Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and played its first match at home on June 19, 2021, in the new, 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art Q2 Stadium in Austin. Austin FC finished the regular season 2nd in the Western Conference, while also making a run to the Western Conference Finals during the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Austin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing as one of 27 clubs in MLS NEXT Pro. In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II.
The Austin FC Academy is actively seeking a highly qualified, multi-skilled Athletic Trainer to work as part of a collaborative inter-professional team to support elite-level youth soccer players on and off the pitch. In this role, you will work alongside medical professionals, performance staff, coaches and athletes to ensure that players are ready to play and receive proper treatment in the event of illness or injury.
The position is based in Austin, TX and the role will work in-person at St. David’s Performance Center.
Are You Someone That:
· Is motivated to assist athletes, coaches and families to realize their potential?
· Possesses a strong understanding of sports-related injuries and treatments?
· Uses qualitative and quantitative data to inform solutions?
· Is detail-oriented, analytical, and attentive?
· Enjoys working as a positive team player to meet goals?
· Is agile and able to respond effectively to the changing needs of a fast-paced growing organization?
You Will:
· Collaborate with coaches, athletes, performance staff, and medical professionals to evaluate the player condition; and
· Gain exposure to high level youth soccer Academy players and coaches; and
· Communicate with coaches, family members, and athletes about wellness and performance goals; and
· Design injury mitigation and rehabilitation programs for athletes; and
· Use knowledge of sports-related injuries to diagnose and treat athletes; and
· Refer athletes to team doctor or other medical staff members when necessary; and
· Assist and monitor injured players as they heal and progress towards recovery; and
· Participate in a minimum of two practices per week (morning or evening sessions); and
· Participate in all games which take place on Saturdays and/or Sundays (approximately 15 in a season) at home or on the road.
You Have:
· Demonstrated experience and expertise working with youth athletes, preferably in soccer with a passion for sports
· Experience working for a Major League Soccer organization a plus
· Demonstrated experience working with youth, collegiate, professional and/or elite-level athletes is preferred
· Strong understanding of the challenges that athletes face, sports injuries, and treatment options
· Demonstrate ability to discuss nutrition, wellness, and lifestyle strategies with elite adolescent athletes
· Understanding of first-aid treatments, massage, and physical therapy techniques and equipment
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media with diverse audiences
· A commitment to diversity and inclusion both internally and externally
· An outstanding work ethic and attention to detail
· The ability to prioritize workload to manage time and tasks
· Enjoy being challenged and have a desire to solve complex problems
· Proficiency in Microsoft applications, knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices
· High ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion
· Experience coaching sports is a plus and experience coaching soccer is preferred
· English and/or Spanish language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus. Additional languages – even better
· Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Required. National or International Strength & Conditioning Association certification is a plus
· Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree program in athletic training accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE). NATA certification required or obtained prior to June 2024.
Other Details:
· It is the policy of Austin FC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for internships because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
· All selected candidates are subject to passing a background check prior to employment.
· Candidates must have a reliable source of personal transportation
· Hours are variable and can easily include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and some holidays in addition to the traditional Monday through Friday hours. Regular practices include 2-3 per week in the evenings as well as early games during the weekends, alongside some travel.
