Title: Athletic Development Coach- First Team
Department: High Performance
Reports to: Director of High Performance; Head of Athletic Development
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Athletic Development Coach for Nashville SC’s First Team will lead the strength training component of the club’s Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) program, aligning with the High Performance Department’s overall philosophy. This individual will also serve as the lead coach for players in rehabilitation, developing and implementing tailored strength programs to support their return to play. This position reports to the Director of High Performance and the Head of Athletic Development (First Team) and will work in close partnership with First Team High Performance and coaching staff to drive a collaborative, data-informed approach to player development.
The role will collaborate closely with High Performance staff across Nashville SC (NSC), Huntsville City FC (HCFC), and the Nashville SC Academy to design and deliver individualized and team-based training programs in both gym and field settings. The goal is to optimize athletic performance and enhance the strength development of players throughout the organization.
The ideal candidate will have extensive strength and conditioning experience within elite performance environments, a strong understanding of soccer-specific training principles, and a background in exercise physiology or a related field. They should also demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and applying testing data to inform program design and decision-making.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and grow Nashville SC’s High-Performance program!
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and oversee strength training and pre-habilitation sessions for active First Team and rehabilitation players, in collaboration with medical staff.
- Support and run on-field skill training sessions as needed.
- Design and implement individual and team off-season strength programs.
- Build strong relationships with players and staff to effectively deliver and reinforce performance programs.
- Develop educational materials and presentations aligned with departmental initiatives to promote best practices in athletic development.
- Maintain and organize all gym and outdoor training equipment.
- Travel with the team for matches and events as required.
- Contribute to and enhance LTAD programming, including data collection, testing, analytics, and performance reporting.
- Utilize performance monitoring tools and technologies (e.g., GPS) to track player performance and support injury-prevention strategies.
- Stay current with the latest research and best practices in strength and conditioning, particularly within the context of professional soccer.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sport Science, Biomechanics, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field
- NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification
- CPR certification
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in an elite professional, collegiate, or military performance setting
- Experience with Functional Movement Systems, Vald Technologies, and Velocity-Based Training
PREFERRED
- Master’s degree in a related field
- 2–3 years of experience working in soccer in a coaching or performance role
- NSCA-CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) certification
- Experience with Functional Movement Screening (FMS, Y-Balance Testing) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Job Questions:
- In less than 50 words, describe your experience leading strength training programs in elite performance environments.
- Select all of the courses that you have completed from the list below:
- Which of the following systems have you applied in your programming?
- In 100 words or less, explain how you adjust strength programs across different phases of a competitive season (e.g., congested match periods vs. longer recovery weeks)?
- Provide examples of how you would progress (3 exercises) and regress (3 exercises) a single-leg deadlift for a First Team player based on screening or observed movement limitations.
- In 100 words or less, provide an example of your experience collaborating with interdisciplinary staff (e.g., medical, performance science, technical staff) to deliver individualized programming?
