The Sporting Kansas City Academy, Head Performance Coach will work cohesively as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, specifically collaborating with the Academy Director, Head Athletic Trainer, and individual age group coaches to improve player performance and maximize player availability. The Academy Performance Coach is responsible for overseeing, planning, and implementing Long Term Athletic Development plans for all academy teams, age groups U14– U18, and individual development plans for high priority players where appropriate. They will utilize evidence based practice to facilitate performance testing in alignment with the organizational goals to use targeted performance training interventions. Additionally, they will be responsible for educating the athletes on habits and routines they need to develop aspiring professional athletes. This position will report directly to the Director of Sports Performance and Science.

Essential Functions

Ensure players are ready for practice and games by conducting pre-warmup activation and injury prevention sessions.
Direct on-field warm-up sessions in alignment with the daily session plan.
Coordinating with the coaching staff to develop and implement on field periodization strategies.
Assist Coaches in creating drills to enhancing the technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of the game.
Assist the Second Team Performance Coach as available for day to day tasks.
Plan and execute strength training programs in the gym, isolated conditioning protocols on the field and gym, as well as movement skill sessions targeting both linear and multi-directional speed.
Implement player on field monitoring through the use Stat Sports GPS.
Create targeted team activation/pre-habilitation routines.
Work collaboratively with the Sports Medicine staff for end stage rehab, and the transition back to performance.
Perform other related tasks as assigned Academy Director and Director of Sports Performance & Science.
Test, evaluate, collect and profile all academy players through various performance related tools (Force Plates, Sprint Testing, Yo-Yo IFT, PHV, etc.).
Must be available to work long hours, including but not limited to holidays and weekends.
Extensive travel to all Development Academy away games will be required.

Personal Attributes

Highly organized and able to maintain a structured plan.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with players, coaches, team personnel, and league staff.
Able to be flexible and adapt to both uncertainty and last-minute changes for a variety of reasons.
Must be able to appropriately deal with high stress and fast paced environments.
Commitment to personal development and continuous improvement relevant to the role.

Knowledge & Experience

In-depth knowledge of sports science theory, practice, trends, and associated legal/ethical issues.
Extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of sports performance programming for Elite level athletes.
Experience testing and monitoring athletes to benchmark and profile athletes based off of key performance indicators.
Proven ability in the following areas: task specific energy system development, strength training, power development, plyometrics, movement skill training, and performance testing.
Knowledge and exposure to the use and application of both isometric and dynamic force analysis.
Knowledge and exposure to the use of GPS systems and heart rate monitors in the Team Sport Environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to learn Athlete Management Systems.

Qualifications

Required:

Currently holds one of the following certifications:

o Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) through the NSCA

o Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA

o Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through the NASM.

Bachelor’s degree is Exercise Science, Kinesiology or a related field.
Current CPR/First Aid certification (by American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or equivalent)
Minimum of three years of experience working with competitive athletes,

Preferred

Master’s degree in strength and conditioning, sport science or a related field.
Exposure to EXOS and Functional Movement Systems (FMS) methodology.
Experience working in an elite soccer environment.

Head Performance Coach, Academy