Upstart Athletics LLC operates youth soccer programs in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Youth soccer often fails to deliver on the common promises made to parents. Our programs are designed to offer science-backed curriculum, educated coaches that care, and a culture that’s healthy for our players and their families. From preschool programs to competitive soccer clubs, we use soccer to develop players from ages 2.5 - 18 years old.

We are currently hiring a Director of Coaching for our F.C. HORIZON Club in NW Arkansas. (Rogers, AR: serving Bentonville - Fayetteville www.nwaupstartathletics.com) This Director of Coaching will oversee all operational aspects of our 8-18 yr old programs: Premier competitive teams and our Select intermediate program.  This role will combine on-field technical elements of coaching, leading coach education, and be our primary point of contact for the community, including Arkansas Soccer Association. 

This is a full time, salaried position with opportunities for supplemental income. The position includes flexible hours, but requires evenings and weekends on a regular basis for training sessions and games.

This position will report directly to the Club Owner and work alongside the 2.5-8 yr old program DOC, the Select Program DOC, as well as the DOCs in Springfield and Nashville.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

Coach and Player Development

We believe in the work we are doing - we can improve the world by investing in the development of our coaches and players.  The DOC will work to implement our coaching philosophy, methodology, and curriculum across all age groups and teams.  

• Club-wide Curriculum Development based on our Game Model
• Training session planning
• Game and training session analysis
• Coach development meetings and on-field sessions
• Combined age-group training sessions to connect directly with players
• Create and organize coaching resources
• Oversee coach performance (team management, player development plans, training sessions, coaching culture, league participation, etc.)
• Reconcile coach, player, or parent conflict 
• Oversee annual planning for the club
• Strengthen P.E.C. (personal, emotional, connection) with coaches and players

Administrative

The DOC will work with all staff members, coaches, and club leadership to offer excellent communication and well-organized programs across all age groups.

• Work with administrative staff to ensure all systems and processes are effective
• Constant communication with administrative staff, other Directors, and coaches
• Work closely with the State Association on registration and league operations
• Oversee payment plans for all coaches - work closely with our Accounting Manager
• Lead weekly meetings with administrative staff to manage all club tasks, calendar planning, and member support issues.
• Plan and promote Player Placement and Tryout events
• Prepare updates for and participate in organization-wide All Staff Meetings

Community Involvement

The DOC will be the primary ambassador for the club within our community. This involves networking to connect with families, local youth organizations, other soccer clubs, and State Association members.

• Attend Arkansas State Association meetings
• Develop creative ways our club can serve our local community
• Form strategic partnerships with local organizations
• Coordinate community outreach events to promote our programs across all age groups
• Connect with local soccer community to recruit new coaches

Leadership

The DOC is a “people-first” responsibility.  We strive to educate and develop every person who comes in contact with our organization: from players and parents to staff and partners.  The DOC must model servant leadership principles in every aspect of their work.  This includes clear and consistent communication, reconciling difficult situations, working toward the best interests of our families and coaches, and operating with transparency. 

• Work toward the long-term vision and strategies of the organization
• Lead coaches along their development pathway
• Open communication channels with staff, coaches, families, and community partners
• Lead well-organized meetings with staff, coaches, and teams
• Empower other team members to take ownership of their role and grow
• Give and receive feedback
• Adapt strategies and plans to an ever changing environment
• Inspire our coaches, staff, and players to work toward common goals
• Work with empathy to maximize our impact on the people we serve

The DOC is expected to participate in continuing education through USSF and/or USC.  Annual reimbursements are available to help cover costs of coaching courses.

Salary will be based on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• USSF “C” License or equivalent
• 5+ years of youth coaching experience required
• Previous Assistant or Director of Coaching experience
• Demonstrated experience developing coaches and players
• Experience managing coaches and administrative staff
• Available to work and travel as needed for a competitive youth program
• High level playing experience: collegiate team or higher
• Proven technological skills, both in business and soccer-specific software

About F.C. HORIZON

Upstart Athletics is dedicated to youth soccer development with a focus on educational best practices, aiming to enhance players' skills for future goals. Their programs include FEET FIRST Soccer (ages 2.5 - 5), which combines imaginative curriculum with fitness, and Step Up Soccer Academy (ages 5-7), providing a player-first approach to skill development. Both programs feature seasonal leagues and trained coaches, emphasizing holistic growth both on and off the field. F.C. Horizon is our competitive club program that offers year-round training with professional coaches who implement a modern coaching methodology. By offering a full player development pathway, starting with our preschool program, we can develop skillful players and great humans!

Connections working at F.C. HORIZON