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 capacityLead strength training programs focused on fundamental movement patterns, injury resilience, and athletic foundationsIntegrate physical preparation into technical training environments in collaboration with coaching staffConduct individualized training for players requiring additional physical development or returning from injuryEducate players on the principles of training, recovery, and performance optimizationCollaborate and support individual develop plan sessions

Load Management & Monitoring:

Collect and analyze GPS to inform training load decisionsMonitor growth, maturation status (PHV), and readiness to inform individualized load prescriptionCommunicate daily and weekly load summaries to coaching and medical staffTrack 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 plansCollaborate 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 trajectoryFoster 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 periodizationPartner with Academy medical staff on injury prevention strategies and return-to-play progressionsCoordinate with the Head of Developmental Performance and Academy Fitness Coaches across all age groups to ensure continuity in the Development PathwayContribute 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 interventionsSupport player recovery protocols on travel days and tournament weekendsCoordinate with tournament hosts and facilities for appropriate training and recovery resources

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, or related fieldCSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or equivalent certificationMinimum 2 years of experience working with youth athletes in a team sport settingDemonstrated knowledge of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles and youth training considerationsExperience with GPS/wearable technology and athlete monitoring systemsStrong understanding of periodization, load management, and fatigue monitoringExcellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with youth athletes, coaches, and parentsCurrent CPR/AED and First Aid certificationWillingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and travel

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in related fieldCPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) certificationPrevious experience in soccer or academy football environmentExperience with Catapult/STATSports/ PlayerData GPS, Vald ForceDecks, or similar technologiesBilingual (English/Spanish) preferred