What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academy Performance Fellowship position at Philadelphia Union?
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home—an 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.
Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Awarded Major League Soccer’s 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park home—an 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club’s excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar.
Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club’s crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city’s revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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
o 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
- Learn and apply the club’s Core Values and Mission
- Learn and apply the Philadelphia Union Performance Model & Player Development Plan
- Experience working with different sports science technology, including:
- GPS,
- Force Plates,
- Nordbord
- ForceFrame
WHO YOU ARE
- 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
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology or related field; Master’s Degree preferred
- NSCA’s CSCS or CSCCa’s SCCC
- Current CPR/First Aid Certified
- 1 year of experience working with team-based spots
- Experience with soccer preferred, but not required
- Ability to work on weekends amidst a variable schedule
- Ability to lift to 50lbs and be on your feet extended periods of time
*Flexible schedule required to successfully complete job requirements, including nights, weekends and holidays. Occasional travel may be necessary*
WHY THE UNION?
At the Philadelphia Union, development is in our DNA. From our world-class academy to our front office, we believe in identifying talent early, investing in it fully, and creating real pathways for growth. If you’re driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, the Union will match your ambition.
You’ll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:
- People get better every day as leaders and teammates
- Winning matters, but how we win matters just as much
- Coaching, feedback, and accountability are part of the culture, not buzzwords
- Soccer passion is real and matchdays mean something here
OUR PERKS
- 50% Union merchandise discount
- Other league and partner discounts
- 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex
- On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description. Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you’re passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you! 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. We celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry.