Head of Academy Physical Performance

Utah Royals FC, Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, and the RSL Academy are united by a shared mission of winning together through development. We are committed to building world-class teams by investing in people—developing players, staff, and leaders through collaboration, growth, and a high-performance culture. If you’re passionate about sport and motivated to grow your career in a purpose-driven organization, we invite you to join us.

Summary: Real Salt Lake is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking performance practitioner to serve as Head of Academy Performance. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the physical preparation, injury prevention, recovery strategies, and sports science initiatives for all players in the RSL Academy and Real Monarchs, the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate. Working in close collaboration with the Head of Physical Performance, Head of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer, First Team Sports Scientist, and Director of Data Science and Performance Analytics, the Head of Academy Performance will ensure a coherent and progressive physical development philosophy from youth to first team, preparing academy and second-team players to meet the demands of professional soccer through evidence-based training methodologies and individualized performance programming.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive performance strategy for the RSL Academy and Real Monarchs that aligns with the club’s overall philosophy, playing style, and the Tactical Periodization model established by the first team.
• Oversee the design and delivery of strength & conditioning, injury prevention, recovery, and nutrition programs for RSL Academy and Real Monarchs players.
• Monitor and analyze player performance data using GPS tracking, force plates, and other sports science tools to assess progress and inform training decisions.
• Collaborate with RSL Academy and Real Monarchs coaching staff to integrate physical preparation and sports science within the technical and tactical training framework.
• Work closely with the Head of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate injury prevention and return-to-play protocols across the academy and Real Monarchs, ensuring alignment with the standards established by the first team Health and Performance department.
• In collaboration with the Director of Data Science and Performance Analytics, lead the RSL Academy’s and Real Monarchs’ sports science initiatives, ensuring best practices in data collection, performance monitoring, and applied research consistent with first team standards.
• Educate players, coaches, and parents on best practices in sports science, nutrition, and recovery.
• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track player progression across the RSL Academy and Real Monarchs, and evaluate program effectiveness in collaboration with the Director of Data Science and Performance Analytics.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in sports science, strength and conditioning, and player development.
• Lead and mentor academy and Real Monarchs performance staff, including strength & conditioning coaches and sports scientists, fostering professional development and alignment with first team Health and Performance department standards.
• Ensure compliance with MLS and U.S. Soccer performance and medical standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in high-performance environments, preferably in elite youth or professional soccer settings.
• NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) required. NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) strongly preferred.
• Current CPR/AED certification required.
• Experience with sports technology and data analytics, including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and force plate testing.
• Strong knowledge of soccer-specific fitness requirements, periodization, and training load management.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including the Head of Physical Performance, Head of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer, First Team Sports Scientist, coaching staff, and technical directors.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to educate and inspire young athletes.
• Passion for player development and a deep understanding of the demands of modern soccer.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within an MLS Academy or similar elite development pathway.
• UEFA, USSF, or NSCA coaching certifications.
• Background in applied research or experience in utilizing data for performance enhancement.
• Additional credentials (e.g., ACSM-EP, USAW, FRC) are a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: This position operates in a high-performance sports environment across indoor and outdoor settings, including training facilities, weight rooms, and competition venues such as Zions Bank Real Academy and America First Field, requiring frequent standing, walking, and active on-field engagement during training and matches. The role includes demonstrating and assisting with physical exercises and occasionally lifting or moving equipment up to 25 pounds, as well as handling sports science tools such as GPS units and force plates. The employee must be able to work in varying weather conditions and maintain performance in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.