Description
Responsibilities
Training & Coaching
Assist the Head Coach with the planning and delivery of Academy training sessions
Support the organization and setup of training activities
Lead individual components of sessions under the direction of the Head Coach
Coach individuals and small groups within training
Provide appropriate technical and tactical feedback to players
Assist with position-specific and unit-based development work
Help create a positive, competitive, and development-focused training environment
Support the implementation of Hartford Athletic's Academy playing and coaching methodology
Match-Day Responsibilities
Assist with match-day preparation and organization
Support the delivery of pre-match warm-ups
Assist the Head Coach with tactical preparation and player communication
Observe and analyze individual and team performance during matches
Provide appropriate input to the Head Coach throughout match day
Assist with post-match player feedback and review
Player Development
Support the creation and implementation of individual player development objectives
Provide regular feedback to players regarding their technical, tactical, physical, and personal development
Assist with individual and small-group development sessions
Support player evaluations and development reports
Help identify areas for continued player development
Build positive and professional relationships with Academy players
Video & Performance Analysis
Assist with filming training sessions and matches where required
Review match footage alongside Academy coaching staff
Identify clips that can support individual and team development
Assist with individual player video reviews
Use video as a tool to reinforce coaching points and Academy principles
Academy Operations
Assist with equipment setup and breakdown at training sessions and matches
Support communication and organization around the team where required
Work collaboratively with other Hartford Athletic Academy coaches and staff
Attend relevant Academy staff meetings and coach-development activities
Represent Hartford Athletic professionally at training sessions, matches, tournaments, and club events
Player Pathway
Develop an understanding of the Hartford Athletic player-development pathway
Support the development of players with the potential to progress through the Academy structure
Work collaboratively with coaches across different Academy age groups
Gain exposure to the connection between Academy soccer, Hartford Athletic II, and the professional First Team
Support opportunities for players to train or compete at appropriate levels within the club pathway
Desired Qualifications
Strong passion for coaching and player development
Some previous youth soccer coaching experience
Good understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the game
Enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to learn
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Comfortable working with young players in a high-performance environment
Demonstrates professionalism and represents Hartford Athletic appropriately
Willing to receive feedback and continually develop their coaching practice
Ambitions to continue developing a career within soccer coaching
A U.S. Soccer coaching license or equivalent qualification, or active progress toward coaching qualifications, is desirable
Requirements
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, a recent graduate, or a young coach gaining experience, otherwise must be a volunteer
Available throughout the fall and/or spring semester
Available for evening and weekend training sessions, matches, and tournaments
Reliable transportation to Hartford Athletic Academy training and match locations
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and assist with equipment setup and breakdown
Learning Opportunities
Interns will gain practical experience in:
Planning and delivering high-level youth soccer training
Individual player development
Technical and tactical coaching
Match-day coaching and preparation
Video and performance analysis
Player evaluation and reporting
Working within a professional Academy environment
Understanding a professional club's playing and coaching methodology
Working as part of a professional technical staff
Understanding the pathway from youth soccer toward senior and professional soccer
The internship will also provide opportunities for mentorship and coach development through interaction with Hartford Athletic coaching and technical staff.
This internship is ideal for students, recent graduates, or young coaches pursuing careers in Sport Management, Coaching, Exercise Science, or related fields who are interested in building a career in youth and professional soccer coaching.
Hartford Athletic is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.