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Position Summary:
Atlanta United FC is seeking an Academy Fitness Coach responsible for on-field fitness, strength training, and load prescription and monitoring to progress players through the Development Pathway. This role blends Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles with evidence-based training methodologies to build resilient, well-rounded athletes. The Fitness Coach will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary performance, medical, and technical team to support player health, physical development, and football-specific fitness.
The professional plays a crucial role in implementing our development and training philosophies throughout all on-field applications, as well as during matches, domestic travel, and off-season programming. We seek a creative mind who has the courage to innovate and try new ideas, and who wants to be a part of an integrated high-performance team.
This position is based at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Atlanta, Georgia and requires significant domestic travel to matches and tournaments.
Responsibilities:
Physical Development & Training Delivery:
- Design and deliver age-appropriate on-field fitness sessions emphasizing movement quality, speed development, and aerobic capacity
- Lead strength training programs focused on fundamental movement patterns, injury resilience, and athletic foundations
- Integrate physical preparation into technical training environments in collaboration with coaching staff
- Conduct individualized training for players requiring additional physical development or returning from injury
- Educate players on the principles of training, recovery, and performance optimization
- Collaborate and support individual develop plan sessions
Load Management & Monitoring:
- Collect and analyze GPS to inform training load decisions
- Monitor growth, maturation status (PHV), and readiness to inform individualized load prescription
- Communicate daily and weekly load summaries to coaching and medical staff
- Track training availability and flag concerning trends in workload tolerance or recovery
Testing & Assessment:
- Administer standardized physical performance testing protocols (e.g., CMJ, speed gates, YoYo)
- Analyze and report testing results to inform individual development plans
- Collaborate with medical staff on pre-participation physical examinations and return-to-play assessments
Player Development & Communication:
- Provide constructive feedback to players on physical performance and development trajectory
- Foster a growth mindset and resilience in young athletes navigating physical development
Collaboration & Integration:
- Work closely with technical coaching staff to align physical preparation with tactical and technical periodization
- Partner with Academy medical staff on injury prevention strategies and return-to-play progressions
- Coordinate with the Head of Developmental Performance and Academy Fitness Coaches across all age groups to ensure continuity in the Development Pathway
- Contribute to Academy-wide performance data infrastructure and reporting standards
Match Day & Travel:
- Attend home and away matches to oversee warm-ups, monitor substitutes, and manage in-game fitness interventions
- Support player recovery protocols on travel days and tournament weekends
- Coordinate with tournament hosts and facilities for appropriate training and recovery resources
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, or related field
- CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or equivalent certification
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth athletes in a team sport setting
- Demonstrated knowledge of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles and youth training considerations
- Experience with GPS/wearable technology and athlete monitoring systems
- Strong understanding of periodization, load management, and fatigue monitoring
- Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with youth athletes, coaches, and parents
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
- Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and travel
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in related field
- CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) certification
- Previous experience in soccer or academy football environment
- Experience with Catapult/STATSports/ PlayerData GPS, Vald ForceDecks, or similar technologies
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
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.
