U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That is why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. Soccer in the near and far future. We are, therefore, looking for dynamic servant leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description

U.S. Soccer is seeking an Athletic Trainer to support the Youth National Team pathway, with a primary focus on the U14/U15 age groups. This role is embedded within the Integrated Performance Support (IPS) Team and will contribute to the delivery of world-class player health, safety, recovery, and development support within a collaborative, high-performance environment.

This is a foundational stage of the pathway where long-term athlete health, movement quality, education, and development are prioritized alongside performance. The ideal candidate brings a development-first mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work seamlessly across medical, performance, technical, and player care functions.

The Athletic Trainer will help create an environment that supports player well-being, fosters trust with athletes and families, and reinforces a team-centric, integrated approach to performance support across the Youth National Team ecosystem.

Primary Responsibilities

Player Health & Performance Support

• Deliver comprehensive athletic training services during matches, training sessions, and travel
• Provide first aid, acute injury management, emergency response, and ongoing athlete care within established medical governance structures
• Support the development and implementation of individualized pre-activation, recovery, movement, and return-to-performance strategies
• Assist in monitoring player wellness, recovery, and training readiness
• Apply evidence-informed treatment interventions including therapeutic taping, manual therapy, and recovery modalities as appropriate
• Assist with concussion management protocols, emergency action planning, and injury documentation processes
• Support growth and maturation assessments specific to adolescent athletes, recognizing the unique demands of the U14/U15 development stage
• Help educate players on recovery, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and self-management habits that support long-term development and availabilitY

  Integrated Performance Collaboration

• Operate as a fully integrated member of the IPS Team, collaborating daily with performance coaches, physicians, technical staff, mental health providers, and nutrition staff
• Contribute to camp planning and review processes
• Communicate effectively with coaches, families, and external providers to support continuity of care and alignment around player development
• Participate in structured health and performance assessment, analysis, and reporting processes that inform individualized player management
• Embrace a team-first mentality that prioritizes collective success, collaboration, adaptability, and shared accountability

Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential medical documentation in accordance with U.S. Soccer standards and best practices
• Assist with camp medical operations, supply management, equipment organization, and travel preparation
• Support medical logistics and emergency planning for domestic and international travel
• Support health and performance assessment processes and data collection initiatives
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Soccer, FIFA, and applicable medical and safeguarding standards

Culture & Professional Development

• Contribute positively to a player-first, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence, professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal awareness
• Engage in ongoing professional development and continuous learning opportunities
• Remain current with evolving best practices in youth athlete development, performance medicine, and performance science

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field
• Current BOC certification and applicable state licensure (or eligibility)
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in elite youth, collegiate, professional, or federation sport environments
• Experience working within interdisciplinary performance or sports medicine teams
• Strong understanding of adolescent athlete development and long-term athlete development principles
• Demonstrated competency in acute injury management, return-to-performance progressions, and athlete monitoring
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with athletes, staff, parents, and external stakeholders
• Experience with electronic medical records and athlete management systems
• General knowledge of soccer
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel extensively throughout the year
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and stand for extended periods during training and competition

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience working in elite youth soccer environments
• Familiarity with FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and SafeSport medical and safeguarding standards
• Knowledge of foundational performance science principles including load management 
• Experience working with female and/or adolescent athletes
• Manual therapy certification or advanced soft tissue treatment experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.