Performance Coach Intern

Job Description

Sports Performance Internship | FC Tulsa

The Tone:
This is an unpaid internship at FC Tulsa, a professional soccer club competing in the USL Championship, located in Tulsa, OK. The club fosters a culture of high performance, player development, and innovation across its operations. This role is integral to the Sports Performance department, directly supporting athletes to ensure they are prepared to perform at their best. It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, utilize industry-leading technology, and contribute directly to player development and monitoring within a professional soccer environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (approximately 25 hours per week)
• Location: In-person, Tulsa, OK
• Team: Sports Performance team, supporting First Team and Youth Academy, reporting to the Head of Performance (implied)
• Mission: To support the Sports Performance team in developing and monitoring players across both the First Team and Youth Academy.
• Tech Stack: GPS tracking systems, force plates (VALD system), athlete monitoring software

What You’ll Actually Do
• Player Load Monitoring: Operate and manage GPS tracking systems during training and matches to create daily and weekly reports on player workload and wellness, informing coaching decisions.
• Neuromuscular Readiness: Operate VALD force plates to systematically assess player readiness and track neuromuscular performance, reporting findings to the Head of Performance for integration into training recommendations.
• Anthropometric Data: Assist in the collection, organization, and maintenance of anthropometric and body composition data, contributing to longitudinal tracking reports and comprehensive athlete profiles.
• Academy Strength & Conditioning: Design and implement age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs for the Youth Academy, leading sessions that align with the club’s established long-term athlete development framework.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: No specific years required. Prior experience working within high-performance, collegiate, or academy sport environments is considered a significant advantage.
• Skills: Possess a strong foundational knowledge of sports science principles, strength & conditioning methodologies, and athlete monitoring systems. Demonstrate high attention to detail, particularly when producing clear and concise reports. Exhibit excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a professional, high-performance setting.
• Bonus: Familiarity with GPS tracking, force plate operation, and/or performance data analysis tools is preferred. Relevant certifications, such as CSCS, are advantageous. A strong passion for youth development and professional soccer is also highly valued.