Sports Performance Coach, Academy

Apply for the Sports Performance Coach, Academy role at Sporting Kansas City
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2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

The Sporting Kansas City Academy hires a Sports Performance Coach to collaborate with the Academy Director, Head Athletic Trainer, and age group coaches. The Coach will oversee, plan, and implement Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) plans for U15–U18 teams and individual high priority players, using evidence-based performance testing and targeted training interventions. The Coach will also educate athletes on habits and routines needed to develop as aspiring professional athletes.

This position reports directly to the Director of Sports Performance and Science.

• Ensure players are ready for practice and games by conducting pre-warmup activation and injury prevention sessions.
• Direct on-field warm-up sessions in alignment with the daily session plan.
• Coordinate with coaching staff to develop and implement on-field periodization strategies.
• Assist coaches in creating drills that enhance technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of the game.
• Assist the Second Team Performance Coach as available for day‑to‑day tasks.
• Plan and execute strength training programs in the gym, isolated conditioning protocols on the field and gym, and movement skill sessions targeting both linear and multi-directional speed.
• Implement player on-field monitoring through the use of Stat Sports GPS.
• Create targeted team activation/pre-habilitation routines.
• Work collaboratively with the Sports Medicine staff for end-stage rehabilitation and transition back to performance.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Academy Director and Director of Sports Performance & Science.
• Test, evaluate, collect and profile all academy players through various performance tools (Force Plates, Sprint Testing, Yo-Yo IFT, PHV, etc.).
• Must be available to work long hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Extensive travel to all Academy away games is required.

• Highly organized and able to maintain a structured plan.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with players, coaches, team personnel, and league staff.
• Able to be flexible and adapt to uncertainty and last‑minute changes.
• Can deal with high stress and fast‑paced environments.
• Commitment to personal development and continuous improvement.

• In-depth knowledge of sports science theory, practice, trends, and associated legal/ethical issues.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in implementing sports performance programming for elite-level athletes.
• Experience testing and monitoring athletes to benchmark and profile athletes based on key performance indicators.
• Proven ability in task-specific energy system development, strength training, power development, plyometrics, movement skill training, and performance testing.
• Knowledge of both isometric and dynamic force analysis.
• Knowledge and exposure to GPS systems and heart rate monitors in a team sport environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to learn athlete management systems.

• Currently holds one of the following certifications:
  Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) through the NSCA, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, or Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through the NASM.
• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent).
• Minimum of three years of experience working with competitive athletes.

• Master’s degree in strength and conditioning, sport science, or a related field.
• Exposure to EXOS and Functional Movement Systems (FMS) methodology.
• Experience working in an elite soccer environment.

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.