Job Title:  Sounders Academy Performance Coach (Part-Time)

Department:  Performance

Reports To:  Director of Performance

Type  Part-Time – Approx 25 hours per week

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Rate:  $30/hour

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, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League and 2025 Leagues Cup 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 team (U15) 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 U15. 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 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

• Assist in the planning of on field U15 training sessions in conjunction with technical staff and other stakeholders.
• Plan and deliver all U15 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 U15 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 Academy Performance Coach (U16-U18) and 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 to assist in planning/delivery of end stage rehab and individual injury mitigation programs. 
• Perform athletic profile testing.
• Detailed tracking of individual physical development for all U15 players, including performance testing, growth, and maturation.
• Assist the MLS Academy Performance Coach (U16-U18) and the MLS Next Performance Coach where needed.
• 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 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 work from the Sounders 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 if required.
• Employee must have a reliable means of local transportation.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• 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.