Academy Performance Coach (Part-Time)

Seattle Sounders FC; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 34,095 - 48,560; Part time

Job summary

A professional soccer club is seeking a part-time Sounders Academy Performance Coach in Renton, WA. This role involves working with U15 players to enhance their performance through tailored training sessions and integration with technical staff. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and 2+ years of relevant experience, including expertise in youth development and strength conditioning. A passionate individual with exceptional communication skills will thrive in this collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working as a Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• Must hold Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
• Ability to effectively communicate across diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning U15 training sessions with technical staff.
• Deliver U15 activation and gym sessions per performance objectives.
• Manage data streams for Academy athletes with detailed analysis.

Skills

Strength & Conditioning

Youth Development

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science

Master’s Degree in Sports Science

Tools

Athletic Profile Testing

Performance Metrics Tracking

Job description

Job Title: Sounders Academy Performance Coach (Part-Time)

Department: Performance

Reports To: Director of Performance

Type Part-Time – Approx 25 hours per week

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Rate: $30/hour

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic Performance Coach to add to the team and service our academy team (U15) 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 U15. 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 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.
• 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the planning of on field U15 training sessions in conjunction with technical staff and other stakeholders.
• Plan and deliver all U15 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 U15 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 Academy Performance Coach (U16-U18) and 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 to assist in planning/delivery of end stage rehab and individual injury mitigation programs.
• Perform athletic profile testing.
• Detailed tracking of individual physical development for all U15 players, including performance testing, growth, and maturation.
• Assist the MLS Academy Performance Coach (U16-U18) and the MLS Next Performance Coach where needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Experience as a professional or high level athlete.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position will work from the Sounders headquarters and training facility in Renton, WA.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing and available to travel to team away games if required.
• Employee must have a reliable means of local transportation.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 50 pounds.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.