
• Assist the Academy Head Coach in the planning and execution of daily training sessions, games, and performance assessments
• Assist and support Academy Head Coach in the general control, management, and conduct of Academy players, ensuring adherence to the Academy Code of Conduct
• Liaise with the Academy management team in relation to the multi-disciplinary requirements of all Youth Development players at the Academy
• Support player development and motivation by providing positive and constructive feedback that is delivered in an appropriate method
• Use session planning tools, individual performance planning, and video platform to ensure that all relevant player data is recorded
• Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the club’s policies and all applicable laws, particularly regarding the safeguarding of youth/minor players
• Establish and implement the Club’s culture within the team, creating an environment that reflects the values and standards of the Chicago Fire FC
• Other duties as assigned by the Academy Head Coach or Academy Technical Director

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a USSF B License or equivalent
• Previous experience coaching in an amateur, professional level, or other reputable development team
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in utilizing and understanding Match Analysis
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information
• Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, performance-driven work environment
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must possess a USSF A License
• Must possess a EFCL License
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual fluency

Compensation:

• This role offers a salary range of $55,000.00 - $65,000.00
• Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
• This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals
• Additional benefits & perks:https://www.chicagofirefc.com/careers

Please note:

• Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
• CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
• If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department [e-mail] let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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