The Developmental Phase Coach participates in the coaching of all Sporting Kansas City Academy teams while also assisting with the implementation of curriculum, team selection and recruitment. The overall purpose of the Academy Coach is to help Sporting Kansas City develop its players in the ascension through the pro player pathway. The Academy Coach must have constant communication with the Academy Director and other Technical Staff in order to foster development in the pro player pathway.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. All talented individuals looking for a challenge are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

Responsible for the implementation of Club philosophy, curriculum and core values.
Design and oversee training sessions that are stimulating, informative and fit within the framework of the Club philosophy and curriculum.
Emphasize and promote healthy, active lifestyles and nutritional eating.
Identify strengths and weaknesses of all players and work with other coaching staff members to plan instructional goals and objectives to ensure their overall educational development.
Coordinate lineups prior to games with the Academy Director and other technical staff to ensure lineups are balanced and playing time is divided appropriately.
Oversee equipment and systematic return of all equipment at the end of each session.
Scouting — Identify and recruit potential, qualified players in and out of market as per MLS rules.
Represent Sporting Kansas City Academy in a professional manner.
Establish and maintain open communication with players, parents, staff and sponsors.
Always display respectful behavior toward the game, players, staff, referees, opponents and facilities.
Provide players honest and frequent feedback, to include two formal evaluations per year (fall and spring)
Perform other responsibilities as needed.

Personal Attributes

Ability to collaborate with all Technical Staff.
Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify & recruit talented players.
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
Knowledge and implementation of current coaching methodologies.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Effective leadership skills.
Practice and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Ability to maintain a professional relationship with players, parents, staff and sponsors.
Respond effectively and calmly in high-stress or emergency situations.
Values consistent with the organizations core values.

Skills and Experience

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Hold a USSF A-Youth License or its equivalent (or demonstrate progression towards such licensing).
Ability to teach through demonstration.
Strong commitment to individual player development.
Proven effective leadership, communication, coaching and recruiting skills.
Experience overseeing and developing youth soccer.
Experience working with diverse and varied socio-economic backgrounds.
Possess the knowledge and experience gained from playing soccer.
Comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment.
Ability to work irregular hours.
Proven record in following directives and being responsible for tasks which have been assigned.
Basic computer knowledge, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
Must have a valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.
Professional playing experience preferred.

Physical Abilities

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Required to sit, stand and walk.
Use hands operate and feel objects, tools or controls.
Reach with hands and arms.
Required to talk and hear consistently.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry and/or drag up to fifty (50) pounds if necessary.
Specific vision abilities required by the role include the ability to distinguish the nature of objects by using the eye.
Role will be performed both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including frequent exposure to the sun and heat as well as below freezing temperatures and snow.
Associate will be required to travel between Sporting Kansas City facilities within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
Associate may be required to travel outside of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area as needed to perform duties and responsibilities of their position.
Ability to work non-traditional hours and game days, including evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.