Title: FCC2 Fitness Coach

Department: Medical

Reports to: Director of Sports Science

Job Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Fitness Coach to join our Performance Department and work primarily within FCC2 environment. This role will focus on the physical preparation and athletic development of players through integrated on-field and off-field programming, daily training support, and close collaboration with coaching and medical staff.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed programming that supports team performance, individual progression, and readiness for the demands of professional football. The ideal candidate will have experience in soccer performance, athlete monitoring, and periodization, and must be able to effectively balance team needs, individual development priorities, and return to performance considerations within a dynamic training and competition environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and implement evidence-informed periodization strategies for FCC2 and, where appropriate, high-performing academy athletes in alignment with the club’s overall performance philosophy
• Lead and support the delivery of on-field physical preparation, warm-up design, and selected athletic development components within team training
• Contribute to individualized development plans for players, identifying key physical needs, priorities, and progression targets across the season
• Collaborate closely with coaching, medical, and performance staff to align daily training decisions, player readiness, and long-term development goals
• Support the design and implementation of return-to-play and return-to-performance progressions in collaboration with the medical team, ensuring players are prepared for the functional and football-specific demands of training and competition
• Utilize objective and subjective performance information, including athlete monitoring and testing data, to inform planning, communication, and decision-making
• Help establish and reinforce high standards of accountability, intent, and professionalism within the training environment
• Document relevant sessions, plans, and assessments in the Athlete Management System (AMS) in compliance with HIPAA, MLS, and FCCPD protocols
• Communicate effectively with athletes, staff, and leadership, translating performance concepts into clear, practical language
• Contribute to the education and development of interns and students through mentorship, structured learning opportunities, and the creation of a safe, engaging learning environment
• Support alignment across Academy, FCC2, and First Team performance environments to promote consistent standards and smoother athlete transition through the club pathway

What You’ll Need:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS), or ability to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe
• CPR for Health Care Providers
• Mental Health First Aid (may be completed after hire)
• Minimum of 3 (three) years of experience working with high-level soccer players
• Understanding of MLS and MLS NEXT Pro rules, roster considerations, and operational demands is preferred

What You’ll Bring:

• Familiarity with the following sports technology solutions:

• Vald Suite (NordBord, ForceFrame, ForceDecks, dynamometers)
• StatSports

• Ability to interpret and apply athlete monitoring and testing data to support training prescription and decision-making
• Experience contributing to individualized development plans for emerging professional athletes
• Multiple languages (Spanish and French preferred) and an appreciation for the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of Latino, Hispanic, and African heritage athletes

About FCC Performance Department

The FC Cincinnati Performance Department (FCCPD) is multi- disciplinary group striving to optimize football performance through an athlete centered approach to fitness, health, and wellness. This team of practitioners is committed to being communicative, compassionate, and consistent in all aspects of athlete car, with the goal of helping perform at maximal levels from Day 1 of preseason through the MLS Cup Final.

Our Objective is to increase each athlete’s availability, consistency, capacity, and quality in preparation for the demands of football today and in the future. We aim to help FC Cincinnati become a destination for development and sustained excellence across all levels of the club.

In pursuit of this vision, FCCPD is seeking a collaborative, growth-minded, and highly driven individual to serve as the FCC2 Fitness Coach. This role will support the daily physical preparation and long-term athletic development of FCC2 Players, while contributing to the smooth progression of athletes through the club’s performance pathway. The successful candidate will help create an environment that is demanding, developmental, and aligned with the club’s broader performance philosophy. This individual should be committed to evidence-informed practice, strong collaboration, and the daily pursuit of better solutions that support athlete development and team performance.

About FCC

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community . FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture. The club’s DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of “75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home.”; on the Business Courier’s Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati’s fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer’s Top Workplaces 2024.

Learn More!

TQL Stadium: learn more

Mercy Health Training Center: learn more

MLS NextPro:  learn more

FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.