What to expect as a USA Coach


Okay, so you've been hired as an Academy Coach for the USA, what should you expect now?

1. Securing a visa
The first step to working in the US is to secure the appropriate visa. You will be guided through this by our knowledgeable, experienced support team. We will be available to provide assistance during the months leading up to your departure and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

2. Pre-travel Requirements
Every USA coach will provide us with their insurance details, or they will sign a waiver stating that they do not wish to be covered (we do not recommend the latter option)

3. Travelling to the US
Prior to departure to the US, you will be provided with all of your flight details to ensure you are prepared for take-off. USA will book and pay for your flight and all coaches will typically fly together. Upon arrival in the States, you will be welcomed at the airport by our senior management staff who will then transport you back to your initial orientation accommodation base.

4. Orientation
The United Soccer Academy orientation is designed to provide you with the most comprehensive overview of soccer and life in the US. All new staff will spend their first week on orientation. USA pride ourselves on the lengths we go to in order to enable our staff to perform to the levels that we expect of an Academy coach. You will take part in field and lecture sessions and be coached in the manner we expect from our staff. You will have the opportunity to coach your peers and you will also learn the curriculum for our specific soccer camps. By the end of orientation we're confident that you'll possess all of the tools that you need for a successful experience!

5. Transition to your permanent accommodation!
Upon arrival in the US, you will be placed in your accommodation for your first season. Staff from our satellite locations will stay in our New Jersey accommodations for the orientation week before leaving to go to their own accommodation. Houses all vary, but each comes fully furnished and contains 'mod-cons' for your comfort.

6. The Spring Season
The spring focuses on team training, whereby coaches will be assigned 'travel' teams to train through the entire season. This is ideal for our trainers as they can experience the differences in US soccer at a high level compared to the UK. Coaches will train players of wide age and ability levels from the young beginner to the experienced High School player.

7. The Summer Season
The summer switches focus from the travel soccer to the more traditional 'camp' style program. Coaches will work from week to week on different styles of camp from our 'travel academy' camps to our 'girlz united' camps. For more information on the different programs USA offers please visit our 'Camps' section of the website.

8. The Autumn/Fall Season
The fall follows a similar pattern to the Spring where coaches will again link up with their travel teams. Our squirts and recreation programs also play a large part in the workload for our Academy Coaches.

9. Evaluation and the future
At the end of your 9 months with the Academy, you will meet with your line manager to discuss your time and your hopes for returning or otherwise. This is a great opportunity to discuss a longer stay with us as a permanent member of our team.