Job Title: Head Athletic Trainer
Club: Sarasota Paradise
League: USL League One
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Employment Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Position Overview
Sarasota Paradise is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head Athletic Trainer to lead all aspects of player health, injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for our professional soccer team competing in USL League One. This role is critical to supporting player performance, availability, and long-term health while upholding the highest professional and medical standards.
The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the coaching staff, performance staff, team physicians, and front office to deliver a comprehensive sports medicine program aligned with league, federation, and club protocols.
This position can be an individual contractor situation for the right individual(s).
Key Responsibilities:
Sports Medicine & Player Care
- Oversee all athletic training services for first team players, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Develop and implement individualized injury prevention and recovery programs.
- Manage return-to-play protocols in coordination with team physicians and performance staff.
- Provide on-field and clinical medical coverage for all trainings, games, and club-related activities.
Medical Operations & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and confidential medical records for all players.
- Ensure compliance with USL, U.S. Soccer, and applicable league medical standards.
- Coordinate pre-season physicals, medical screenings, and ongoing player evaluations.
- Manage concussion protocols and emergency action plans.
Collaboration & Performance Integration
- Work closely with coaching and performance staff to manage player workloads and availability.
- Communicate clearly regarding player status, injury timelines, and rehabilitation progress.
- Assist in the integration of sports science and performance data into medical decision-making.
Administration & Leadership
- Manage athletic training supplies, equipment, and budget.
- Supervise and mentor assistant athletic trainers, interns, or students as applicable.
- Coordinate with visiting teams, referees, and league officials on matchday medical needs.
- Support travel logistics related to medical care during away matches.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Current BOC certification and state licensure (or eligibility) in Florida.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in professional, collegiate, or elite soccer environments.
- Strong understanding of soccer-specific injuries, workload demands, and recovery strategies.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel.
Preferred
- Prior experience in professional soccer or high-level competitive soccer environments.
- Familiarity with USL, FIFA, or U.S. Soccer medical standards.
- Experience collaborating with performance, strength & conditioning, and sports science staff.
Personal Attributes
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
- Team-oriented mindset with a player-first approach.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Travel and matchday benefits.
- Additional benefits package details to be discussed during the interview process.
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.
