What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPT Sports Industry & Soccer Coaching Internship position at Soccer XS?
OPT Sports Industry & Soccer Coaching Internship
Location: Windsor, Connecticut, USA
Start Date: Rolling Start Dates (Spring/Summer/Fall 2025)
Duration: Up to 12 months (aligned with Optional Practical Training (OPT) guidelines)
Compensation: Competitive hourly wage potential pathway to long-term employment
Start Date: Rolling Start Dates (Spring/Summer/Fall 2025)
Duration: Up to 12 months (aligned with Optional Practical Training (OPT) guidelines)
Compensation: Competitive hourly wage potential pathway to long-term employment
About Soccer XS
Soccer XS is a leading soccer education company with over 20 years of experience developing youth players and coaches across New England. Through club partnerships, camps, clinics, and coach education programs, we deliver high-quality training and foster a lifelong love of the game. Our mission extends beyond the field — we aim to positively impact the soccer community by creating pathways for aspiring professionals to thrive in the US sports industry.
Soccer XS is a leading soccer education company with over 20 years of experience developing youth players and coaches across New England. Through club partnerships, camps, clinics, and coach education programs, we deliver high-quality training and foster a lifelong love of the game. Our mission extends beyond the field — we aim to positively impact the soccer community by creating pathways for aspiring professionals to thrive in the US sports industry.
As part of our dedication to career development, we are offering the OPT Sports Industry Internship — a unique opportunity for recent international graduates to gain practical experience in both coaching and sports business operations within the US soccer landscape.
Role Overview
The OPT Sports Industry Internship is a 12-month paid position designed for recent international graduates seeking to gain valuable experience in the US sports industry. This role blends on-field coaching with off-field business operations, offering a holistic view of how a professional soccer education company operates. Interns will deliver training sessions, support club partnerships, and contribute to marketing, operations, and community engagement initiatives.
The OPT Sports Industry Internship is a 12-month paid position designed for recent international graduates seeking to gain valuable experience in the US sports industry. This role blends on-field coaching with off-field business operations, offering a holistic view of how a professional soccer education company operates. Interns will deliver training sessions, support club partnerships, and contribute to marketing, operations, and community engagement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver and assist with coaching sessions across Soccer XS club partner programs, camps, and clinics
- Design age-appropriate coaching sessions aligned with Soccer XS curriculum and methodology
- Support coach education workshops for volunteer and parent coaches
- Assist with administrative tasks, scheduling, and program logistics
- Engage with the local soccer community at club events, tournaments, and promotional activities
- Participate in ongoing coach education meetings and professional development sessions
- Contribute to content creation for social media and marketing campaigns
- Gain insight into business operations including customer service, marketing, and program administration
What You'll Gain:
- Hands-on experience in both coaching and sports business administration
- Personalized mentorship from experienced Soccer XS staff
- Exposure to the US youth soccer system and club partnerships
- Professional development through US Soccer licensing courses
- Networking opportunities with sports industry professionals
- Career development support including resume-building workshops and interview preparation
- Potential H-1B visa sponsorship for standout candidates
Who We're Looking For:
- Recent graduate in Sports Studies, Sport Management, Coaching, Physical Education, or a related field
- Eligible to work in the US under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program
- Ideally located in Connecticut or willing to relocate
- Passionate about both youth soccer development and sports business operations
- Previous coaching experience (voluntary, part-time, or full-time)
- UEFA, FA, or USSF coaching licenses preferred but not required
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Adaptable, enthusiastic, and eager to learn
- Desire to pursue a long-term career in the US sports industry
Internship Details:
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Hours: Flexible coaching schedule administrative hours
- Start Dates: Rolling applications throughout the year
- Verified internship credits available (if applicable through your university)
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Soccer XS is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Soccer XS is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Start your journey in the US sports industry with Soccer XS and build the foundation for a long-term career!
