ROLE DESCRIPTION

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TITLE: U16 Head Coach

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC Academy

DEPARTMENT: Academy Coaching

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Full-Time Regular

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ROLE TYPE: Individual Contributor



SUMMARY

The goal of Seattle Sounders FC Academy is to play an integral role in promoting the long-term vision of the club by producing Homegrown Players comparable with the world’s elite. We strive to attract and develop intelligent and autonomous players who can adjust and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the game.

The U16 Head Coach will oversee the technical and tactical aspects of training sessions and matches for the U16 team. Collaborating with technical staff and aligning with club methodologies, this role emphasizes player development, talent identification, and adherence to club and league rules. We seek a coach who will highlight the importance of the Academy values of humility, community, and ambition while fostering a holistic approach to supporting all players.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with other technical staff and in alignment with club methodology and playing principles, coordinate the technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT U16 training sessions and pre-season, regular season, tournament, international, friendly and other matches.
Contribute to and ensure that the central focus of work in the development department is on the development and promotion of individual players.
At the instruction of the Director of Development, assist in the talent identification and players scouting for MLS Next Academy Teams as directed.
Enforce Club Rules and League Rules applicable to the Club’s players and/or coaching staff.
Together with Club Technical Leadership, foster, develop and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the Club’s commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Support the Head of Operations with the scheduling of Academy training, including dates, times, the number of training sessions, and the periods of vacations and breaks from training.
Assist and support all coaches in the general control, management, and conduct of Academy players, ensuring adherence to the Academy Code of Conduct.
Liaise with the Director of Development and Head of Academy Operations to ensure the medical and fitness requirements of all Youth Development players at the Academy.
In conjunction with the Head of Pro Player Development, liaise with the performance department team to assess and review game analysis and statistics etc. for developmental players.
Ensure feedback, both positive and constructive, is delivered in an appropriate manner to aid in player development.
Liaise with the Director of Development and Head of Pro Player Development to ensure a specific, unique plan for individual development is delivered at regularly scheduled times and in both written and verbal form to all players.
Use Sounders FC’s session planning tool, individual performance planning, and video platform, to ensure that all relevant player data is recorded.
Assist the Director of Development in the provision of all necessary assistance to MLS Next in relation to the monitoring and evaluations of the Academy.
Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the club’s policies and all applicable laws, particularly regarding the safekeeping of youth/minors.
Emphasize the Academy values of humility, community and ambition and the importance of being respectful, polite, and considerate.


QUALIFICATIONS

USSF “A” License
MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License strongly preferred
An in depth understanding of, and a demonstrated expertise within the MLS Next platform
Proven and successful experiences of developing players through the MLS player pathway, from Academy to the First Team
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships within an organization.
Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to effectively present information.
A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness).
Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, vendors, and fans.
Aligned to club values: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information.
Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Multi-Lingual a plus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an in-person position, primarily functioning at the Training facility in Renton, WA.
Must be able to work a full season of Academy matches and trainings, which includes working some evenings and weekends.
Must have reliable means of transportation and facilitate own local travel.
Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship
Must be able to occasionally lift 20+ pounds and be comfortable standing on feet for multiple hours at a time. This position functions primarily in an outdoor environment.


COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents
Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation, and offseason time off to support employee health and well-being
401k retirement plan matching
Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents
Discounts on club merchandise and partner products
Complimentary tickets to matches
Discounts on club merchandise and partner products
Growth opportunities, employee learning and development programs to support professional and personal growth
Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives


OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our core values define culture and separate those that are selected to join our club and distinguish those that thrive and excel. They are: One Club, Trusted Teammates, Growth is Good, Gritty, Zig, Inclusive, Extraordinary Communicators, and Soccer is Fun.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the Sounders HR Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.



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