Lead Academy Coach

Game Play Strategies; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Game Play Academy, based in the New Orleans area, is seeking a Lead Academy Coach to lead two competitive academy teams and help expand our coaching leadership. The role partners with the Academy Director to raise coaching standards, mentor staff, and drive long-term player development.

The ideal candidate will have UEFA B or USSF B licenses, a strong background in competitive youth soccer, and a proven ability to foster a growth-minded, professional environment within a growing academy.

Qualifications

• Proven coaching experience in competitive youth soccer.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Experience developing players over time.

Responsibilities

• Lead two competitive academy teams; plan, deliver, and manage training and games.
• Deliver high-quality training sessions aligned with the academy's philosophy and development model.
• Manage league games, tournaments, and team-related duties.
• Provide regular player evaluations, feedback, and development guidance.
• Mentor other academy coaches; contribute to curriculum and standards.
• Assist with camps, clinics, and player identification as needed.
• Support a positive, development-focused culture across the academy.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Player development

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

UEFA B License

USSF B License

Job description

Game Play Academy is a growing competitive youth soccer academy based in the New Orleans area. Our focus is on creating a high-quality player development environment built around strong coaching, clear pathways, and long-term development.

As the academy continues to expand, we are looking to add an experienced and ambitious Lead Academy Coach to our leadership team.

About the Role

The Lead Academy Coach will be responsible for leading two competitive academy teams while also taking on additional responsibilities within the wider academy structure.

This role will work closely with the Academy Director and Assistant Director to help maintain high coaching standards, support the development of other coaches, and contribute to the continued growth of the program.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about player development, comfortable taking ownership of teams, and interested in growing into a meaningful leadership role within an ambitious soccer organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery, and management of two competitive academy teams.
• Deliver high-quality training sessions aligned with the academy’s playing philosophy and development model.
• Manage league games, tournaments, and team-related responsibilities.
• Provide regular player evaluations, feedback, and development guidance.
• Communicate professionally with players and parents.
• Work alongside academy leadership on curriculum, methodology, and coaching standards.
• Support and mentor other academy coaches where appropriate.
• Assist with camps, clinics, player identification, and additional academy programming.
• Help create a professional, positive, and development-focused culture across the academy.
• Contribute ideas and input as the academy continues to grow and expand.

Preferred Qualifications

• UEFA B, USSF B License, or equivalent preferred.
• Strong background coaching within competitive youth soccer.
• Demonstrated understanding of long-term player development.
• Strong technical and tactical knowledge of the game.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with players, parents, and staff.
• Reliable and comfortable working evenings and weekends around the competitive soccer calendar.
• Previous experience in a club, academy, collegiate, or professional development environment is advantageous.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is comfortable taking full ownership of their teams, including scheduling games, managing team calendars, communicating with players and families, and overseeing the day-to-day responsibilities that come with running a competitive academy team.

Beyond those core coaching responsibilities, this position offers the opportunity to become an important part of the academy’s leadership structure. The Lead Academy Coach will work closely with the Academy Director and Assistant Director, contribute to the development of our coaching environment and playing philosophy, support other staff where needed, and take on increased responsibility as the organization continues to grow.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and the overall scope of the position, with opportunities for increased responsibility and progression as Game Play Academy continues to grow.