U18 Head Coach

REPORTING TO:

Technical Director

DEPARTMENT:

Academy

LOCATION:

St. Johns University and Orangeburg, NY

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The U18 Head Coach at New York City FC (NYCFC) is responsible for leading the development, preparation, and performance of the U18 squad, pushing our top talents into the senior environment (MLS and MLSNP) in alignment with the club’s Player Development Model. The role demands a coach who can foster an ecological approach to pedagogy, ensuring players learn and develop within realistic game-based contexts. Additionally, the U18 Head Coach will work multidisciplinary across all departments—including Sports Science, Medical, Analysis, and Psychology—to create a holistic development environment that maximizes individual and team potential. Showing the capacity to maximize all players capacities and develop players to the highest level in the world.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Implement NYCFC’s Game model at the U18 level, ensuring a seamless transition to the senior team(s) (MLS & MLSNP).
• Design and execute training sessions that align with an ecological approach to player learning and decision-making.
• Promote self-organization and adaptability in players by integrating realistic game scenarios into training.
• Work closely with Sports Science, Medical, and Analysis teams to ensure individualized development plans for players.
• Conduct video analysis and reflective learning sessions to enhance tactical understanding and player development, linking it to player IDP.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, encouraging players to take ownership of their learning.
• Lead match-day preparation and in-game coaching, prioritizing development-focused decision-making.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents, stakeholders, and the broader academy structure
• Provide regular feedback and development reports on individual players to the Technical – & Academy Director.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A growth-oriented leader who prioritizes player development over short-term results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage players, staff, and parents.
• A collaborative mindset to work effectively across various departments.
• Adaptability and innovation in coaching methodologies, incorporating research-based best practices.
• A commitment to fostering a high-performance culture within a developmental setting.
• An experimental knowledge from Elite Academy environment on standards in leading a high-Performance team with individual development plans, Macro- Meso- and Micro planning.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• UEFA A License or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of elite youth coaching experience within an academy or professional club setting. Preferably within U18-U20 environment.
• Deep understanding of ecological dynamics and non-linear pedagogy in football development.
• Strong knowledge of sports science, biomechanics, and performance analysis to integrate multi-disciplinary support effectively.
• Experience working within a high-performance, player-centered development model.
• Proficiency in coaching tools and technology, including video analysis software.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop young players, fostering autonomy and game intelligence.
• Experience within an MLS or international academy structure.
• Master’s degree in Coaching, Sports Science or related field is an asset.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is an asset.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must be able to comply with MLS Next Safety and Well-Being policy and any other applicable child safety policies provided to applicants by NYCFC
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary
• New York City Football Club requires a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, subject to exception under applicable law

COMPENSATION:

This non-exempt position has an estimated annual base salary range of $70,000 – $ 85,000 and is overtime eligible. Final compensation offer amounts are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to demonstrated skill set, years and depth of relevant experience, and some role-dependent factors such as certifications and software expertise. We welcome direct conversations with each candidate about compensation in all of our initial calls.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs
• Comprehensive and competitive benefit programs, including maternal & paternal leave
• Ancillary benefits: Commuter, pet insurance, gym membership, and Citi Bike discounts
• Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing through in-office and virtual programs
• Four complementary tickets to every NYCFC home match
• Team outings, happy hours, and annual staff gatherings to celebrate our co-workers
• A dynamic, ambitious, and fun work environment

NEW YORK CITY FC:

At New York City FC (NYCFC), we are on a mission to build this City into one of the soccer capitals of the world. The Club was announced as Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise and is the first and only MLS team located within the five boroughs of New York City. The Club has qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs eight times over the last nine seasons, winning the MLS Cup in 2021. Games are broadcast through MLS Season Pass, the unprecedented subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer that will have every match of the MLS regular season, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup all in one place and with no blackouts. For more information, please visit: www.newyorkcityfc.com.

New York City FC is also one of 13 clubs comprising City Football Group and counts Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F-Marinos, Girona FC, Montevideo City Torque, Shenzhen Peng City FC, Mumbai City FC, Lommel SK, ESTAC Troyes, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Club Bolívar among its sister clubs.