Assistant Academy Coach

About the Role

The Assistant Academy Coach will be an integral part of the Youth Academy at San Diego FC, focusing on the holistic development of student athletes. This role emphasizes the integration of football education with academic learning, aligning with the Right to Dream mindset and philosophy. The coach will work closely with staff to unlock and maximize each athlete's potential, fostering collaborative relationships among talent developers, specific coaches, and the Head of Coaching.

Responsibilities

• Attend and prepare for bi-weekly periodization meetings and monthly style of play meetings.
• Participate in daily/weekly planning meetings, coordinating with specialists ahead of training sessions.
• Conduct daily training sessions, ensuring positive integration of life skills in every session.
• Develop and execute football-specific individual player development programs and evaluations, incorporating age-related methodologies.
• Collaborate on holistic individual development plans with specialists and teachers, focusing on process-oriented goals rather than results or trophies.
• Prepare for and attend match days, aligning closely with the scouting and recruitment department.
• Maintain open communication with both school and football staff to support the well-being of student athletes.
• Work with human performance staff, sports psychologists, and others to integrate sports-specific aspects into the program.
• Create a psychologically safe and development-focused environment that accelerates learning.

Qualifications

• Experienced youth coaching background at the elite level; a college or university degree (BS, BA, MS) is a plus.
• Deep experience mentoring young student athletes (U10-U14).
• Knowledgeable in child development and learning tools.
• Comfortable working in a structured environment with planning, processes, evaluations, and individual discussions.
• Cultural adaptability and experience operating in diverse environments.
• Bilingual: Fluent in English (written and spoken) and able to communicate in Spanish within a football context.
• Additional education in mental health, nutrition, or physical education is a plus.

Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including 8+ hours per day.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, including 8+ hours per day.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch as needed for job tasks.
• Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and the ability to operate a vehicle safely.