Academy Head Coach
CoachCorner
Chicago, IL, USA
USD 65k-80k / year
Posted on May 29, 2025
Chicago Fire FC
Chicago, IL
Chicago Fire Football Club is a Major League Soccer team that was founded in 1997 and is Chicago’s ambassador to the global sport of soccer. The Club recently returned to Soldier Field as well as opened a new 50,000 square foot office in the heart of the city. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the success of the Club in the coming years.
Position Overview:
Chicago Fire Football Club is seeking a dedicated U-18 and U-14 Academy Head Coach to join our team! The Academy Head Coach will report to the Academy Technical Director and work directly with the Club’s U-18 or U-14 Academy team. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual that will work closely with our Academy players and manage the Academy Youth Development Coaching Program.
Job Responsibilities:
- In conjunction with Chicago Fire FC’s Developmental (MLS Next Pro and Academy) coaches, player development system, players, and standards of play:
- Support the design, implementation, and management of the Academy’s Youth Development Coaching Program
- Manage the schedule of Academy training, including dates, times, the number of training sessions, and the periods of vacations and breaks from training
- Oversee and guide Academy Assistant coaches in the effective management, discipline, and conduct of players, ensuring consistent adherence to the Academy Code of Conduct and Club values.
- Liaise with the Academy management team in relation to the multi-disciplinary requirements of all Youth Development players at the Academy
- Aid player development and motivation by providing positive and constructive feedback that is delivered in an appropriate method
- Use session planning tools, individual performance planning, and video platform to ensure that all relevant player data is recorded
- Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development
- Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the club’s policies and all applicable laws, particularly regarding the safeguarding of youth/minor players
- Establish and implement the Club’s culture within the team, creating an environment that reflects the values and standards of the Chicago Fire FC
- Other duties as assigned by Academy Technical Director or Sporting Director
Required Qualifications:
- Must possess a USSF B License or equivalent
- Previous experience coaching in an amateur, professional level, or other reputable development team
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships with stakeholders
- Experience in utilizing and understanding Match Analysis
- Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness)
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information
- Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, performance-driven work environment
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays
Preferred Qualifications:
- Must possess a USSF A License
- Must possess a EFCL License
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual fluency
Compensation:
- This role offers a salary range of $65,000.00 – $80,000.00
- Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant’s background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
- This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals
