U16 Head Coach

The Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) is an American professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top U.S. domestic league. Founded on October 8, 1997, on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club began play in 1998 as one of the League’s first expansion franchises. The Fire have won six major domestic titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup; the 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups; as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

The Club recently announced plans to build a $750M+ privately financed downtown stadium in Chicago in 2028. The stadium will anchor Chicago’s newest neighborhood, the 78, a 62-acre development and entertainment district located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road. For more information on our bold plans, visit DearChicago.com .

Additionally, the Club recently opened the state-of-the-art $100M Endeavor Health Performance Center in March 2025 that has set the standard for North American training facilities. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the company in the coming years.

At Chicago Fire FC, we’re on a mission to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago by delivering excellence on and off the pitch to ensure a world-class experience. As a club we let our values guide everything we do: we uphold uncompromising integrity, show respect for all at all times, never settle for less, constantly innovate, and hold ourselves relentlessly accountable.

Position Overview:

Chicago Fire Football Club is seeking a U16 Head Coach to join our team! We are searching for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual that will work closely with our Academy players and manage the Academy Youth Development Methodology and Coaching Program.

The U16 Head Coach will report to the Academy Director and Head of Methodology.

Job Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with Chicago Fire FC’s Developmental (MLS Next Pro and Academy) coaches, player development system, players, and standards of play:
• Support the design, implementation, and management of the Academy’s game model.
• Oversee and guide Academy Assistant coaches in the effective management, discipline, and conduct of players, ensuring consistent adherence to the Academy Code of Conduct and Club values.
• Liaise with the Academy management team in relation to the multi-disciplinary requirements of all Youth Development players at the Academy
• Aid player development and motivation by providing positive and constructive feedback that is delivered in an appropriate method
• Use session planning tools, individual performance planning, and video platform to ensure that all relevant player data is recorded
• Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the club’s policies and all applicable laws, particularly regarding the safeguarding of youth/minor players
• Establish and implement the Club’s culture within the team, creating an environment that reflects the values and standards of the Chicago Fire FC
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a USSF B License or equivalent
• Previous experience coaching in a professional level, or other reputable youth development team
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in utilizing and understanding Match Analysis
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information
• Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, performance-driven work environment
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish language fluency
• Bachelors degree in related field

Compensation:

• This role offers a salary range of $75,000 - $80,000 Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
• This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals
• Additional benefits & perks: Official Chicago Fire FC Website

Please note:

• Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
• CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
  • If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

MLS Privacy Policy:

• By clicking apply, you agree to the terms of the MLS Privacy Policy.

Job Questions:

1. Are you 18 years or older?

2. What is your desired salary range for this position?

3. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

4. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

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