Academy Director / Director of Coaching

POSITION: ACADEMY DIRECTOR

FC Copa Academy, one of the most respected and successful youth soccer organizations in the nation, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Academy Director to oversee the operations and development of our Academy program. This position represents a unique opportunity to join a multi-regional organization with locations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, dedicated to Developing Excellence in Soccer and Life.

With over 20 years of history, FC Copa Academy has built a proven track record of success, placing over 450+ players into collegiate programs and developing 30 professional players who have gone on to compete in top leagues such as MLS, USL, NWSL and USLS. Our Academy serves 1,500+ players across 120+ teams each year, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the region.

As Academy Director, you will play a key leadership role in shaping the next generation of players, coaches, and staff while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community. You’ll join an organization that prioritizes player development, staff education, and providing top-tier opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.

Academy Program Highlights

• Multi-regional presence: Locations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
• 120+ teams competing in national, regional, and local leagues.
• 1,500+ players annually in the Academy program.
• Dedicated coaching staff: Over 50 professional, USSF-licensed coaches.
• Support staff includes specialists in goalkeeping, injury prevention, mental training, and college recruitment.
• Robust programming includes year-round training, tournaments, camps, and international travel opportunities.

Summary of Primary Goals

• Provide a gold standard in soccer education to all players and families.
• Increase participation across diverse and underrepresented populations.
• Recruit, hire, develop and support Academy staff to align with the organization’s growth and mission.
• Enhance individual and team competitiveness across all levels.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Oversee all Academy operations, ensuring smooth execution of practices, games, and competitions across all Academy teams (U7-U19).
• Create and manage the yearly calendar for the Academy, including training schedules, tryouts, and league play.
• Organize and oversee the tryout process for 1,500+ participants and 120+ teams, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
• Coordinate team formation, registration, and database management for leagues, tournaments, and events.
• Oversee all other Academy Operations and staff to include registrations, player management, tuition, uniforms and fields.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Hire, train, and oversee Academy staff coaches, fostering alignment with FC Copa Academy’s values, style of play, and curriculum.
• Develop a comprehensive staff education program, ensuring professional growth and alignment with organizational goals.
• Act as the liaison between technical teams, staff coaches, and team managers, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
• Conduct player and staff reviews throughout the year.

Player Development

Implement and oversee a club-wide philosophy for player development, focusing on:

• Style of play.
• Seasonal training methodology.
• Video analysis and fitness programming.
• Foster pathways for players to progress from Pre-Academy to collegiate and professional levels.
• Collaborate with support staff to provide additional resources for players, including mental performance training and injury prevention.

Communication and Marketing

• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the Academy program, including player and team accomplishments.
• Maintain the Academy’s web presence and communication channels, ensuring timely updates on schedules, events, and achievements.
• Support recruitment efforts by developing presentations and promotional materials.

Game Day and Events

• Attend all league events, showcases, and tournaments.
• Oversee game-day operations, including schedules, coaching plans, and logistics for home and away matches.
• Support the Tournament Director during events that host Academy teams.

Workflow

• Core Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (35 hours per week).
• On-Field Support: 5–10 hours per week assisting coaches and managers.
• Available for special events, meetings, or program management on various nights and weekends as needed to achieve goals.
• Flexible work-from-home options can be explored.

Qualifications and Skills

• USSF B License (A License preferred) or equivalent coaching certification.
• Proven experience in soccer program management, ideally with Academy or ECNL platforms.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with experience managing large-scale programs.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage staff, players, and parents.
• A commitment to FC Copa Academy’s mission of “Developing Excellence in Soccer and Life.”

Why Join FC Copa Academy?

For over two decades, FC Copa Academy has been a leader in player development, building a legacy of success both on and off the field. With a strong presence across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the Academy provides unmatched opportunities for staff and players to grow and thrive in a professional, growth-focused environment.

• 450+ collegiate players: FC Copa Academy has a proven track record of helping players achieve their collegiate soccer dreams.
• 30 professional players: Our alumni compete at the highest levels, including MLS, USL, and NWSL.
• 120+ teams, 1,500+ players annually: Be part of an organization with a wide-reaching impact across three states.
• Innovative programming: Work within a program that offers international travel, advanced training methodologies, and cutting-edge player development resources.

Joining FC Copa Academy means becoming part of a family that values excellence, education, and community. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the future of soccer in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), and generous paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities and support for continued coaching education.