Position Summary
The NextPro Fitness Coach will play a central role in designing, delivering, and monitoring the physical preparation of Atlanta United 2 players throughout the MLS Next Pro season. This individual will work closely with the High Performance Director, Director of Methodology, NextPro Head Coach, and the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics to ensure full alignment in physical periodization, load management, and player development across the club’s integrated performance model.
The role requires a dynamic practitioner who can merge strength and conditioning principles with soccer-specific methodologies, support individualized player development plans, and contribute to the continued evolution of Atlanta United’s high-performance environment.
Key Responsibilities
Training Design & Delivery
- Plan and lead all strength, power, and conditioning sessions for the NextPro squad in coordination with the NextPro Head Coach, High Performance Director, and Director of Methodology.
- Collaborate with the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics to integrate GPS, heart-rate, and readiness data into daily and weekly training periodization.
- Ensure all sessions are consistent with the first team’s tactical and physical development framework.
- Deliver individualized gym and on-field programs for players returning from injury or requiring targeted development.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Manage daily monitoring processes (wellness, RPE, GPS, heart rate) in collaboration with the Head of Sports Science & Performance Analytics.
- Track player workloads, recovery, and adaptation to optimize readiness and reduce injury risk.
- Provide weekly performance and monitoring summaries to the High Performance Director, Director of Methodology, and NextPro Head Coach.
Collaboration & Integration
- Work collaboratively with the nutrition, strength & conditioning, sports medicine, and performance analytics teams to deliver an interdisciplinary player support model.
- Coordinate closely with the Director of Methodology to ensure that physical preparation complements the club’s tactical periodization and game model.
- Support the transition of academy players into the NextPro environment through structured physical development and adaptation programs.
- Contribute to player education initiatives around recovery, nutrition, and performance habits.
Professional Standards
- Uphold Atlanta United’s high-performance culture and professional standards in all aspects of work.
- Foster strong relationships with players, coaches, and support staff built on communication, trust, and accountability.
- Remain current with best practices and emerging trends in soccer-specific performance and strength & conditioning.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in elite soccer or a comparable professional sport environment.
- NSCA CSCS or UKSCA certification (or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience implementing GPS, HR, and RPE-based monitoring systems.
- Proven ability to design and deliver soccer-specific strength and conditioning programs.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Strength & Conditioning, or related field.
- Experience within MLS, MLS Next Pro, or USL environment.
- Familiarity with Tactical Periodization and integrated game model frameworks.
- Working knowledge of Catapult, STATSports, or comparable athlete monitoring technologies.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
Personal Attributes
- High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
- Strong communication and presentation abilities.
- Passion for developing young professionals and supporting player transitions across performance levels.
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, high-performance team environment.
