Academy Coach & Head of Pro Player Pathway

OVERVIEW

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

POSITION SUMMARY

In collaboration with technical staff, the Academy Coach will work with an assigned age group overseeing all training sessions and matches, while also leading the technical development for the Pro Player Pathway at LAFC Academy, specifically the U18 – U16 – U15 age groups. This role will oversee areas of teaching, coaching, training, skill development, implementation of club methodology, video sessions, and individual development. Furthermore, this person will provide leadership and oversight to Academy players and staff, serving as an extension of the club and its values.

Thus, the ideal candidate is passionate about player development on and off the field, leading individual and collective team development, and laying a foundation for players’ futures.

This role reports to the Academy Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee all aspects of an assigned Academy age group as well as the Pro Player Pathway teams, leading all training sessions and matches while fostering a healthy competitive mentality.
• Oversee the planning and design of the assigned Pro Player Pathway training cycles and sessions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the LAFC Model of Training and Model of Game in relation to the Pro Player Pathway program.
• Collaborate and work closely with the Individual Development Player Coach on the development and movement of players.
• Oversee all team and individual video sessions.
• Manage and oversee all athletes associated with the Pro Player Pathway program.
• Attend and support all Pro Player Pathway games in addition to the role’s assigned Academy age group team.
• Oversee, assist, and attend all Pro Player Pathway evaluations and action plan meetings with athletes and coaches.
• Adhere and reinforce Club and MLS policies, guidelines, regulations, and safety standards in every setting.
• Embody and demonstrate Los Angeles Football Club values.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Academy curriculum, methodology, effective practice, and game plans.
• Under the Academy Director’s guidance, provide continuous communication and updates regarding player performance. Disseminate information amongst key stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of the LAFC Model of Education for Pro Player Pathway coaching staff.
• Participate and encourage continuous education amongst staff and coaches.
• In collaboration with the Academy Director, identify areas of opportunity to continuously improve and edit the Pro Player Pathway program for the benefit of its athletes.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor / Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Coaching, Exercise Science, Data Science, Collective or Individual Performance, or a related field from an accredited College/University required.
• USSF “PRO” license or equivalent coaching license required.
• Previous experience with US Soccer or in a MLS environment preferred.
• Previous leadership experience managing coaching staff and team members preferred.
• Expert knowledge of key development stages and respective training plans for young athletes required.
• Knowledge of MLS Academy level soccer as well as its policies and procedures preferred.
• Must possess exceptional communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Proactive approach to task execution and personal development.
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with peers, clients, families, athletes, and relate to others in a professional manner.
• Must be able to always have a professional demeanor, serve as an extension of the club, and process difficult situations in a calm manner.
• Working knowledge of Google Workplace and Microsoft Office,including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must have a valid passport and be able to travel with the team as needed.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

SALARY RANGE

At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000 per year.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.