Minneapolis City Soccer Club - Work Experience Program

Minneapolis City Soccer Club: Work Experience Program
Program Overview
This immersive work experience program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic sports industry. Participants will work alongside experienced professionals from Minneapolis City Soccer Club and partners, developing valuable skills and gaining insights into various aspects of soccer club operations, including match day operations, marketing and communications, community engagement, and commercial/retail operations.
Program Dates: May - July 2025
Program Open To:
Students currently enrolled in college or university seeking degrees in Sports Management, Communications, Business or related fields.
Recent graduates seeking work experience
Professionals seeking to develop a career in sports or event management
Program Structure:

• In-Person: (~10-15 hours/week)
• Minneapolis City SC home matches at Augsburg University, Minneapolis
• Retail shop
• Community engagement events
• Remote: (~ 5 hours/week)
• Weekly team meetings
• Additional tasks as assigned (e.g., research, content creation, data analysis)
  

Focus Areas:
1. Match Day Operations
Responsibilities:

• Assist with pre-match setup and post-match breakdown (e.g., field preparation, signage, equipment)
• Manage crowd control and ticketing (e.g., scanning tickets, directing attendees, answering questions)
• Coordinate with stadium staff and security personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable fan experience
• Provide fan assistance and information (e.g., answering questions, resolving issues, providing directions)
• Assist with merchandise sales and distribution
• Execute match day production elements
• Learning Objectives:
• Understand the intricacies of match day operations and event logistics
• Develop skills in event planning, execution, and problem-solving
• Learn about crowd management, safety protocols, and customer service best practices
• Gain experience in fan engagement and supporter relations
  

2. Marketing and Communications
Responsibilities:

• Assist with social media content creation and management (e.g., drafting posts, scheduling content, monitoring engagement)
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote club initiatives and events
• Create press releases and media alerts to generate media coverage
• Manage email marketing campaigns to engage fans and promote ticket sales
• Assist with website and digital content updates to ensure accuracy and relevance
• Conduct market research to inform marketing strategies and fan engagement initiatives
• Learning Objectives:
• Understand the principles of sports marketing, branding, and public relations
• Develop skills in content creation, storytelling, and digital marketing
• Learn about social media strategies, email marketing best practices, and website management
• Gain experience in media relations and public communication
  

3. Community Engagement
Responsibilities:

• Assist with planning and execution of community events
• Attend community events to promote Minneapolis City SC and partner events
• Coordinate with local organizations and partners to build relationships and expand community outreach
• Develop community outreach initiatives to engage diverse audiences
• Learning Objectives:
• Understand the importance of community engagement in sports and the role of soccer in society
• Develop skills in event planning, coordination, and community outreach
• Learn about youth development, mentorship, and volunteer management
• Gain experience in building relationships with community stakeholders and fostering positive community impact
  

4. Commercial/Retail Operations
Responsibilities:

• Assist with merchandise sales and inventory management at home matches and retail space (e.g., processing transactions, tracking inventory, stocking)
• Develop and implement sponsorship activation plans to maximize sponsor visibility and engagement
• Coordinate with partners to cultivate relationships and secure sponsorship opportunities
• Analyze sales data and generate reports to track performance and inform business decisions
• Learning Objectives:
• Understand the business side of sports and the principles of revenue generation
• Develop skills in sales, customer service, and inventory management
• Learn about sponsorship activation, partnership development, and sales analysis
• Gain experience in data analysis, reporting, and business operations
  

5. Match Day Video and Broadcast Operations
Responsibilities:

• Assist with camera operations
• Assist with video board operations
• Assist with stadium audio
• Learning Objectives:
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of video production and broadcasting techniques in a live sports environment.
• Develop skills in camera operation, video editing, and content creation.
• Learn to operate video boards and stadium audio systems.
• Understand the importance of visual and audio elements in enhancing the fan experience.
• Gain experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and troubleshooting technical challenges.
  

Program Requirements:

• Strong interest in the sports industry and a passion for soccer
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Availability to attend all required in-person events and participate in weekly remote meetings
• Available 15-20 hours per week
• Ability to stand for extended periods, move about the work area, and lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• 18 years of age or older as of May 2025
  

Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of soccer and the local soccer landscape
Experience in event planning, marketing, or community outreach
Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools
To Apply:
Please submit an application by March 28, 2025. Application found here: https://form.jotform.com/243125630877156
Note: This program is designed to provide valuable learning and work experience and is not a paid work experience program. However, participants may receive compensation for certain tasks and expenses.
Minneapolis City SC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a working environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a variety of backgrounds and perspectives makes our organization stronger.
In accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, we do not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.