Youth Development Coach

Vancouver Whitecaps FC are looking for motivated and positive Youth Development Coaches to join our growing team across our Academy Centres and Camps network. These roles support the delivery of premium soccer training experiences for young players of all levels. Positions are available for coaches at all stages of their development - from emerging coaches beginning their journey to experienced coaches seeking a professional club environment.

Coaches will participate in a structured internal coach education pathway that includes mentorship from senior technical leaders, regular practical learning, and opportunities for advancement into more senior coaching assignments across the Whitecaps FC player pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and developmentally appropriate training sessions in alignment with The Whitecaps Way training methodology and values.
• Create a positive, safe, challenging, and inclusive environment for every player.
• Support player development through clear instruction, role modelling, and constructive feedback.
• Assist with session setup and takedown, equipment care, and facility oversight as required.
• Communicate professionally with parents, players, and colleagues before, during, and after sessions when needed (arrival, attendance, safety, expectations, etc.).
• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete player evaluations when assigned.
• Support the culture of professionalism, respect, teamwork, and growth across all programming.
• From time to time, support special events including tournaments, showcases, camps, and club experiences.

Qualifications & Experience

We welcome applicants with diverse coaching backgrounds. Candidates may be placed into coaching assignments based on experience and education, with training provided.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with youth in a coaching, teaching, or leadership capacity.
• Desire to learn and grow in a professional coaching environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate within a team environment and take feedback in a growth-minded way.
• National coaching certifications (Canada Soccer, USSF, UEFA, or equivalent)
• Playing experience is an asset but not required.

Coach Pathway & Professional Development

Youth Development Coaches benefit from a structured internal advancement model, which may include:

• Mentorship from Senior Technical Coaches
• Internal coach education and on-field learning opportunities
• Access to curriculum and training resources
• Practical evaluations and development plans
• Progressive coaching assignments across:
  • Camps programming
  • Academy Centres
  • Prospects programming
  • Specialized programs (GK, Finishing, etc.)
  • Academy and high-performance environments

Advancement within the pathway is based on performance, professionalism, reliability, and commitment to learning.

Requirements

• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends based on program schedule.
• Ability to travel locally to assigned programming.
• Successful completion of required certifications prior to coaching:
  • Criminal Record Check / Vulnerable Sector Check
  • SafeSport / Respect in Sport (or equivalent)
  • Emergency First Aid (if required)
• Adherence to safety, safeguarding, and operational policies.

The Club

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the longest-running professional soccer club in Canada and the United States. Since its inaugural season in 1974, the club has united generations of loyal fans in British Columbia and beyond. With academies in eight out of ten provinces, a network of partner clubs, and hundreds of camps and clinics every year, Whitecaps FC provide a foundation for Canada's soccer future.

We are also strongly committed to providing opportunities to Canadian athletes, both male and female, with the largest soccer development structure in Canada. This includes academy programs in eight of ten provinces across the country.

In addition to building a winning team on and off the pitch, the Club places great importance in giving back to our community, harnessing the power of sport to create a stronger, more equitable & inclusive society through three key community goals: helping meet critical needs, using soccer to build life skills and creating soccer participation opportunities in Indigenous communities.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This includes but is not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People & Culture department.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

No recruiters or agencies, please.

"Within these walls, you are welcomed, accepted, and respected.

Here, no matter who you are or where you come from, you are home. And you're part of the team regardless of your age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, marital or family status, disability, or religious belief or non-belief. All we ask is that you be ethical and inclusive in all that you do. Be respectful of all players, fans, and staff, and remember to cheer loudest for the ones wearing the blue and white. Go 'Caps"