Academy Fitness Coach

Position Summary: Atlanta United FC is seeking an Academy Fitness Coach responsible for on\-field fitness, strength training, and load prescription and monitoring to progress players through the Development Pathway. This role blends Long\-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles with evidence\-based training methodologies to build resilient, well\-rounded athletes. The Fitness Coach will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary performance, medical, and technical team to support player health, physical development, and football\-specific fitness. The professional plays a crucial role in implementing our development and training philosophies throughout all on\-field applications, as well as during matches, domestic travel, and off\-season programming. We seek a creative mind who has the courage to innovate and try new ideas, and who wants to be a part of an integrated high\-performance team. This position is based at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Atlanta, Georgia and requires significant domestic travel to matches and tournaments. Responsibilities: Physical Development \& Training Delivery:* Design and deliver age\-appropriate on\-field fitness sessions emphasizing movement quality, speed development, and aerobic capacity * Lead strength training programs focused on fundamental movement patterns, injury resilience, and athletic foundations * Integrate physical preparation into technical training environments in collaboration with coaching staff * Conduct individualized training for players requiring additional physical development or returning from injury * Educate players on the principles of training, recovery, and performance optimization * Collaborate and support individual develop plan sessions Load Management \& Monitoring:* Collect and analyze GPS to inform training load decisions * Monitor growth, maturation status (PHV), and readiness to inform individualized load prescription * Communicate daily and weekly load summaries to coaching and medical staff * Track training availability and flag concerning trends in workload tolerance or recovery Testing \& Assessment:* Administer standardized physical performance testing protocols (e.g., CMJ, speed gates, YoYo) * Analyze and report testing results to inform individual development plans * Collaborate with medical staff on pre\-participation physical examinations and return\-to\-play assessments Player Development \& Communication:* Provide constructive feedback to players on physical performance and development trajectory * Foster a growth mindset and resilience in young athletes navigating physical development Collaboration \& Integration:* Work closely with technical coaching staff to align physical preparation with tactical and technical periodization * Partner with Academy medical staff on injury prevention strategies and return\-to\-play progressions * Coordinate with the Head of Developmental Performance and Academy Fitness Coaches across all age groups to ensure continuity in the Development Pathway * Contribute to Academy\-wide performance data infrastructure and reporting standards Match Day \& Travel:* Attend home and away matches to oversee warm\-ups, monitor substitutes, and manage in\-game fitness interventions * Support player recovery protocols on travel days and tournament weekends * Coordinate with tournament hosts and facilities for appropriate training and recovery resources Required Qualifications:* Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, or related field * CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or equivalent certification * Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth athletes in a team sport setting * Demonstrated knowledge of Long\-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles and youth training considerations * Experience with GPS/wearable technology and athlete monitoring systems * Strong understanding of periodization, load management, and fatigue monitoring * Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with youth athletes, coaches, and parents * Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification * Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and travel Preferred Qualifications:* Master's degree in related field * CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) certification * Previous experience in soccer or academy football environment * Experience with Catapult/STATSports/ PlayerData GPS, Vald ForceDecks, or similar technologies * Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred