FC Durham Academy – Durham, Ontario

Overview

FC Durham Academy is a premier soccer academy in Durham, Ontario, committed to developing young athletes through elite training, competitive leagues, and showcase events. Led by experienced coaches, we focus on technical skills, tactical awareness, and player growth. Our academy provides pathways to collegiate, professional, and international opportunities, ensuring athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.

Position Summary

The Strength & Conditioning Coach is responsible for enhancing and supporting player fitness, health, safety, and performance while ensuring compliance with Canada Soccer Youth License standards. This role utilizes research-based best practices and data tracking to maximize player performance both on the field and in the gym. The coach will collaborate closely with technical and medical staff to design and implement programming in the areas of performance, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocols.

This position reports directly to Richard Karikari.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strength & conditioning coaching for academy players, aligned with the Club’s strength development curriculum.

• Conduct on-field performance coaching, including position-specific speed, agility, and movement training.

• Implement return-to-play training protocols.

• Collaborate with Performance and Medical teams on individualized pre-training activation programs.

• Oversee training session preparation and recovery sessions in alignment with Academy Head Coaches.

• Manage, design, and implement weight room and physical testing protocols.

• Design and adapt assessment methods to evaluate sport demands and athlete capabilities.

• Track and maintain accurate records of performance metrics, training loads, and recovery data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field (required).

• Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar role within an elite or high-level sports program.

• CPR certification required.

• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary sports medicine or sports science department is an asset.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.