What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academy Performance Fellowship (year-long) position at Philadelphia Union?
ABOUT THE 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 THIS ROLE
The Philadelphia Union is looking to fill an Academy Performance Fellow position. This is a part-time position, that is primarily responsible for the athletic performance of our Academy teams but is also expected to work as part of the Philadelphia Union’s Performance Department as a whole, which also services our MLS NEXT Pro and MLS teams. The Philadelphia Union Academy includes teams ranging from U13 – U18 and our second team, Philadelphia Union II.
MAIN DUTIES
- Develop and implement weekly in-gym strength training sessions for Academy teams and players as a part of individual development plans
- Develop and implement on-field performance sessions (acceleration, sprinting, change of direction, jumping and landing mechanics, etc.)
- Assist with daily warmups with & without the ball for Academy teams
- Monitor and report on athlete’s athletic development throughout the year
- Report to Academy Coaches, other Academy Performance Coaches and to the Director of Academy Performance
- Assist athletic trainers with return to play progressions for injured athletes
- Assist scouting department with trialist physical assessment reports
- Liaise with Academy Coaches and assist with session planning, specifically as it pertains to daily, weekly, and yearly physical loading
- Extensive knowledge of sport science technology and trends in data collection
- Experience working with different sports science technology, including: GPS, Force Plates, Nordbord, ForceFrame
Expectations
- Learn and apply the club’s Core Values and Mission
- Learn and apply the Philadelphia Union Performance Model & Player Development Plan
- Enthusiasm for developing youth athletes and an eagerness to learn
- Ability to work independently, but also as part of a larger Performance Team
- Bring football-specific expertise to S&C practices as well as coach and player education
- Develop players’ physical, psychological, and technical strength and increase resiliency
- Optimize movement literacy with developing youth athletes
- Operate under the club’s standard of professionalism
ABOUT YOU & QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field
- Master’s Degree preferred
Certifications
- NSCA’s CSCS or CSCCa’s SCCC
- Current CPR/First Aid Certified
Experience
- 1 year of working with team-based spots
- Experience with soccer preferred, but not required
Additional
- Ability to work on weekends amidst a variable schedule
- Ability to lift to 50lbs and be on your feet extended periods of time
This position requires the following clearances:
- PA Child Abuse History clearance
- PA State Police Criminal Records Check
- FBI Criminal Background Check
- SafeSport Certification
ABOUT OUR PERKS
- 50% merchandise discount and other league/partner discounts
- Complimentary or discounted tickets
- 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center and locker rooms
- On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill
We are an equal opportunity employer. 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.