Performance Coach

First Team Performance CoachLoudoun United FC (USL Championship)Position: Full-TimeCompensation: Up to $75,000 annually plus benefits, commensurate with experience and qualificationsLocation: Leesburg, VirginiaLoudoun United FC is seeking a highly motivated First Team Performance Coach to lead the physical performance program for our professional first team. The primary objective of the role is to maximize player availability, physical robustness and match performance through an integrated approach to sports science, soccer-specific periodization, strength and conditioning, and individualized player development. Key ResponsibilitiesLead all GPS monitoring, analysis and interpretation, including high-speed running (HSR), sprint exposure, maximum velocity, accelerations/decelerations, high-intensity demands and individual player trends. Translate GPS and performance data into clear, actionable recommendations for training, recovery and individual player programming. Lead and coordinate weekly load management and physical periodization from MD+1 through MD-1, in collaboration with technical and medical staff and based on match demands, individual player needs and the competitive schedule. Work collaboratively with technical staff to understand how session design impacts physical output and provide recommendations related to pitch dimensions, player numbers, duration, intensity, work-to-rest ratios and training formats. Monitor and help ensure players receive appropriate weekly exposure to high-speed running, sprinting, acceleration/deceleration and repeat high-intensity actions. Plan and deliver daily and matchday physical preparation, including activations, warm-ups, cool-downs, individual top-ups and supplemental gym work. Design and implement individualized strength, power, speed and physical robustness programs that complement each player’s soccer workload. Conduct and interpret physical testing and player profiling to establish individual benchmarks, identify development needs and monitor progression. Integrate physical development into Individual Development Plans (IDPs) based on each player’s position, profile and individual needs. Work closely with Athletic Training/Medical staff to support player availability, readiness, reconditioning and return-to-performance, while contributing to strategies designed to reduce injury risk. Identify players who may be under- or over-exposed and recommend appropriate top-ups, modifications and individualized interventions. Support evidence-informed recovery and readiness strategies around training, matches, travel and congested schedules. Maintain clear communication and alignment with technical, medical and Sporting Department staff regarding individual and team physical-performance needs. Candidate ProfileWe are looking for an applied soccer-performance practitioner who can translate sports science into practical, daily impact on player performance. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:Strong experience within professional or elite soccer. Advanced understanding of GPS/performance analytics and load management. Strong knowledge of soccer-specific periodization and match demands. Expertise in strength, power, speed and physical development. Strong understanding of how soccer session design creates different physical stimuli and adaptations. Ability to conduct and interpret physical testing and player profiling. Ability to individualize programming based on position, match exposure, physical profile and injury history. Strong understanding of injury-risk reduction, reconditioning and return-to-performance principles. Ability to turn complex sports-science information into simple, practical recommendations for technical staff and players. Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with professional players, technical staff, medical staff and the wider Sporting Department. Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Science, Sports Performance or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. CSCS, UKSCA, ASCA or equivalent recognized strength and conditioning accreditation preferred. Demonstrated experience utilizing GPS and athlete-monitoring systems within an elite performance environment. Strong competency in data management, analysis and reporting, including Microsoft Excel and relevant performance-analysis platforms. Previous experience within professional or elite soccer strongly preferred, including USL Championship, MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, or an equivalent international professional environment. U. S. Soccer, UEFA or equivalent recognized coaching license preferred. An equivalent combination of education, professional accreditation and relevant professional soccer experience will be considered. Club Culture FitThe successful candidate must align with Loudoun United FC’s standards:Hungry-Driven to improve, learn and continually raise performance standards. Resilient-Adaptable, composed and solution-oriented when navigating the demands and challenges of professional soccer. United-A team-first collaborator who builds strong relationships with players, technical staff, medical staff and the wider Sporting Department. Professional-Hard-working, accountable, dependable and committed to consistently delivering high standards. We value individuals with a growth mindset who seek solutions, embrace feedback and take ownership of their responsibilities while contributing positively to the collective. Our ObjectiveWin Now. Move People Forward. The First Team Performance Coach will play an important role in this mission by helping our players maximize their availability, physical development and performance, while contributing to a high-performance environment built around continuous improvement. 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.