PRO PLAYER PATHWAY PERFORMANCE COACH

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. Dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles, LAFC is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. The ownership group includes local leaders and innovators with expertise in entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in developing BMO Stadium (22,000 seats) and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

About the role

The Pro Player Pathway Performance Coach will lead the performance process for the LAFC Academy’s U18 MLS-Next Pro Pathway Team. This hands-on role focuses on maximizing the physical potential of Academy athletes to compete at the highest levels, guiding their progression toward LAFC 2 (MLS-Next Pro) and the First Team (MLS). The position operates within a fast-paced, data-driven environment, collaborating closely with coaching, sports science, and medical staff. It reports to the Performance Manager.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver strength & conditioning programs for Academy players aligned with the club’s development model.
• Lead session-specific preparation, activation, and recovery protocols in coordination with Academy Head Coaches.
• Deliver on-field performance coaching, including position-specific speed, movement skills, and technical concepts.
• Support and implement return-to-play training protocols in collaboration with medical and performance staff.
• Manage and implement physical testing protocols in the weight room and on the field.
• Oversee all data streams, including in-training GPS tracking and match data.
• Monitor training loads, evaluate player performance metrics, and provide actionable insights to coaching and performance staff.
• Utilize sports science technologies (e.g., Catapult GPS, VALD Performance, FirstBeat) to inform training and recovery decisions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of performance metrics and training loads.
• Collaborate with the Performance Manager on team and individual periodization planning in alignment with club methodology.
• Support the development and movement of high-potential players through the club pathway, including load planning and integration as players transition into the LAFC 2 environment.
• Partner with an integrated performance and medical staff—spanning Academy through the First Team—in the day-to-day management of individual athletes.
• Educate athletes and staff on evidence-based principles related to performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Stay current with sports science research and continuously apply best practices.
• Contribute to the club’s data-driven approach to athlete development and performance enhancement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field from an accredited institution (required).
• Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a strength & conditioning role within an elite or professional sports environment.
• Active certification from the NSCA (CSCS), UKSCA, ASCA, or an equivalent internationally recognized Strength & Conditioning certification.
• Current CPR/AED certification (required).
• Previous experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary sports medicine and sports science department (a plus).
• Experience in utilizing sports science technologies, such as Catapult GPS, FirstBeat, and Vald Performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust with players and staff across all levels.
• Proficiency in English—verbal and written—with the ability to clearly communicate data-driven insights to technical audiences.
• Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one; must be able to travel with the team as required.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.

Pay

The compensation range for this role is up to $72,000 - $85,000 per year, based on a wide range of factors including skill sets, relevant experience, training, and organizational needs.