USL Work Experience Program
Job Title: Academy Operations UWEP
Position Type: Internship - For College Credit Hours Only
Semester: Summer 2024
Location: Remote
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Program Purpose
Under the direction and guidance of USL Executives and Leaders (mentors), the USL Work Experience Program (UWEP) provides students with the unique opportunity to gain practical sport management experience in a professional sports league setting. By working on various strategic projects and initiatives, UWEP participants will gain hands on experience with league staff as well as member teams.
Participants are tasked with and responsible for partnering within a specialized department but will interact with all league departments across the organization including business development, digital, club services, analytics, and more; with the ultimate goal of providing students with well-rounded practical work experience in sports.
Position Purpose
Under the direction of the USL Academy team, the Academy Operations UWEP supports the department by assisting with multiple functional areas of Academy operations. The Participant will assume an integral role in the administration and analysis of league minimum standards, rules, and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with planning and execution of USL Academy Cup events.
- Process player/coach registrations for each event.
- Perform market research and compile reports when necessary.
- Communicate with current and potential event participants and collect data on experience.
- Club Auditing with Match Reviewal process (highlights tapes).
- Game Reports (rosters & suspensions).
- Determine operational needs and procedures and communicate them to the relevant parties.
- Develop & explore new ideas to enhance and add value to USL Academy programming, initiatives, and overall club participation in the platform.
- Perform other tasks as directed by the senior staff.
- Assist other departments and operational areas as requested to provide a well-rounded overview of working in sports.
Qualifications
- Participants must be working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in related field and/or training and must certify that they are able to receive college credit from an accredited college or university for their participation.
- Solid computer skills and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook are a must.
- Excellent verbal communication skills are required.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must. Must have a “team-first” mentality with an eagerness to learn.
- Should be extremely organized and detail oriented, with a focus on quality and consistency.
- Ability to work under fluid deadlines and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
- Knowledge of sports/soccer is preferred, but not required.
- While completing the Work Experience Program remotely, participants must have access to a computer or laptop with reliable internet connection.
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.
