JOB DESCRIPTION:
Department: Lexington Sporting Club department & USL League One
Hours of work: Weekly office responsibilities | Weekdays, evenings, and weekend work in line with training, matchday, tournament/showcase requirements.
Contractual Status: Full-time.
Working Conditions: Normal coaching and office environment.
Reporting to: Men’s Sporting Director & First Team Head Coach.
Work alongside the Men’s first team, head Athletic trainer, and Medical Staff.
JOB SUMMARY:
To assist the head coach in the administration and operation of the Men’s First Team soccer program, consistent with the policies of Lexington Sporting Club. This position specifically supports the mission of Lexington Sporting Club.
Other duties assigned by LSC leadership.
The Head of Performance Coach assists the Head Coach in ensuring that athletes achieve optimal performance by applying sports science knowledge to improve a player’s performance and prevent injuries.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coaching
§ Conducting soccer-specific physical testing and on-field warm-ups.
§ Design and implement strength and conditioning programs.
§ Conduct recovery protocols, and provide general nutritional guidance in collaboration with the registered dietician.
§ Work in close collaboration with the medical and performance departments to help optimize player performance, player experience, and efficiency of the team.
§ Conduct on-field training, conditioning, and end-stage return-to-play sessions for players.
§ Conduct the delivery of gym-based strength and conditioning for players.
§ Educate and counsel players regarding strategies to improve performance.
§ Facilitate the collection of sports science data collection and GPS monitoring.
§ Evaluate player performance through performance testing, including workload monitoring and body composition testing, with input from the medical staff, athletic trainers, team physician(s) and registered dietician.
§ Collaborate with the athletic trainers and physical therapists regarding injured, rehabilitating, and deconditioned players to modify training programs with agreement from the medical staff.
§ Work in collaboration with the medical staff and athletic trainers.
§ Design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for USL League One players.
§ Lead and supervise sports performance training sessions.
§ Design the daily, weekly, and monthly training plans and periodization strategies.
§ Maintain the appearance, safety, functionality, and organization of equipment in the weight facility and educate and enforce weight room rules.
§ Demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills, listening, and emotional intelligence required to work effectively with players, medical staff, athletic trainers, coaches, and other team personnel and league staff.
§ Travel expectations will depend on the needs of the team.
§ Uphold high personal standards and work to elevate the performance department.
§ Link all individual and team learning objectives to the Lexington Sporting Club philosophy.
§ Effectively communicate with players by email, phone, and social media as compliant with league rules.
§ Follow all LSC and USL League One rules and standards that pertain to the men’s first-team soccer program.
§ Attend all Lexington Sporting Club meetings/zooms/calls to ensure appropriate departmental communication, planning, and updates if needed.
§ Function daily as an integral part of LSC within the sporting department and shares the vision for the future of the club as outlined by the Ownership Group, Men’s Sporting Director, and The Men’s First Team Head Coach.
General
§ Attend all required meetings with ownership and the management and leadership team.
§ Carry out any other reasonable duties that may arise or be assigned by the Men’s Sporting Director and First Team Head Coach.
§ To be able to work flexible and unsociable hours where the job role requires.
§ Comply with all LSC club policies.
§ Promote the LSC brand and ethos in a professional, strong, and positive manner.
§ Work alongside other team members to support in other areas of the organization as and when required to promote best practices.
§ A commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and a willingness to undertake all relevant equality and diversity training.
§ This job description is issued as a guideline to assist you in your duties and is not exhaustive. You may occasionally be required to undertake additional or other duties within the context of this job description.
Preferred Qualifications
§ Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).
§ Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification.
§ CPR certification in Basic Life Support.
§ Corrective Exercise Specializations (NASM-CES), and/or Performance Enhancement Specialists (NASM-PES).
§ Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field is preferred.
Preferred Knowledge/Experience & Skills
§ Extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of strength and conditioning programming for elite athletes.
§ Prior soccer experience is preferred.
§ Proven ability in sports science and analytics.
§ Experience working with GPS and other monitoring systems.
§ Experience handling and analyzing performance data.
§ Effective organizational skills for managing multiple tasks.
§ A positive attitude towards professional development and learning.
§ A sound understanding of safeguarding and welfare requirements.
§ Ability to relocate to Lexington, KY.
§ Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other operating platforms.
§ Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
§ Strong communication and organizational skills to be able to manage numerous projects at once.
§ Willingness to ask questions, give input, accept advice, and take direction.
§ Creative problem solving.
§ Excellent verbal and written skills.
§ Confidence in presenting plans and projections to senior management/ownership.
§ Ability to build strong relationships with outside partners.
§ Proven job reliability, diligence, dedication, and attention to detail.
§ Flexible days/hours of work.
§ Ability to travel.
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.
