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 III) 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 dworldwide, 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 program is overseen by Director of Academy and Player Development Jon Scheer. The Philadelphia Union Academy is based out of WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, PA, and features an innovative, first-of-its-kind soccer specific independent school partner, YSC Academy.

Summary

The Philadelphia Union is looking to fill two Academy Performance Fellow positions. This is a part-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 7 teams ranging from U13 – Union III and our second team, Philadelphia Union II.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Develop and implement daily warmups with & without the ball for Academy teams
Develop and implement weekly in-gym strength training sessions for Academy teams and players as a part of individual development plans
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
Experience working with different sports science technology, including:
GPS, Force Plates, Nordbord, ForceFrame

Expectations

Learn and apply the club’s Core Values and Mission
Learn and apply the Philadelphia Union Performance Model & Player Development Plan
Enthusiasm for developing youth athletes and an eagerness to learn
Ability to work independently, but also as part of a larger Performance Team
Bring football-specific expertise to S&C practices as well as coach and player education
Develop players’ physical, psychological, and technical strength and increase resiliency
Optimize movement literacy with developing youth athletes
Operate under the club’s standard of professionalism

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Education

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

Certifications

NSCA’s CSCS or CSCCa’s SCCC
Current CPR/First Aid Certified

Experience

1 year of working with team-based spots
Experience with soccer preferred, but not required

Additional

Ability to work on weekends amidst a variable schedule
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

50% merchandise discount and other league/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. 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.