Sports Science Internship – Technology & Performance Analysis Location: COPA Soccer Training Center – Walnut Creek, California
Dates: mid-September - mid-December
Workplace Type: Onsite / In person
Weekly Hours: 16-20 hours/week (Midweek & Weekend Availability Required)
Compensation: Unpaid (for-credit/experience-based, in compliance with CA Labor Code)
Contact: [email protected] About COPA STC
COPA Soccer Training Center is a world-leading facility for talent identification, player development, and performance analysis in youth soccer. At the core of our work is the COPA Score, a cutting-edge assessment system leveraging state-of-the-art technology to measure and analyze an athlete’s technical, physical, and cognitive abilities. This provides players, families, and coaches with an objective data profile that removes biases often present in traditional scouting and talent evaluation.
About the Internship
The Sports Science Internship at COPA STC is an opportunity for students interested in sports performance, talent identification, applied technology, and data-driven athlete development. Interning 16-20 hours per week, including midweek and minimum 1 weekend shifts, you will assist in the delivery of assessments, gain hands-on experience with elite-level testing equipment, and contribute to research and data analysis.
Interns will work closely with the Director of Talent Identification & Science and the Assessment Manager to support test design, data management, and performance research in a fast-paced, cutting-edge facility.
A highlight of the internship will be participating in a large-scale Talent Identification Day in mid-December, where you will see how data collected has helped support players earning recognition via premier USA and International Talent ID partners.
Key Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Technology Experience: Operate COPA STC’s exclusive performance testing tools, including:
- COPA Cube: Technical skill assessment of passing, first touch, ball striking, and scanning.
- SpeedCourt: Agility, reaction time, and multi-directional movement analysis.
- SpeedTrack: Sprint acceleration, velocity, and mechanical efficiency measurement.
- Force Plate: Strength, power, and balance assessment.
- Vienna Test System: Cognitive performance evaluation.
- Skeletal Age Testing: Non-invasive bone health and maturation assessment.
- Learn the Infrastructure of Sports Science Technology: Gain an understanding of the background ecosystem behind assessment tools and their application in talent ID & development.
- Collaborate on Research & Data Analysis: Work with assessment staff to ensure assessment validity and data reliability.
- Assist in the Delivery of Assessments: Support testing sessions and gain experience with delivering testing protocols with advanced technology, with youth and elite athletes.
- Participate in a High-Profile Talent ID Event: See firsthand how data is used in real-time by professional scouts, coaches, and club directors to evaluate young athletes.
Intern Responsibilities & Learning Objectives
- Assist in the delivery of player assessments, including data capture, athlete guidance, and technology operation.
- Collaborate on data analysis and research to improve test validity and reliability.
- Learn the background infrastructure of sports science devices and COPA’s integrated assessment ecosystem.
- Assist in the organization and execution of a large-scale Talent ID Day, working with major U.S. and international clubs.
- Design and co-lead training sessions based on assessment data.
- Develop expert-level understanding of 2 pieces of technology (intern’s choice based on interests).
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Exercise Science, Sports Technology, Kinesiology, Data Science, or related field.
- Interest in sports science, technology, data analysis, and athlete development.
- Comfortable working hands-on with athletes and operating performance testing technology.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Willingness to be part of a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Internship Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Gain proficiency in 2-3 key technologies | Complete training checklists & supervised operations
- Assist in at least 30 assessments | Log participation and reflect on key takeaways
- Contribute to research and data validation | Provide 1-2 recommendations on assessment reliability
- Learn data infrastructure and technology integration | Demonstrate understanding in an end-of-internship summary
- Assist in executing Talent ID Day | Successfully support assessment delivery and data collection
California Compliance Notes
This internship complies with California Labor Code and federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements for unpaid internships by ensuring:
- The intern is the primary beneficiary of the experience.
- The internship provides academic credit or fulfills educational objectives.
- The intern does not displace paid staff and receives close supervision.
- COPA STC does not derive immediate advantage from the intern’s activities.
- The internship has a fixed duration and aligns with school term dates.
COPA STC is an equal opportunity employer and internship provider.
To Apply
- Resume/CV
- Brief cover letter detailing your interest in sports technology, talent identification or similar fields
- Name and contact info for one academic or professional reference
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
