Assistant Academy Coach

About the Role

San Diego FC is looking for an Assistant Academy Coach to contribute to its Youth Academy. This position is centered on developing student-athletes in a way that reflects the Right to Dream philosophy, where football development, schooling, and personal growth are treated as one connected journey.

The role focuses on helping young players grow as people and footballers, working closely with the wider staff to support each athlete’s full potential. Collaboration with talent developers, specialist coaches, and the Head of Coaching is a key part of the job.

Role Summary

• Serve as an assistant academy coach and individual player developer with a strong pitch-side focus.
• Support the Right to Dream style of play and coaching methodology.
• Deliver age-appropriate training in close coordination with the Head of Coaching.
• Help translate academy curriculum and periodization plans into practical, effective sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Take part in periodization meetings every two weeks and come prepared.
• Join monthly style-of-play meetings and contribute to planning.
• Attend daily and weekly planning sessions before training, including coordination with specialists.
• Run daily training sessions and weave life skills into each session.
• Support individual football development plans and player evaluations with age-specific methods.
• Help implement holistic development plans together with specialists and teachers.
• Focus on process-driven development rather than trophies or match outcomes.
• Prepare for matches and upcoming fixtures, while staying aligned with scouting and recruitment.
• Keep regular communication with both school-side and football-side staff to support student-athlete well-being.
• Work with human performance and sports psychology staff to integrate all sport-specific elements into the program.
• Build a safe, supportive environment that combines psychological safety with accelerated learning.

Education and Experience

A coaching license is not mandatory, though it is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in elite youth coaching, preferably with a college or university BS, BA, or MS degree. Experience mentoring young student-athletes, especially in the U10 to U14 age group, is important.

Applicants should understand child development, learning approaches, and structured coaching processes, including planning, evaluation, and individual conversations. The role also values experience working across different cultures and environments.

Fluency in English is required, including strong written and spoken communication. Spanish proficiency is also needed for football-related communication. Extra education in mental health, nutrition, or physical education is considered an advantage.

Physical and Additional Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods, including more than 8 hours per day if needed, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, including more than 8 hours per day if needed, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch as required by the work.
• Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and safe vehicle operation skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

San Diego FC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.