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