NextPro Fitness Coach- Atlanta United FC

Position Summary

The Next Pro Fitness Coach will play a central role in designing, delivering, and monitoring the physical preparation of Atlanta United 2 players throughout the MLS Next Pro season. This individual will work closely with the High Performance Director
, Director of Methodology
, Next Pro Head Coach
, and the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics to ensure full alignment in physical periodization, load management, and player development across the club's integrated performance model.

The role requires a dynamic practitioner who can merge strength and conditioning principles with soccer-specific methodologies, support individualized player development plans, and contribute to the continued evolution of Atlanta United's high-performance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Training Design & Delivery

• Plan and lead all strength, power, and conditioning sessions for the Next Pro squad in coordination with the Next Pro Head Coach, High Performance Director, and Director of Methodology.
• Collaborate with the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics to integrate GPS, heart-rate, and readiness data into daily and weekly training periodization.
• Ensure all sessions are consistent with the first team's tactical and physical development framework.
• Deliver individualized gym and on-field programs for players returning from injury or requiring targeted development.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Manage daily monitoring processes (wellness, RPE, GPS, heart rate) in collaboration with the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics.
• Track player workloads, recovery, and adaptation to optimize readiness and reduce injury risk.
• Provide weekly performance and monitoring summaries to the High Performance Director, Director of Methodology, and Next Pro Head Coach.

Collaboration & Integration

• Work collaboratively with the nutrition, strength & conditioning, sports medicine, and performance analytics teams to deliver an interdisciplinary player support model.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Methodology to ensure that physical preparation complements the club's tactical periodization and game model.
• Support the transition of academy players into the Next Pro environment through structured physical development and adaptation programs.
• Contribute to player education initiatives around recovery, nutrition, and performance habits.

Professional Standards

• Uphold Atlanta United's high-performance culture and professional standards in all aspects of work.
• Foster strong relationships with players, coaches, and support staff built on communication, trust, and accountability.
• Remain current with best practices and emerging trends in soccer-specific performance and strength & conditioning.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in elite soccer or a comparable professional sport environment.
• NSCA CSCS or UKSCA certification (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience implementing GPS, HR, and RPE-based monitoring systems.
• Proven ability to design and deliver soccer-specific strength and conditioning programs.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Strength & Conditioning, or related field.
• Experience with in MLS, MLS Next Pro, or USL environment.
• Familiarity with Tactical Periodization and integrated game model frameworks.
• Working knowledge of Catapult, STATSports, or comparable athlete monitoring technologies.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

Personal Attributes

• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Passion for developing young professionals and supporting player transitions across performance levels.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, high-performance team environment.