Academy Goalkeeper Coach

About the role

The Portland Timbers Academy Goalkeeper Coach is responsible for coaching and managing the Academy Goalkeepers within a coaching framework established by the Academy and the Timbers professional GK staff. In coordination with the Academy coaching staff, the Academy GK Coach will contribute to the design of training sessions for the entire team while focusing on the development and individual needs of the goalkeepers, along with other team duties as assigned.

Key responsibilities

• Coach goalkeepers in all Academy exhibition, regular season, playoff, tournament, international and other games
• Design individual training regimens for the goalkeepers within the training framework of the team
• Scout next opponent and accordingly debrief and prepare goalkeepers
• Assist with the delivery of team attacking and defensive set piece strategy and design
• Set up, plan and delivery of training sessions for the Academy teams and Discovery Program
• Collaborate with the Timbers GK Coach and MLS Next Pro GK coach on specific projects and on-field coverage if needed
• Specify off-season player development programs for Academy Goalkeepers
• Enforce team rules and league rules
• Live the team values and set an example for the players
• Maintain good working relations and lines of communication with all staff
• Resolve any conflicts quickly and appropriately
• Work with MLS Next Pro GK coach on potential player prospects for Academy and MLS Next Pro team
• Consult and advise with respect to the team's roster and player evaluation in regards to goalkeepers
• Assist in the scouting and recruitment of potential goalkeepers for the Academy
• Monitor Discovery program GK pipeline early to better understand and prepare players for full Academy invites
• Oversee off-season player development programs with the Academy Head Coaches and MLS Next Pro GK Coach
• Work closely, constructively and collaboratively with the team's coaching staff, trainer and support staff
• Create optimal conditions for team performance
• Create and maintain a winning culture and high-performance environment
• Keep up with latest technology in computing, communications, sports science and sports analysis

Working relationships

• Don't be afraid to be in conflict with the Academy head coaches (in the appropriate forum) if the issue you believe in can help grow the program and/or improve performance
• Publicly share the same philosophy as the head coaches and together develop, enhance and grow that philosophy
• Recognize the times when the coaches are under pressure and look to take some of their workload
• Meet with the head coaches regularly to make sure you are always on the same page
• Be a set of eyes and ears for the head coaches and alert him to potential issues before they develop
• Manage communication channels between the goalkeepers, trainers, coaches and other decision makers
• Keep the Academy Head Coaches up to date on matters involving the goalkeepers which allows the Head Coaches to make informed decisions
• Be closely involved in communication with necessary stakeholders regarding Goalkeeper movement amongst the Academy teams for training and games as necessary

Qualifications

• Obtain proper coaching qualifications, certifications and experience
• Be innovative and creative – help create the future by being self-motivated with the ability to think independently and with flexibility
• Be an active part in developing a common language and culture that all coaches in the team use consistently to reinforce methods and aid players understanding of team principles
• Keep up with the latest technology in performance analysis
• Develop recruiting skills to help grow the competitiveness of the team
• Be active in your support of decisions and philosophies
• Maintain unquestionable trustworthiness
• Have an outstanding knowledge of the sport, the Goalkeeping position and opponents and be prepared to share that knowledge
• Strive to learn more about Goalkeeper coaching and the evolution of the role