About this role
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.