Performance Coach

Role Overview

The Performance Coach will support the Director of Performance in creating a high-performance culture driven by an individualized, player-centred approach and a commitment to individual and team development. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality on-field physical preparation, conditioning, speed development, recovery, and athlete development programmes that enhance the performance environment for ACFC players and staff. Working closely with the Director of Performance and wider High Performance team, the Performance Coach will support the implementation of the club’s physical performance strategy through the delivery of training, monitoring, and athlete development initiatives designed to optimize performance, support adaptation, and minimize injury risk. As part of a multidisciplinary Performance and Medical team, the successful candidate will communicate effectively with High Performance and Medical staff to support training delivery, athlete management, and performance planning. The role will contribute practical insights into physical preparation, training load management, and athlete readiness to support performance outcomes, reduce injury risk, and facilitate the long-term athletic development of Angel City FC players.

All aspects of the role will be delivered in alignment with the performance philosophy and periodization model established by the Director of Performance.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Director of Performance, deliver high-quality coaching across on-field physical preparation and training sessions, ensuring exercises are delivered with appropriate technical detail, intent, and coaching standards that support performance outcomes and player development.
• Work closely with the Director of Performance to support the delivery of the on-field periodization plan, using training load, monitoring, and performance data to inform session delivery, evaluate athlete responses, and adapt training in line with athlete readiness and training / match demands.
• Support the development of players' movement quality, speed, acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction capabilities through the delivery of targeted on-field interventions aligned with individual player needs and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with the High Performance team in the development and implementation of player physical profiling processes, contributing to the collection, interpretation, and application of performance data to inform athlete development.
• Collaborate with the High Performance team to support the design, delivery, and monitoring of individual physical development programmes, including off-season programs, ensuring alignment with performance objectives and long-term athlete development goals.
• Utilise performance monitoring and reporting systems to support training delivery, player management, and communication with the wider High Performance team.
• Assist the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Return-to-Play Performance Coach with the delivery of gym-based strength and conditioning programmes, ensuring consistency between on-field and gym-based interventions.
• Support match day performance operations, including pre-match preparation, warm-up delivery, player readiness activities, and post-match recovery implementation.
• Support the planning and delivery of performance strategies during travel and competition periods, including travel preparation, recovery implementation, player monitoring, and schedule adjustments to optimize player readiness and performance throughout the season.
• Actively support community, commercial, and club initiatives where appropriate.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and the ongoing advancement of applied performance practice.
• Enforce team standards, policies, and league regulations applicable to players and staff.

Requirements:

Essential

• Strong understanding of soccer-specific periodization principles and the ability to interpret GPS and performance data to inform coaching and performance decisions, provide insights to inform training design, session delivery, and athlete management.
• Proven experience working in an elite or high-performance sport environment, ideally within professional female football or comparable team sports, for more than 3 years.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality on-field physical preparation, including conditioning, speed development, warm-ups, and individual player development within an elite team sport environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop movement quality, acceleration, deceleration, speed, and change-of-direction capabilities within a performance programme.
• Experience supporting match day performance operations, including pre-match preparation, warm-up delivery, player readiness activities, and post-match recovery and conditioning implementation.
• Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) or the ability to get the accreditation within the next 6 months. 
• Experience working with performance data systems, including GPS (e.g., Catapult), athlete management systems, and force/strength diagnostics (e.g., VALD), with the ability to ensure data governance, quality, validity, and reliability.
• Strong understanding of football game models, sports science, and related disciplines, including their impact on athletic performance

• High level of organization and attention to detail, with the proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-performance team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data insights into clear, actionable information for coaches, High Performance staff, and athletes.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence within a multidisciplinary high-performance team, while taking ownership of key areas of responsibility. With a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion

Desirable

• Experience of working within the NWSL
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) qualification
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and innovation.
• Experience of working with AMS (e.g., Kitman, etc.), VALD, and Catapult. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to build positive relationships with athletes.
• Strong commitment to personal development and training

Qualifications

• BSc/BA in Exercise/Sports Science (or a related discipline)
• MSc in Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science, Data Science, or a related discipline (strongly desired)
• CPSS and/or CSCS or UKSCA or equivalent

ACFC Perks & Benefits

• Fully funded comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K plan
• Flexible PTO policy  
• Paid Parental Leave
• Catered breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary tickets to home games

Compensation

In addition to the benefits above, this role has a pay range between $90,000 and $100,000.