Athletic Trainer, Youth National Teams (U14/U15)

Description

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
Requirements

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.