Head of Strength & Conditioning
Description

The Head of Strength and Conditioning and End Stage Return to Play is responsible for designing and implementing evidence-based strength and conditioning programs to enhance the athletic performance, fitness, and injury resilience of 1st Team players. This role collaborates closely with the 1st Team Fitness Coach, Sports Scientist and Performance Analytics, medical staff, and technical staff to ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of Major League Soccer (MLS) competition and maintain peak performance throughout the season.


In addition to Strength and Conditioning responsibilities a large component of this role is to collaborate closely with the medical team, physiotherapist & coaching staff to ensure and facilitate the players safe and effective return from injury, ensuring they are ready compete & physically capable of meeting and exceeding training and game demands. 

Requirements

Job Duties & Responsibilities:


Strength Training

  • Develop and implement individualized and team-wide strength and conditioning programs, focusing on improving athletic attributes such as strength, power, and muscular endurance.
  • Conduct pre-training activation sessions designed to prepare players physically and mentally for on-field activities, including dynamic warm-ups, mobility drills, and activation exercises.
  • Conduct fitness assessments during pre-season, in-season, and off-season periods to establish baselines and track progress, in coordination with the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics.
  • Coordinate with the 1st Team Fitness Coach to align strength and conditioning programs with field-based fitness and tactical training objectives.
  • Monitor and adjust training loads, ensuring players remain at optimal readiness levels throughout the competitive calendar.

Recovery and Injury Prevention

  • Collaborate with the medical team and 1st Team Fitness Coach to design and execute injury prevention protocols.
  • Provide recovery strategies (e.g., mobility work, stretching, and regeneration techniques) tailored to individual player needs.
  • Assist in the rehabilitation of injured players by developing and managing return-to-play strength and conditioning programs.

Return to Performance

  • Lead and devise systems, protocols, ways of working and criteria to ensure the smooth, effective transition of players from injury to performance.
  • Liaise closely with the medical staff & specifically team physiotherapist to ensure an aligned approach to return to performance.
  • Utilize objective criteria and best practice to inform decision making through out the rehabilitation process. 
  • Communicate widely to all appropriate stakeholders to collaborate and inform on timelines, the plan and expectations on players which are returning from injury.

Monitoring and Data Analysis


  • Work closely with the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics to utilize and analyze performance data collected from sports science technology (e.g., GPS systems, heart rate monitors, and force platforms).
  • Rely on the Head of Sports Science and Performance Analytics to maintain and manage the sports science data infrastructure while ensuring alignment of all strength and conditioning efforts with data-driven insights.
  • Maintain detailed player records, including strength, fitness metrics, and training load data, to inform program design and adjustments.
  • Deliver regular reports to the key stakeholders regarding player readiness and performance.

Collaboration and Communication


  • Work closely with the 1st Team Fitness Coach, Sports Scientist and coaching staff to integrate and align strength and conditioning programs with on-field performance goals.
  • Coordinate with sports scientists, medical professionals, and nutritionists to deliver a holistic approach to player development and well-being.
  • Educate players on proper strength training techniques, recovery protocols, and lifestyle habits to maximize physical performance.

Professional Development


  • Stay updated on the latest research and trends in strength and conditioning, sports science, and soccer-specific fitness.
  • Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and certifications.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association).
  • CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, preferably in a professional soccer or high-performance sports environment.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Experience utilizing performance technology and data analytics in a practical setting.
  • Strong understanding of soccer-specific physical demands and training principles.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster relationships with players and staff.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency in using performance monitoring software and tools (e.g., GPS systems, force plate technology, athlete management systems).
  • Requires flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in line with the team’s schedule.
  • May require travel with the team for away games, training camps, and competitions.
  • Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced professional sports environment.