Athletic Trainer Philadelphia Union Academy

Philadelphia Union Athletic Trainer

Awarded Major League Soccer's 16th franchise in 2008, the Philadelphia Union officially took the pitch in 2010 and have been raising expectations ever since. Owned and operated by Union Sports & Entertainment, the Philadelphia Union call Subaru Park homean 18,500-seat, world-class, soccer-specific stadium set along the Delaware River beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia. Union Sports & Entertainment oversees a fully integrated soccer development pathway that includes the Philadelphia Union first team, Union II of MLS NEXT Pro, and Philadelphia Union Academy teams playing in MLS NEXT. Recognized as one of the premier player development organizations in North America, the Club has built a reputation for identifying, developing, and advancing homegrown talent to the highest levels of the game. Players across all levels train and compete at the state-of-the-art WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a world-class training and sports complex that serves as the hub for player development, performance, and community engagement. This commitment to development has produced numerous first-team contributors, professional players, and national team representatives, reinforcing the Union's position as a leader in the American soccer landscape. On the field, the Union have established themselves as one of Major League Soccer's most consistent and competitive clubs. The team reached the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final three times (2014, 2015, and 2018), made multiple MLS Cup Playoff appearances, and captured the Supporters' Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, recognizing the club's excellence and consistency across the regular season. The Union also hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021, were crowned Eastern Conference Champions in 2022, and advanced to the MLS Cup Final that same year in one of the most thrilling matches in league history. The club has continued to represent Philadelphia on the international stage through participation in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. Off the field, the Philadelphia Union are defined by a culture that is Young, Fearless, and Challenger-driven. We are unafraid to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence in everything we do. We believe success is built through accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to raise the bar. Our deep connection to Philadelphia is woven into who we are. From the Club's crest and colors to the thirteen stars and rallying cry, the Union proudly reflect the city's revolutionary spirit and its legacy as the birthplace of American independence. If you're ready to challenge the ordinary and help shape the future of soccer in Philadelphia, we invite you to join us!

About The Role

The Athletic Trainer plays a critical role in the health, safety, and athletic development of Philadelphia Union Academy athletes. Working collaboratively with the Head of Athletic Training, Academy & Professional Development, Head of Health, team physicians, performance staff, and nutrition personnel, this position is responsible for delivering comprehensive sports medicine services that support athlete wellness, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and return-to-play outcomes. The Athletic Trainer serves as a leader within the Academy's sports medicine department, helping to maintain the highest standards of medical care while fostering a safe, healthy, and performance-driven environment for Academy athletes. The Philadelphia Union is committed to providing a world-class environment that supports athlete health, performance, and development through excellence in sports medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

Athlete Care & Sports Medicine

• Provide comprehensive athletic training services for Philadelphia Union Academy athletes.
• Deliver first aid, emergency care, injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
• Design and implement individualized injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
• Apply appropriate therapeutic modalities and treatment techniques.
• Facilitate medical referrals and coordinate care with physicians and healthcare providers as needed.
• Monitor athlete progress and support safe return-to-play decisions.

Collaboration & Athlete Development

• Work under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Health and Head of Athletic Training, Academy & Professional Development.
• Collaborate closely with performance staff, nutritionists, physicians, and other multidisciplinary support personnel.
• Assist in implementing integrated athlete development strategies that support performance, health, and long-term development.
• Participate in athlete monitoring and wellness initiatives.
• Support Academy team physicians with injury management protocols and medical procedures.

Medical Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate medical records and injury documentation in accordance with club policies and applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all Academy medical policies, procedures, and standards.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and continual improvement of medical protocols and emergency action plans.
• Maintain athletic training facilities to ensure a clean, organized, and professional environment.
• Order, inventory, and manage medical supplies and clinical equipment.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, including bloodborne pathogen protocols and workplace safety requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend Academy training sessions, matches, tournaments, and other events as required.
• Participate in departmental meetings and continuing education opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Academy's sports medicine and athlete development objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Current Board of Certification (BOC) certification.
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Athletic Trainer.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Strong knowledge of injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Athletic Training or a related field.
• Previous experience working with elite youth athletes, academy programs, collegiate athletics, or professional sports organizations.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary performance and sports medicine teams.
• Knowledge of soccer-specific injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

This position operates in athletic training rooms, fitness facilities, training fields, competition venues, and office environments. The role requires regular attendance at training sessions, matches, tournaments, and Academy events. Flexible schedule required to successfully complete job requirements, including nights, weekends and holidays. Occasional travel may be necessary.

This position requires valid criminal background clearances in the state of PA:

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• PA State Police Criminal Record Check
• DHS Criminal Background Check (via fingerprinting)
• Annual Safe Sport Certification

Why The Union?

At Union Sports & Entertainment, development is in our DNA. From our world-class academy to our front office, we believe in identifying talent early, investing in it fully, and creating real pathways for growth. If you're driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, the Union will match your ambition. You'll join a competitive, high-energy environment where:

• People get better every day as leaders and teammates
• Winning matters, but how we win matters just as much
• Coaching, feedback, and accountability are part of the culture, not buzzwords
• Soccer passion is real and matchdays mean something here

We celebrate effort, creativity, and results. We challenge each other. We have fun. And we take pride in developing future leaders who go on to make an impact across the sports industry. We are committed to supporting the health, well-being, and professional success of our employees. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes paid time off, multiple medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with Company match, Company-paid life and disability insurance, paid medical and baby-bonding leave, mental health resources, wellness reimbursements, and employee discounts. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, relevant experience, internal equity, and prevailing business and market conditions.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Union Sports & Entertainment is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace where every employee and candidate is treated with dignity and respect. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment