The Utah Royals FC, Real Salt Lake (RSL), and RSL Training Academy are dedicated to the growth and success of soccer in Utah. The Utah Royals FC is committed to empowerment, while RSL represents the state with pride and fosters a winning culture. The RSL Training Academy nurtures young athletes and instills values of discipline and teamwork. Together, they are committed to inspiring the soccer culture of Utah and creating lasting impressions one winning experience at a time.
SUMMARY
The Sport Scientist / Fitness Coach for Utah Royals FC is responsible for supporting the physical development, performance, and well-being of players through evidence-based training, monitoring, and recovery strategies. This role works closely with coaching and player health and performance staff to ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of elite competition.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Plan and deliver individualized and team-based physical conditioning programs (endurance, speed, power, mobility, etc.)
- Work closely with the entire player health and performance department to create comprehensive physical profiles for each player
- Work closely with the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach to translate gym-based strength and power development to the teams on field physical conditioning.
- Integrate knowledge of the menstrual cycle and hormonal fluctuations into training periodization, recovery protocols, and performance monitoring.
- Collaborate with medical and support staff to track menstrual health and ensure optimal performance and well-being
- Design the daily, weekly, and monthly training plans and periodization strategies
- Ensure the day-to-day implementation of individual physical conditioning support to players; ensure that each player’s individual physical priorities are targeted, driven by objective profiling
- Lead the monitoring and analysis of training and match physical performance data, working to ensure that this data is used to optimize on field training practices through the production of comprehensive training and match reports
- Ensure the implementation of player monitoring and testing systems (performance, development, workload and response), generating insights used to inform multidisciplinary decision making and player management on an ongoing basis, with comprehensive physical performance reports
- Deliver pre-match warm-ups, post-match recovery, and travel logistics as needed
- Collaborate with coaches and player health and performance staff to manage training periodization, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocols
- Liaise closely with other player health and performance staff regarding the prevention and rehabilitation of all injuries.
- Be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary approach to return to play processes
- Collaborate with the Team CMO/Team Physician(s), Athletic Trainers, and Physical Therapist(s) as it relates to Player’s health, safety, and well-being
- Provide daily input into player availability and wellness reports
- Utilize sports science technology and data analytics to support performance decision-making
- Ensure data collection is maintained to the highest standard possible and utilized in an objective manner, in-line with physical performance benchmarks
- Maintain detailed records of physical performance data and provide regular reports to relevant staff
- Analyze and model football data to support decision-making across performance, recruitment, and opposition analysis
- Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and quality across reporting outputs and data pipelines
- Automate recurring analytical workflows to improve efficiency and consistency across the department
- Apply performance technology and data to track progress, provide insights, and support evidence-based decision-making
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s Degree or higher in a related sports medicine, sport science or sports performance field
- Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification
- Experience of working in Elite Soccer
- Work experience must demonstrate a history of being naturally player-centric and having the confidence to challenge the team when behavior threatens culture
- Highly inclusive and collaborative
- History of being a great communicator who can create alignment around a department philosophy.
- Understanding of the key characteristics of high-performing teams
- Able to work evenings and weekends to accommodate the team’s schedule
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in an elite female first team sporting environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Sport Scientist / Fitness Coach must possess strong physical fitness and stamina to demonstrate and participate in conditioning exercises, while also being mobile and dexterous to assist players during training and recovery. Regularly, the role may require lifting weights of up to 50 pounds (e.g., equipment or training aids) and occasionally up to 100 pounds (e.g., heavier equipment or during emergency situations). This position requires adaptability to various environments, including gyms and outdoor training fields, and the ability to travel for away games.
The Club provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and Utah Royals reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.
