U15 Head Coach, Sounders FC Academy

TITLE: U15 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 U15 Head Coach will oversee the technical and tactical aspects of training sessions and matches for the U15 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 U15 training sessions and pre-season, regular season, tournament, international, friendly and other matches.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development, assist in the talent identification and players scouting for MLS Next Academy Teams as directed.
• Contribute to and ensure that the central focus of work in the development department is on the development and promotion of individual players.
• Enforce Club Rules and League Rules applicable to the Club’s players and/or coaching staff.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 Pro platform
• Proven and successful experience developing players through the MLS player pathway
• 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 nights and weekends as needed.
• 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

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The salary for this position is $80,168.40 .

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage : We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, we provide employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 per year for employee-only coverage and $2,000 per year for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave : We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support : 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Fertility & Family-Building Support : We provide a $10,000 lifetime maximum fertility benefit through our healthcare plan to support employees in their family-building journeys. This benefit includes coverage for infertility treatment, IVF, IUI, embryo transfer, fertility preservation, and related medications.
• Inclusive Parental Leave : Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage : Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks : Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for public transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities : We invest in your learning and development through various programs, resources, and experiences that support growth, internal mobility, and career advancement.
• Community Engagement : We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

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.

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 People & Culture 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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