Title: Sports Performance Associate, 2026 Season

Department: Team Operations

Reports to: MLS Head of Strength and Conditioning 

FLSA: Hourly, Non-Exempt

ASSOCIATE SUMMARY

Associates will have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and vision of Orlando City SC  understanding the importance of how a professional sports organization works (which may include operations, medical, performance, or other internal functions of the Club). This program is designed to develop organization, attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, communication, and teamwork skills in a high-performance sports environment.

WHAT SETS YOU APART

Orlando City SC is seeking hardworking, motivated, and detail-oriented individuals who wish to complement their academic learning with hands-on experience in sports performance. The Sports Performance Associate will work closely with Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Sports Scientists, and Medical Staff supporting the MLS First Team, Orlando City B (MLS NEXT Pro), and the MLS NEXT Academy.

This role emphasizes assisting with physical preparation and recovery of players, supporting daily gym and training operations, and contributing to the use of performance monitoring technology such as GPS, thermography, and other applied physiology tools. To succeed, candidates must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a structured and detail-focused manner.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist Strength & Conditioning Coaches in daily gym operations, with strong emphasis on organization and orderliness, including:
  • Preparing and setting up equipment before sessions.
  • Supporting pre-activation, strength training, and recovery activities.
  • Ensuring the gym is always well-maintained, clean, and ready for use.
• Support the setup and execution of performance monitoring technologies:
  • Assist with daily GPS protocols for tracking player load.
  • Learn and help implement thermography and other physiological monitoring tools.
  • Assist in data collection during physical testing (strength, jump tests, etc.), ensuring accurate setup and precise execution.
• Learn and assist with the Return-to-Play (RTP) process, including:
  • Monitoring rehabilitation sessions under direct supervision.
  • Supporting gym and field progressions with consistency and attention to detail.
• Assist with training session preparation:
  • Organize and check all equipment prior to practice.
  • Support on-grass conditioning sessions.
  • Help coordinate hydration and recovery shake setup with efficiency and precision.
• Contribute to facility and resource management:
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of gym and recovery spaces.
  • Support with inventory, restocking, and ensuring all supplies are properly labeled and accessible.
  • Assist in packing and preparing travel equipment in an orderly and systematic manner.
  • Provide support across all levels of the Club: MLS First Team, MLS NEXT Pro, and Academy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of eligibility requirements, knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary:

• Applicants should be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree with an emphasis in  Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science, Kinesiology.
• CPR Certified Preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain order in fast-paced environments.
• High attention to detail and ability to follow structured protocols without error.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in strength training, applied physiology, and football performance.
• Experience or familiarity with performance technology (e.g., GPS, thermography, heart rate monitoring) is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong written and verbal skills..
• High attention to detail and ability to follow structured protocols
• Strong interest in soccer and sports is a plus.
• Ability to work nontraditional hours in nontraditional settings, including holidays, nights and weekends
• Ability to work in various degrees of outdoor weather conditions, including but not limited to extreme heat or rain. 

Other Details:

• This role is limited to one season only: the 2026 MLS Season.