Academy Fitness Coach

Overview

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.

• Physical Development & Training Delivery
  • Design and deliver age-appropriate on-field fitness sessions emphasizing movement quality, speed development, and aerobic capacity
  • Lead strength training programs focused on fundamental movement patterns, injury resilience, and athletic foundations
  • Integrate physical preparation into technical training environments in collaboration with coaching staff
  • Conduct individualized training for players requiring additional physical development or returning from injury
  • Educate players on the principles of training, recovery, and performance optimization
  • Collaborate and support individual development plan sessions
• Load Management & Monitoring
  • Collect and analyze GPS to inform training load decisions
  • Monitor growth, maturation status (PHV), and readiness to inform individualized load prescription
  • Communicate daily and weekly load summaries to coaching and medical staff
  • Track 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 plans
  • Collaborate 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 trajectory
  • Foster a growth mindset and resilience in young athletes navigating physical development
  • Work closely with technical coaching staff to align physical preparation with tactical and technical periodization
  • Partner with Academy medical staff on injury prevention strategies and return-to-play progressions
  • Coordinate with the Head of Developmental Performance and Academy Fitness Coaches across all age groups to ensure continuity in the Development Pathway
  • Contribute 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 interventions
  • Support player recovery protocols on travel days and tournament weekends
  • Coordinate with tournament hosts and facilities for appropriate training and recovery resources

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, or related field
• CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or equivalent certification
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth athletes in a team sport setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles and youth training considerations
• Experience with GPS/wearable technology and athlete monitoring systems
• Strong understanding of periodization, load management, and fatigue monitoring
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with youth athletes, coaches, and parents
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
• Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and travel

• Master's degree in related field
• CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) certification
• Previous experience in soccer or academy football environment
• Experience with Catapult/STATSports/ Player Data GPS, Vald Force Decks, or similar technologies