ABOUT OUR COMPANY
The Philadelphia Union operates and competes in Major League Soccer, the top professional league in the United States. Youth development is the core of our mission and the heart of our passion. The Philadelphia Union Academy program is free of charge, so Philadelphia’s future players of promise have an opportunity to pursue their passions without the burden of paying to play. Selection into the program is a true accomplishment and the major step in a player’s path to Subaru Park.
The innovative Philadelphia Union Academy program is deeply based in sport science and performance and follows best practices in coaching education. It includes three developmental phases: Junior Academy (U9 - U12), Mid Academy (U13 - U15), Senior Academy (U16 - U18) and targeted scouting as needed as it relates to Philadelphia Union II (NCAA, MLS Next Pro, USL). At all ages, our players are asked to lead by example and embrace the ethos and culture of Philadelphia Union.
The Philadelphia Union Academy was established after studying the models of the most innovative and successful soccer clubs worldwide. The Philadelphia Union is about implementing a holistic developmental platform integrating world-class player training and sport science for the youth soccer players of the Greater Philadelphia region.
The Philadelphia Union Academy is the renowned soccer platform providing an opportunity for the youngest players to develop a passion for the game, or for an elite academy player on the cusp of professional stardom to pursue excellence, all in the same enriching and nurturing environment. Philadelphia Union Academy has one of the most qualified and skilled staff in North America, featuring sport science and athletic development training as important resources. The program is overseen by Director of Academy and Player Development Jon Scheer. The Philadelphia Union Academy is based out of WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, PA, and features an innovative, first-of-its-kind soccer specific independent school partner, YSC Academy.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Union II Performance Coach role is expected to work as part of the Philadelphia Union’s Performance Department as a whole, which also services our MLS NEXT and MLS teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement weekly in-gym strength and conditioning programs aligned with the team’s performance objectives.
- Collaborate with technical coaching staff to support session planning, with a focus on daily, weekly, and annual physical load management.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on athlete output trends and long-term physical development.
- Utilize sports science technology to inform decision-making, including but not limited to:
- GPS
- Force Plates
- NordBord
- ForceFrame
- Lead daily activation and warm-up sessions, both with and without the ball.
- Design and deliver on-field performance sessions focused on acceleration, sprint mechanics, change of direction, and jumping/landing mechanics.
- Support athletic trainers with return-to-play progressions for injured athletes.
- Assist the scouting department by conducting and reporting on physical assessments of trialists.
- Maintain flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays in alignment with the soccer calendar.
- Perform job-related physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and standing for extended periods.
Additional Responsibilities
- Learn and apply the club’s Core Values and Mission in daily operations.
- Uphold the club’s standards of professionalism at all times.
- Implement and align work with the Philadelphia Union Performance Model and Player Development Plan.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for athlete development and a commitment to continued professional growth.
- Work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of the Performance Team.
- Contribute to the holistic development of players by enhancing physical performance, psychological resilience, and technical capacity.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology or a related field required
- Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, Sports Science, or related field preferred
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience working within soccer (professional, collegiate, or elite academy level preferred)
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or CSCCa Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) required
- NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) preferred
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required
You’ll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:
- People get better every day as leaders and teammates
- Winning matters, but how we win matters just as much
- Coaching, feedback, and accountability are part of the culture, not buzzwords
- Soccer passion is real and matchdays mean something here
We celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry.
This position requires valid criminal background clearances in the state of PA:
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA State Police Criminal Record Check
- DHS Fingerprints
- Annual Safe Sport Certification
OUR PERKS
- Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
- Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after elimination period).
- Company-paid life insurance and disability.
- Access to licensed therapists via the virtual mental health platform, Tava Health, available to all employees and their dependents.
- Wellness reimbursements through IBX.
- 50% Union merchandise discount.
- Other league and partner discounts.
- Complimentary or discounted tickets.
- 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex.
- On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description. Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you’re passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you! 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.
