Academy Performance Coach

Job Title:  Academy Performance Coach

Club:  Seattle Sounders FC

Department:  Performance

Reports To:  Director of Performance

Type:  Full-Time (Hourly)

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

                       

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Sounders FC is searching for a dynamic performance coach to add to the team and service our academy teams (U18/U16) as part of the Sounders developmental pathway. We need a teammate who understands the demands placed on an elite youth footballer and has a passion for player development working with players from U16>U18. This individual within the club will need to seamlessly integrate with our performance/medical/technical staff and add to our culture of excellence every day. Utilizing a deep understanding of age-appropriate scientific best practices and the real-world applications in sport will allow this coach to excel. Being able to effectively communicate and connect with people of all backgrounds, educations, and personalities is a must. This role will primarily be based on the field and in the gym, leading academy performance improvements.

 

YOU ARE

• Authentic – Great understanding of self and lives values every day.
• Adaptable - Able to deliver results under imperfect, evolving scenarios.
• Highly Collaborative – Able to effectively work with different departments and stakeholders.
• Enthusiastic - A source of energy for the group.
• Curious – Constantly looking to improve processes and inefficiencies, a beginner’s mindset.
• Selfless – Able to check your ego at the door and put the needs of the team first.
• Creative Problem Solver – Ready to identify solutions, rather than pointing out problems.
• Kind - A good human.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan all on field academy training sessions in conjunction with technical staff and other stakeholders.
• Plan and deliver all academy activation/gym sessions in accordance with the performance department objectives and methodology of training/player development.
• Plan and deliver all on field warm-ups and conditioning for academy training sessions.
• Ensure the Performance department philosophy and methodology is implemented, with age-appropriate modifications to enhance player development.
• Manage all data streams for Academy athletes and provide detailed analysis/reporting to performance/medical/technical staff in relation to player/team loading, return to play, performance and program interventions/strategies.
• Provide tailored reporting of performance metrics to technical staff to enhance the training process in alignment with club developmental processes.
• Liaise with the MLS Next Performance Coach on player development and the fluid movement of players up and down throughout the developmental system to maximize growth of high potential players.
• Liaise with academy medical staff in the planning/delivery of end stage rehab and individual injury mitigation programs. 
• Perform on field readiness and athletic profile testing.
• Detailed tracking of individual physical development for all academy players, including performance testing, growth, and maturation.
• Assist the MLS Next performance coach staff where needed.
• Travel with the team as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience working in elite soccer (professional, NCAA Division I, etc.) as a Strength & Conditioning Coach / Fitness Coach, in particular youth development.
• Must have National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent (UKSCA, ASCA, etc.).
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify and Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, and fans.

 

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Experience as a professional or high level athlete.
• Coaching ‘C’ license. (USSF, UEFA, AFC etc.)
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will primarily work from the headquarters and training facility in Renton, WA.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing and available to travel to team away games.
• Employee must have a reliable means of local transportation.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 50 pounds.

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The pay range for this position is $28.50-$33.65 per hour (equivalent to approximately $60,000 - $70,000 annually based on 40-hour work week). This role is non-exempt and overtime eligible.  Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

 

PRIVACY POLICY

By clicking Submit Application, you agree to the terms of the MLS Privacy Policy.