ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Philadelphia was awarded the 16th Major League Soccer franchise in February, 2008 and the team was officially announced as the Philadelphia Union in May, 2009. Owned and operated by Keystone Sports and Entertainment LLC (“KSE”), the group launched the Philadelphia Union's inaugural season in 2010 and opened what is now Subaru Park in June, 2010. Subaru Park is an 18,500 seat, world-class soccer specific stadium that sits beautifully along the Delaware River at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge and is only 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS.

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) and Senior Academy (U16 - U18 – Union 3). 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 staffs in North America, featuring sport science and athletic development training as important resources. The program is overseen by Director of Academy & Professional Development, Jon Scheer. The Philadelphia Union Academy is based out of Chester, PA at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex adjacent to the Union Power Plant, and features an innovative, first-of-its-kind soccer specific independent school partner, YSC Academy.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This position is responsible for the development of all goalkeepers in our player development pathway.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and implement, in consultation with the Director of Goalkeeping and Director of Academy and Professional Development, a customized development program for goalkeepers in accordance with the Union’s vision, values and philosophy.
Implement the curriculum and technical methodology programming for the Academy teams' program as directed by the Director of Academy and Professional Development.
Oversee and carry out all goalkeeping sessions.
Attend requisite matches and assist as requested by Academy coaches.
Report developmental progress of goalkeepers to Director of Academy and Professional Development and relevant coaches.
Contribute to the scouting and assessment of goalkeepers.
Empower goalkeepers to take ownership of their own development program and make decisions regarding it.
Manage additional academy goalkeeping staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Proven to be working toward the USSF B license or higher and the National Goalkeeping License.
A minimum of (3) years of experience as a coach within professional (youth) soccer.
Proven knowledge of the American soccer system.
Proven knowledge and experience of developing young athletes at elite level.
Excellent leadership and communication skills.

If selected for a position with the Philadelphia Union, the individual will be required to provide 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 including Headspace meditation app.
50% merchandise discount.
Other league and partner discounts.
Complimentary or discounted tickets.
24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex (coming soon!)
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.

Head of Academy Goalkeeping