Performance Coach - Academy

Position: Performance Coach – Academy
Department: Medical & Performance
Reports to: Head of Performance
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)

About Charlotte FC
Charlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.

Position Summary
The Performance Coach will oversee all four academy age groups (U18, U16, U15, and U14) in addition to leading the Assistant Performance Coach. The Performance Coach will work in partnership with the club’s Head of Performance, along with the coaching staff and the medical staff to ensure the overall wellness and performance of the Academy players. The primary responsibilities of the Performance Coach are to oversee the physical preparation of the players, optimizing their performance on the pitch, and to provide leadership as a member of the Charlotte FC Performance staff. This position will partner closely with the club’s Head of Performance, Director of Medical & Performance, Technical Director and Academy Head Coach providing physical information with daily, weekly, and monthly reporting.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work within the framework that has been implemented for the CLTFC Physical Development Pathway for all aspects of physical development and preparation.
• Design and execution of daily Performance Preparation pre-training sessions in the gym, and/or on-pitch warm-ups, that align with the demands of the session, and the overall periodization of physical performance within the microcyle, mesocycle, and Annual Performance Plan.
• Design and execution specific on-pitch conditioning sessions that address the overall workload management based on each player’s individual development plan, periodized to align with overall Annual Performance Plan.
• Design and execution of individual prehab, movement prep & movement skill exercises for pre-training sessions.
• Design and execution of individual/group strength & power programs, periodized to align with overall Annual Performance Plan.
• Work collaboratively with medical staff to conduct any/all weekly fatigue monitoring protocols, using this information to recommend any specific modifications to individual training plans.
• Work collaboratively with medical staff to support programming and execution, both in the gym and on the pitch, for players in various stages of Rehabilitation/Return to Perform process.
• Report all growth and maturation data to Coaching Staff, Medical Staff, Scouting, and other key stakeholders.
• Report all GPS and workload data via Daily Training Reports, Weekly Training Reports, and Monthly Training Reports to Coaching Staff, Medical Staff, and key stakeholders.
• Report any/all pertinent information from Strength & Power programs to Coaching Staff, Medical Staff, and key stakeholders.
• Work closely with Head of Performance, and Crown Legacy Performance coach, to plan, execute, and monitor the physical development of specific “High Potential Players” within the Charlotte FC system.
• All match day duties – pre-match activation, warm-ups, monitoring players live via GPS, post-match conditioning, etc.
• Build effective working relationships with players to support buy-in and a collaborative view of performance development.
• Attend all important team/staff meetings pertaining to your role within Charlotte FC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, etc (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in a similar role, with at least 1 years in a soccer-specific environment - Professional, MLS NEXT Pro, MLS Academy, etc.
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through NSCA
• Experience and high level of proficiency using different performance science technologies:
  o GPS (Catapult strongly preferred)
  o Force Plates (Hawkins Dynamic preferred)
  o Velocity-Based Training devices (Perch strongly preferred)
  o Isometric Strength Testing & Training (KangaTech preferred)
  o Athlete Management Systems (Kitman Labs strongly preferred)
  o S&C Program software (Bridge Athletic preferred)
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Must have a valid US Driver’s license, and passport.
• Must pass pre-employment screens.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Additional Qualities & Skills Desired for Success

• Ability to Utilize Microsoft Suite of Products.
• Certified Performance & Sport Scientist (CPSS) certification from NSCA.
• Deep Interest in Sports, especially soccer.
• Experience Presenting, especially to key stakeholders.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Works well within in a collaborative, team-driven, and goal-based environment.
• Works well under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Must be a team player, reliable, and dependable with a can-do attitude.
• Must maintain complete confidentiality of privileged, and/or sensitive information.
• Must, always, display the character and values of the Tepper Sports & Entertainment brand.
• The ability to prioritize workload to manage time and tasks.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This position operates in a professional office environment and outside in a stadium facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.

• Must be able to work in all Academy matches, home and away, including on occasion internationally.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to remain sitting for up to 6 hours at a desk and computer.
• Ability to remain standing/walking for up to 6 hours.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, and endure weather conditions, including rain, wind, high and low temperatures, etc.
• Must be able to work in non-traditional settings, and work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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 protected class.