Athletic Training Internship

Athletic Training Intern

The Charleston Battery are seeking a motivated and passionate Athletic Training Intern to assist the club's Sports Medicine and Performance Department. This internship provides hands-on experience working in a professional soccer environment alongside certified athletic trainers, team physicians, strength and conditioning staff, coaching staff, and professional athletes. The Athletic Training Intern will assist with the prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of player injuries while supporting the daily medical operations of a USL Championship club. This is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in athletic training, sports medicine, physical therapy, or performance.

Responsibilities

Player Care

• Assist with daily preparation and set-up of the athletic training room.
• Prepare treatment tables, modalities, taping stations, hydration, and recovery equipment.
• Assist Certified Athletic Trainers with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play programs.
• Help administer pre-training and pre-match taping, wrapping, and bracing under supervision.
• Assist with post-training and post-match recovery protocols including stretching, recovery modalities, and hydration.
• Maintain treatment and rehabilitation equipment.

Training & Match Operations

• Assist with setup and breakdown of training sessions.
• Prepare medical bags and emergency equipment for all training sessions and matches.
• Assist with hydration stations before, during, and after training.
• Support medical coverage during home matches and designated away matches.
• Help maintain medical inventory and supplies.

Administrative Duties

• Assist with daily injury reports and player availability tracking.
• Organize and maintain medical records in accordance with HIPAA and league policies.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and coordinate restocking.
• Assist with scheduling appointments with physicians, imaging facilities, and specialists as needed.
• Support communication between players, coaching staff, and medical staff.

Performance Support

• Assist with GPS equipment distribution and collection (if applicable).
• Help monitor player wellness questionnaires.
• Assist with recovery sessions, mobility work, and individualized activation programs.
• Support nutrition and hydration initiatives when applicable.

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine program.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding player medical information.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the soccer schedule.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Passion for professional sports and player care.

Preferred

• Enrollment in a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program.
• Previous experience working with collegiate or professional athletics.
• Soccer experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with injury rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
• Experience with electronic medical record systems.
• Knowledge of FIFA, USL, or professional soccer medical protocols.

Learning Opportunities

The Athletic Training Intern will gain experience in:

• Professional soccer medical operations
• Acute injury evaluation and management
• Rehabilitation programming
• Return-to-play decision making
• Sports performance and recovery strategies
• Emergency action planning
• Professional match-day medical operations
• Collaboration within a high-performance environment
• Sports medicine documentation and compliance
• Communication with coaches, physicians, and performance staff

Schedule

• Approximately 20–40 hours per week, depending on academic requirements and club schedule.
• Must be available for:
  • Daily training sessions
  • Home matches
  • Select away matches
  • Preseason activities
  • Occasional community and club events

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond quickly during emergency medical situations.

Preferred Characteristics

• Professional
• Dependable
• Detail-oriented
• Proactive
• Organized
• Positive under pressure
• A strong communicator
• A collaborative team player
• Passionate about helping athletes perform at their highest level

About the Charleston Battery

Founded in 1993, the Charleston Battery are one of the most historic professional soccer clubs in the United States and compete in the USL Championship. The club is committed to developing players and staff while providing a first-class professional environment centered on excellence, innovation, integrity, and community. The Athletic Training Internship offers an outstanding opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in professional soccer and prepare for a successful career in sports medicine and athletic performance.