Academy Coach & Head of Homegrown Player Program

Los Angeles Football Club•Los Angeles, CA

10d

About The Position

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles. In collaboration with technical staff, the Academy Coach will work with an assigned age group leading all training sessions and matches, and will lead the technical development for the Home Grownstage at LAFC Academy, specifically the U14 – U13 – U12 age groups. This role will oversee areas of teaching, coaching, training, skill development, implementation of club methodology, video sessions and individual development. Furthermore, this person will provide leadership and oversight to Academy players, serving as an extension of the club and its values. Thus, the ideal candidate is passionate about player development on and off the field, passionate about alignment of methodology, and has the ability to lead individual and collective team development to lay a foundation for a player’s future. This role reports to the Academy Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Coaching, Exercise Science, Data Science, Collective or Individual Performance, or a related field from an accredited College/University required.
Previous experience with US Soccer or MLS environment.
Expert knowledge of key development stages and respective training plans for young athletes required.
Must possess exceptional communication skills – both verbal and written.
Proactive approach to task execution and personal development.
Ability to build and maintain working relationships with peers, clients, families, athletes, and relate to others in a professional manner.
Must always possess a professional demeanor, serve as an extension of the club, and process difficult situations with a calm manner.
Working knowledge of Google Workplace.
Must have a valid passport and be able to travel with the team as needed.
Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.

Nice To Haves

USSF “A” license or equivalent coaching license preferred.
Previous leadership experience managing coaching staff and team members within a structured academy environment preferred.
Knowledge of MLS Academy level soccer as well as its policies and procedures preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of an assigned Academy age group as well as the Homegrown teams, leading all training sessions and matches while fostering a healthy competitive mentality.
Oversee the planning and design of the Homegrown teams training cycles and sessions.
Assist in the development and implementation of the LAFC Model of Training and Model of Game in relation to the Homegrown Player Program.
Collaborate and work closely with the Individual Development Player Coach on the development and movement of players.
Oversee all team and individual video sessions.
Manage and oversee all athletes associated with the Homegrown Player Program.
Attend and support all Homegrown team games in addition to the role’s assigned Academy age group team.
Oversee, assist, and attend all Homegrown team evaluations and action plan meetings with athletes and coaches.
Adhere and reinforce Club and MLS policies, guidelines, regulations, and safety standards in every setting.
Embody and demonstrate Los Angeles Football Club values.
Assist in the development and implementation of Academy curriculum, methodology, effective practice, and game plans.
Under the Academy Director’s guidance, provide continuous communication and updates regarding player performance.
Disseminate information amongst key stakeholders.
Assist in the development of the LAFC Model of Education for Homegrown teams and coaching staff.
Participate and encourage continuous education amongst staff and coaches.
In collaboration with the Academy Director, identify areas of opportunity to continuously improve and edit the Homegrown program for the benefit of its athletes.
Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.