Academy Sports Science & Performance Coach

Company Background

The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.

The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in‑season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018, 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.

The Academy Sports Science & Performance Coach is responsible for designing, delivering, and overseeing the physical development and load management of all Academy players, aligned with the club’s performance philosophy and first‑team model. This role focuses on long‑term athlete development, injury risk reduction, and preparing players to transition successfully into the professional environment. This position reports directly to the Houston Dynamo’s Head of Performance.

• Design and implement the team’s testing and strength and conditioning programs.
• Conduct warm‑ups, activation sessions, and recovery protocols for training and matches.
• Collaborate with the medical staff to ensure all testing, monitoring and return to play protocols are being delivered effectively.
• Ensure a seamless collection of all necessary player data- (GPS Wellness RPE etc.)
• Produce clear, actionable reports for coaching staff, including training load summaries, weekly periodization, and player readiness insights.
• Maintain athlete databases and ensure accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality of performance data.
• Support integration of academy players transitioning into MLS NEXT Pro environments.
• Collaborate with club nutrition resources to guide pre‑and post‑training fueling strategies.
• Provide sport science, nutrition and performance education to players when needed.
• To undertake any responsibilities as seen appropriate by the Head of Performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science/Kinesiology/Physiology/Strength & Conditioning or related field.
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Accreditation (NSCA) or equivalent certification.
• Strong understanding of LTAD principles and growth & maturation considerations.
• Knowledge and experience with GPS tracking systems and in prescribing training loads to deliver performance requirements for athletes in both strength and conditioning.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with coaches and staff.
• Current CPR and AED certification.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Previous experience in MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, USL, or comparable professional environments.
• Experience with force platforms, neuromuscular testing, and athlete monitoring technologies.
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages).

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Elite player and coach development
• High‑performance culture building
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Emotional intelligence and stakeholder management
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability

Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization’s growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.