Academy Performance Coach

ABOUT THE COMPANY
The Philadelphia Union operates and competes in Major League Soccer, the top professional league in the United States. Youth development is the core of our mission and the heart of our passion. The Philadelphia Union Academy program is free of charge, so Philadelphia’s future players of promise have an opportunity to pursue their passions without the burden of paying to play. Selection into the program is a true accomplishment and the major step in a player’s path to Subaru Park.

The innovative Philadelphia Union Academy program is deeply based in sport science and performance and follows best practices in coaching education. It includes three developmental phases: Junior Academy (U9 - U12), Mid Academy (U13 - U15), Senior Academy (U16 - U18 – Union Development Squad) and targeted scouting as needed as it relates to Philadelphia Union II (NCAA, MLS Next Pro, USL). At all ages, our players are asked to lead by example and embrace the ethos and culture of Philadelphia Union.

The Philadelphia Union Academy was established after studying the models of the most innovative and successful soccer clubs worldwide, Philadelphia Union set about implementing a holistic developmental platform integrating world-class player training and sport science for the youth soccer players of the Greater Philadelphia region.

The Philadelphia Union Academy is the renowned soccer platform providing an opportunity for the youngest players to develop a passion for the game, or for an elite academy player on the cusp of professional stardom to pursue excellence, all in the same enriching and nurturing environment. Philadelphia Union Academy has one of the most qualified and skilled staff in North America, featuring sport science and athletic development training as important resources. The Philadelphia Union Academy is based out of the Union Power Plant, in Chester, PA, and features an innovative, first-of-its-kind soccer specific independent school partner, YSC Academy.

ABOUT THIS ROLE
This is a full-time position, that is primarily responsible for the athletic performance of our Academy teams but is also expected to work as part of the Philadelphia Union’s Performance Department as a whole, which also services our MLS NEXT Pro and MLS teams. The Philadelphia Union Academy includes 6 teams ranging from U13 – U18, as well as our second team, Union II.

REQUIREMENTS

• Develop and implement daily warmups prior to training for Academy teams
• Develop and implement weekly in-gym strength training sessions for Academy teams
• Develop and implement on-field performance sessions (acceleration, sprinting, change of direction, jumping and landing mechanics, etc.)
• Monitor and report on athlete’s athletic development throughout the year
• Report to Academy Coaches, other Academy Performance Coaches and to the Head of Performance
• Assist athletic trainers with return to play progressions for injured athletes
• Liaise with Academy Coaches and assist with session planning, specifically as it pertains to daily, weekly, and yearly physical loading
• Extensive knowledge of sport science technology and trends in data collection.
• Work with other Performance Coaches at the club to help implement club wide physical development structure
• Experience working with different sports science technology, including:
  • GPS
  • Force Plates
  • NordBord and ForceFrame
  • Ability to work independently, but also as part of a larger Performance Team.
  • Enthusiasm for working with and developing youth athletes

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field
• Master’s Degree preferred

Certification Requirements:

• NSCA’s CSCS or CSCCa’s SCCC
• Current CPR/First Aid Certified
• Experience Requirements:
• 2 years of working in a collegiate, MLS Academy, or professional setting
• Experience with soccer preferred, but not required
• Additional Requirements:
• Ability to work on evenings and weekends
• Ability to lift to 50lbs and be on your feet extended periods of time

This position requires the following clearances:

• PA Child Abuse History clearance
• PA State Police Criminal Records Check
• An FBI Criminal Background Check
• SafeSport Certification

OUR PERKS

• Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after 90 days of service).
• Company-paid life insurance and disability.
• Wellness reimbursements through Independence Blue Cross.
• 50% merchandise discount.
• Other league and partner discounts.
• Complimentary or discounted tickets.
• 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center and locker rooms.
• On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!

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.