Connect Athletics Soccer Director of Coaching

Help us grow the next generation of soccer stars!

Connect 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 NW Arkansas location. This Director will oversee all operations for our 2.5 - 7 yr old programs; including year-round leagues, school classes, and other events.

We are seeking a Director capable of growing the program while managing and training coaches. The Director will receive comprehensive training from the owner and the corporate trainers necessary to promote, coach, and manage the program. This position involves management, sales, hiring/training and coaching requirements.

Candidates should possess strong organizational skills and proven leadership ability. This position is best suited for energetic and active individuals that enjoy working with children ages 2-7, and are capable of working 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. While this program is firmly founded in fun for the children, it is also steeped in technical skills for our young players. To learn more about the local NW Arkansas programs, visit www.nwahappyfeet.comand www.nwalegendssoccer.com.

Our Approach:

Our approach is simple. We want to introduce soccer to children ages 2-7 in a way that opens up doors of possibility both on and off the field. The goal is for kids to not only learn the wonderful game of soccer, but to have fun, build social skills, improve self-confidence and instill a brave, creative go-for-it mentality that can provide a solid foundation for the rest of their lives!

Our Programs:

WEEKEND LEAGUES:

The league program runs seasonally in the Fall, Spring, Summer & Winter. These 6-7 week leagues use our age-appropriate curriculum to introduce soccer skills and 3v3 games to children 2-7 years old.

Each session begins with a mini skill introduction session and is followed by a non-competitive soccer game. Coaches are on the field with the players to guide and encourage them during the game.

WEEKLY PRESCHOOL CLASSES:

Our weekly preschool classes are 30 minutes long and take place at your child’s preschool or early learning center only once a week, during the day while you work. These sessions include highly structured soccer activities centered around their own soccer ball and other fun “props” that are sure to keep your child entertained while developing gross motor skills.

During each class, we make sure that every child is having a fantastic time while developing their ABCs: agility, balance, coordination, and soccer skills!

Our Local Team:

Owner & Operator, Matt Holdaway has played soccer and worked with children his entire life. Matt played soccer at William Jewell College in Kansas City, helping his team become Heart of America Region V Champions and reach the Final Four of the 2006 National Tournament. The majority of his youth soccer experience was marked by coaching styles focused on one and two-touch passing, emphasizing winning at all cost. It was not until college that Matt was first exposed to playing a style of soccer that emphasized the skill and footwork of the individual player. This past experience adds to Matt's passion for coaching within our unique curriculum.

Matt has a passion for people. He loves working with kids of all ages, helping them to develop into confident, highly-relational young men and women. This has been a theme throughout his life. From church-work and mission trips, to working in orphanages and soccer camps, he has always found life in giving to younger generations. Matt continued that journey of service to younger generations by joining the HappyFeet Legends organization in Kansas City. It was there that Matt’s passion for developing children and his love for the game of soccer were united.

Over the past 12 years, Matt has helped grow a team that operates youth soccer programming in NW Arkansas, Springfield MO, and Nashville TN. Through the addition of key support positions and systemizing many administrative tasks, we are able to allow our local Directors and their team of coaches to focus solely on what is most important - positively impacting the lives of children through soccer!

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The primary functions of this position are to organize, sell, and coach soccer programs at league locations and childcare centers in the area. The Director will also be responsible for maintaining and building relationships with new and existing schools, planning leagues, hiring and training additional coaches, and organizing schedules for all coaches.

The desired candidate is a committed and organized self-starter who can enjoy the flexibility this position provides, while still effectively managing the responsibilities of the leadership role.

KEY ROLES

Initial Marketing of Programs

• Visit childcare centers and potential league locations to meet with the directors and share program information
• Schedule free demo sessions to promote the program
• Run sessions with new coaches
• Organize class schedules for each location
• Organize work schedules for coaches to cover all classes

Program Growth

• Recruit new partner schools, then promote classes to parents
• Recruit, hire, and train new coaches
• Promote and grow our seasonal leagues

Supervisory Roles

• The Director will be responsible for managing the class and league coaches. This will include training, scheduling, performance reviews, and leading team development meetings.
• Plan new program offerings and seasonal leagues. Coordinate locations, dates, participants, and coaches for all classes and leagues.
• Oversee accurate record keeping of all programs and attendance. Analyze participation numbers to determine appropriate marketing efforts for each location. Review enrollment and sales reports with administrative staff.

Coaching

• The Director will actively coach an average of 10 hours per week in classes and leagues.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Increase visibility of programs (classes, leagues, and camps) via printed flyer distribution, social media, and free soccer sessions.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in planning, organizing, and leading large events
• Child-development knowledge and experience
• Impeccable communication skills, both verbal and written
• Organizational skills: able to manage city-wide programs and coaches
• Proven leadership ability: able to lead and motivate staff
• Passion for soccer and child/youth development

TO APPLY:

Please submit a detailed and specific cover letter explaining why you would be the right person for this position. Be sure to include your resume with references. We will not consider any application that does not include these items.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Commission pay

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Childhood development: 2 years (Preferred)
• Coaching: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location