Vald Performance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That is why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. Soccer in the near and far future. We are, therefore, looking for dynamic servant leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

U.S. Soccer is seeking a collaborative and growth-oriented Senior Performance Coach to support the Women's Youth National Teams. As a member of the Integrated Performance Support (IPS) department, this role will contribute to the delivery and continuous evolution of integrated performance practices through a female lens across camps, competitions, and other player development environments. 

Emphasizing that the female lens is at the heart of everything we do, this role aligns with the WNT strategy while integrating an interdisciplinary approach. This position will collaborate closely with Performance Medicine, Performance Nutrition, Performance & Data Analytics, Performance Innovation, and Technical staff to optimize player availability, development, and performance.

The Senior Performance Coach will support the design and implementation of evidence-informed physical preparation strategies, including readiness and load monitoring, physical testing, strength and conditioning, recovery, and performance planning through a female lens. In partnership with coaches and IPS colleagues, this role will help create world-class player experiences that support both team success and long-term player development.

A key focus of this position will be advancing U.S. Soccer's commitment to becoming world-leading in female health, development, and performance. Working within the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, the Senior Performance Coach will contribute to the development of integrated systems, innovative practices, and environments that elevate player care across the Women's Youth National Team pathway.

The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious practitioner and strong teammate who thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments, embraces innovation, and is passionate about supporting the growth of elite female players.

Primary Responsibilities

Integrated Performance Delivery

• Support the delivery of integrated performance services across the U19-U20 Women's National Team environments, including domestic and international camps and competitions.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of individual and team-based performance strategies that optimize player availability, development, and performance.
• Collaborate closely with technical staff on training design, competition preparation, recovery, and long-term player development.
• Collaborate with WNT, U23 and other WYNT technical, performance, and medical staff to align club, college, and country communications, facilitate the exchange of information, and promote continuity of player care, to ensure smooth player transitions between club and country environments.
• Travel with Youth National Teams to provide on-site performance support.

Female Health & Performance

• Advance U.S. Soccer's commitment to becoming world-leading in female health, development, and performance.
• Support initiatives related to growth and maturation, female health, injury-risk reduction, and long-term player development.
• Collaborate with performance medicine, performance nutrition, and technical staff to optimize player readiness and availability.

Physical Preparation & Performance Science

• Support the design and implementation of physical preparation programs (using Teamworks AMS), including strength and conditioning, recovery, and load management strategies.
• Oversee player monitoring, physical testing, and performance profiling systems to support evidence-informed decision-making.
• Utilize technologies including PlayerData GPS, VALD performance tools, OURA, FitrWoman, Raw Stadia, and a growing portfolio of technologies to support health and performance.
• Translate objective performance data into actionable insights for players, coaches, and IPS staff.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of best practices in performance science across the women's pathway.

Integrated Performance Support Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the Integrated Performance Support (IPS) team, supporting world-class player care and performance services.
• Collaborate with Performance Medicine, Performance Nutrition, Performance & Data Analytics, Performance Innovation, and technical staff to support integrated decision-making and player development.
• Execute and continuously improve performance methodologies, testing protocols, and operational standards across camps and competitions.
• Contribute to a culture of curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Support the onboarding and development of network practitioners and interns as needed.

Data, Analytics & Innovation

• Oversee the collection, interpretation, communication, and storage of player performance data in accordance with U.S. Soccer standards.
• Partner with analytics and innovation teams to develop and implement novel approaches to player monitoring and decision-making.
• Support longitudinal player profiling and talent development initiatives across the Women's pathway.
• Build and maintain relationships with clubs, universities, and external partners to facilitate the exchange of performance information and best practices.
• Contribute to the National Training Center as a world-class environment for integrated athlete support, innovation, and organizational learning.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience supporting elite female athletes and/or female teams.
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Performance & Sport Scientist (CPSS), or equivalent international certification.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in elite sport environments, including professional clubs, collegiate athletics, academies, or national teams.
• Strong understanding of soccer and the physical demands of the international game.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and integrated performance environments.
• Significant experience with athlete monitoring and performance technologies, including GPS, force plates, athlete management systems, and wellness platforms.
• Ability to synthesize objective data and translate insights into practical recommendations for players, coaches, and staff.
• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• Must be able to connect "micro" details to the "macro" vision and mission.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and extensive domestic and international travel.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of female athlete health, growth and maturation, and long-term athlete development principles.
• PhD in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related fields.
• Experience supporting Youth National Teams, professional clubs, or elite female development pathways.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish).

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.