First Team Strength and Conditioning Coach

Philadelphia Union; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Philadelphia Union are seeking a highly motivated Strength and Conditioning Coach to join our performance staff. You will develop individualized, evidence-based training programs in collaboration with the medical and performance teams to maximize player performance and long-term health.

You'll work with First Team and Academy staff on long-term physical development, use GPS tracking, force plates, and other athlete-monitoring tools, and travel as required for match days and fixtures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Minimum of two years of strength and conditioning in collegiate, professional, or elite academy environments.
• CSCS certification or equivalent.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Demonstrated experience developing individualized strength and conditioning programs for high-level athletes.
• Working knowledge of GPS tracking systems, force plates, and athlete performance monitoring tools.
• Strong understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and athletic development.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the design and implementation of individual strength training programs for First Team players.
• Assist the Sport Science staff with player performance testing and monitoring protocols.
• Support the Head of RTP with strength training programming for injured players.
• Work with the 1st Team Medical staff to design and implement individualized prehab programs.
• Work with First Team and Academy Performance staff on long-term physical development for Academy players.

Skills

Strength Training

Athlete Development

Biomechanics

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Sport Science, or related field

Tools

GPS tracking systems

Force plates

Athlete management systems

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home-a 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.

On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.

Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The First Team is seeking to hire a Strength and Conditioning Coach to join our performance staff. The individual in this role will work closely with the rest of the performance and medical staff in developing and implementing individualized, evidence-based programming to enhance our players’ athletic performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Director of Performance on the design and implementation of individual strength training programs for First Team players.
• Assist the Sport Science staff with the implementation and interpretation of player performance testing and monitoring protocols.
• Support the Head of RTP with strength training programming for injured players.
• Work closely with the 1st Team Medical staff to design and implement individualized prehab programs.
• Work with the First Team and Academy Performance staff in developing and implementing long term physical development programming for Academy players.

WHO YOU ARE

• Passionate About Player Development: You are committed to helping elite athletes maximize their physical potential while supporting their long-term health and performance.
• Collaborative & Team-Oriented: You thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and understand the importance of strong relationships across Performance, Medical, and Technical staffs.
• Analytical & Evidence-Based: You use research, performance data, and practical coaching experience to make informed training decisions.
• Detail-Oriented & Accountable: You take ownership of your responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• Adaptable & Solutions-Focused: You can adjust to the evolving demands of a professional soccer season while maintaining a proactive and positive approach.
• Committed to Growth: You actively seek opportunities to develop your expertise, embrace feedback, and stay informed about emerging practices in strength and conditioning.
• An Effective Communicator: You build trust with athletes and colleagues through clear communication, professionalism, and consistency.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of strength and conditioning experience in a collegiate, professional, or elite academy athletic environment.
• Current NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification or equivalent recognized certification.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing individualized strength and conditioning programs for high-level athletes.
• Working knowledge of sport science technologies, including GPS tracking systems, force plates, and other athlete performance monitoring tools.
• Strong understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and principles of athletic development.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Sport Science, or a related field.
• Previous experience working in professional soccer, MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, or an elite soccer academy environment.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary performance and medical teams.
• Experience using athlete management systems and performance data to inform programming decisions.

Additional Position Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and match days, as required by the First Team schedule.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required by the Club.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises, supervise strength training sessions, and perform the physical responsibilities associated with an elite athletic training environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Commitment to maintaining player confidentiality and adhering to all Club policies, professional standards, and athlete safeguarding requirements.

Technical Requirements

• Proven track record of long-term physical development with high level athletes
• Experience with different sport science technologies, including:
  • GPS
  • Force plates & force cells
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a collegiate, MLS Academy, or professional setting:
  • Experience with soccer preferred, but not required

This position requires the following, in accordance with applicable law and Club safeguarding policies

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check
• DHS Fingerprinting
• Annual SafeSport Certification

WHY THE UNION?

At Union Sports & Entertainment, development is in our DNA. From our world-class academy to our front office, we believe in identifying talent early, investing in it fully, and creating real pathways for growth. If you’re driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, the Union will match your ambition.

You’ll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:

• People get better every day as leaders and teammates
• Winning matters, but how we win matters just as much
• Coaching, feedback, and accountability are part of the culture, not buzzwords
• Soccer passion is real and matchdays mean something here

We celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry.

We are committed to supporting the health, well-being, and professional success of our employees. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes paid time off, multiple medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with Company match, Company-paid life and disability insurance, paid medical and baby-bonding leave, mental health resources, wellness reimbursements, and employee discounts. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, skills, relevant experience, internal equity, and prevailing business and market conditions.

Employees may also enjoy complimentary or discounted tickets, match-day meals, access to our on-site fitness center and café, complimentary coffee beverages, and employee engagement events throughout the year. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on position and employment status.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Union Sports & Entertainment is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace where every employee and candidate is treated with dignity and respect. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Not sure you meet every requirement? Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you’re passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you!