What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fitness Coach - First Team position at Atlanta United?
Position Summary
Atlanta United FC is seeking a highly qualified and motivated 1st Team Fitness Coach to support the physical development, performance optimization, and injury prevention efforts of the club’s first team. This position is based at the club’s world-class training facility in Marietta, Georgia, and operates within a dynamic, integrated High Performance Department.
The Fitness Coach will report directly to the High Performance Director and work in close daily collaboration with the Director of Sports Science, 1st Team Strength Coach, and other key members of the technical and medical teams. The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of evidence-based, soccer-specific physical preparation and monitoring programs that align with the club’s playing style and performance philosophy.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement individualized and team-wide physical conditioning programs in accordance with the club’s performance framework and technical demands.
- Lead on-field fitness components including warm-ups, position-specific movement preparation, energy system development, and recovery sessions.
- Collaborate closely with the High Performance Director, Director of Sports Science, and 1st Team Strength Coach to plan, monitor, and manage player workloads through objective and subjective data (GPS, HR, RPE, etc.).
- Participate in fitness and performance testing protocols; analyze results and contribute to player-specific planning based on objective metrics.
- Work cross-functionally with medical and rehab personnel to develop and deliver return-to-play conditioning programs.
- Educate players on recovery modalities, lifestyle habits, and sport science-informed strategies to maximize physical readiness.
- Maintain detailed and confidential records of training loads, physical outputs, and progress over time.
- Contribute to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement consistent with the values and ambitions of Atlanta United FC.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – Required.
- CPR/First Aid certification (additional emergency response credentials preferred).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in high-performance sport environments, ideally in professional soccer.
- Strong understanding of physical periodization, energy systems, and recovery practices specific to elite-level football.
Proficiency in the use of GPS and athlete monitoring systems (e.g., Catapult, STATSports), along with performance testing tools and software platforms
Preferred Attributes
- Previous experience within Major League Soccer or another elite professional football league.
- Experience working in integrated multidisciplinary performance teams.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish or French preferred).
- Familiarity with MLS regulations, season structure, and competition demands.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
