Academy Physical Performance Coach

Chicago Fire•Chicago, IL

15d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Academy Performance Coach at Chicago Fire FC will play a critical role within the development of our player talent pool. Working with a Multi-Disciplinary Team, optimizing the physical performance, robustness, and overall well-being of athletes. Key skills needed include, a clear understanding of long-term player and athletic development, excellent ability to coach strength, power and movement skills and efficiency, while complementing their technical / tactical soccer development. We are looking for someone with a passion for youth athletic development. This individual will work closely with the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II), coaching and medical staff to ensure that players are physically prepared for the demands of the game, develop personalized training programs, and support the overall performance goals of the club. A successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Academy Performance Coach will report to the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II)

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Sport Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Three years of experience in a sports science role, with at least two years of experience working within the football profession
Ability to contribute to a High-Performance environment and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team
Clear understanding of and proven ability to implement Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD)
Proficiency in data science, including use of Microsoft Suite, GPS systems, AMS, VALD Suite, Bridge Athletic, 1080 Motion, VueMotion, YouCoach etc
First aid and CPR certification
Self-motivated, detail-oriented and have a sense of accountability
Ability to work productively under pressure and be consistently proactive
Ability to work extended hours, weekends and holidays when required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Sport Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field
NSCA Certified Performance & Sport Scientist (CPSS)
Expertise in data science, including use of Microsoft Suite, GPS systems, AMS, VALD Suite, Bridge Athletic, 1080 Motion, VueMotion, YouCoach etc.

Responsibilities

Under the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II), work in partnership with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including technical staff, athletic trainers, mindset staff and wider support staff, to provide an integrated High-Performance LTAD program for Academy players, in line with club and department philosophy
Direct and/or assist in delivery of field, prehabilitation, strength, rehabilitation sessions and match day warm-ups in team and individual settings, teaching proper technique and safety for all exercises and movements
Collaborate with the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II) and agreed squad specific technical Coaches, to design and optimize training schedules
Proactively collaborate with the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II) to best develop high potential players
Direct and/or assist with GPS distribution, collection, download, and cutting, wellness monitoring, testing administration, RPE collection, compiling, analysis, and reporting
Orderly file relevant performance documentation on agreed Chicago Fire FC platforms
Contribute to and advance LTAD programming and curriculum, data collection, testing, analytics, and reporting to develop high-performance football-oriented solutions
Direct and/or assist with delivery of scientifically based optimal recovery strategies post-training and post-match
Develop individual and team off-season training programs
Travel with Academy teams to matches and events and pack accordingly
Assist in additional tasks as directed by the Head of Physical Performance & Player Wellness (Academy & Fire II)
Assist with daily operations and administrative tasks
Maintain organization and cleanliness of weight room, storage facilities and training fields
Contribute to regular CPD events encompassing First Team and Academy and Fire II staff
Be an ambassador for the football club and share in its vision and values