About Atlanta United
Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and won the 2018 MLS Cup in just its second season, the earliest an expansion team has won the title since 1998. The club has set multiple league records including season tickets sales (36,000-plus), single-season average (53,002) and total home attendance (901,033). Owned by Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Atlanta United, including how to purchase season tickets, visit: www.atlutd.com, and follow @ATLUTD.
Position Overview
The 1st Team Strength and Conditioning Coach is responsible for designing and implementing evidence-based strength and conditioning programs to enhance the athletic performance, fitness, and injury resilience of 1st Team players. Reporting to the High Performance Director, this role collaborates closely with the 1st Team Fitness Coach, Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics, medical staff, and technical staff to ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of Major League Soccer (MLS) competition and maintain peak performance throughout the season.
Key Responsibilities
Strength Training
· Develop and implement individualized and team-wide strength and conditioning programs, focusing on improving athletic attributes such as strength, power, and muscular endurance.
· Conduct pre-training activation sessions designed to prepare players physically and mentally for on-field activities, including dynamic warm-ups, mobility drills, and activation exercises.
· Conduct fitness assessments during pre-season, in-season, and off-season periods to establish baselines and track progress, in coordination with the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics.
· Coordinate with the 1st Team Fitness Coach to align strength and conditioning programs with field-based fitness and tactical training objectives.
· Monitor and adjust training loads, ensuring players remain at optimal readiness levels throughout the competitive calendar.
Recovery and Injury Prevention
· Collaborate with the medical team and 1st Team Fitness Coach to design and execute injury prevention protocols.
· Provide recovery strategies (e.g., mobility work, stretching, and regeneration techniques) tailored to individual player needs.
· Assist in the rehabilitation of injured players by developing and managing return-to-play strength and conditioning programs.
Monitoring and Data Analysis
· Work closely with the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics to utilize and analyze performance data collected from sports science technology (e.g., GPS systems, heart rate monitors, and force platforms).
· Rely on the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics to maintain and manage the sports science data infrastructure while ensuring alignment of all strength and conditioning efforts with data-driven insights.
· Maintain detailed player records, including strength, fitness metrics, and training load data, to inform program design and adjustments.
· Deliver regular reports to the High Performance Director, Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics, medical staff, and other key stakeholders regarding player readiness and performance.
Collaboration and Communication
· Work closely with the High Performance Director, 1st Team Fitness Coach, Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics, and coaching staff to integrate strength and conditioning programs with on-field performance goals.
· Coordinate with sports scientists, medical professionals, and nutritionists to deliver a holistic approach to player development and well-being.
· Educate players on proper strength training techniques, recovery protocols, and lifestyle habits to maximize physical performance.
Professional Development
· Stay updated on the latest research and trends in strength and conditioning, sports science, and soccer-specific fitness.
· Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and certifications.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
· Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
· Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association).
· CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
Experience
· Minimum 4-5 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, preferably in a professional soccer or high-performance sports environment.
· Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
· Experience utilizing performance technology and data analytics in a practical setting.
Skills
· Strong understanding of soccer-specific physical demands and training principles.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster relationships with players and staff.
· Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
· Proficiency in using performance monitoring software and tools (e.g., GPS systems, force plate technology, athlete management systems).
Working Conditions
· Requires flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in line with the team’s schedule.
· May require travel with the team for away games, training camps, and competitions.
· Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced professional sports environment.
Additional Requirements
· Must pass a background check and meet the organization’s eligibility requirements.
· Willingness to adhere to the team’s values, culture, and code of conduct.