Sporting Kaw Valley is seeking passionate, driven, and player-centered coaches to join our competitive coaching staff in a full-time coaching role. Based in Lawrence, Kansas, SKV is a premier youth soccer club committed to developing confident athletes, strong teammates, and young people who are prepared to reach their full potential on and off the field.

We are currently hiring competitive youth head coaches across multiple age groups, U10–U19. The right candidates will believe in our values, support our vision, and bring energy, professionalism, and purpose to every training session, match day, player interaction, and club initiative.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing club, invest in motivated young athletes, and be part of a coaching environment committed to excellence, development, and community.

NOTE: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States with a valid social security number and driver's license.

On Field Responsibilities

SKV coaches are expected to lead with purpose, preparation, and care. Responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate training sessions that support long-term player development
• Create a positive, challenging, and inclusive learning environment
• Develop players’ technical skills, tactical understanding, decision-making, physical fitness and overall performance
• Teach key aspects of the game, including dribbling, passing, receiving, finishing, defending, movement, team shape, and game strategy
• Design training sessions that meet the needs, level, and goals of each team and individual player
• Conduct Individual Development Plans to assess player strengths, areas for growth, and development priorities
• Provide clear, constructive feedback that motivates players and builds confidence
• Monitor player progress and adjust training plans to support continued improvement
• Promote teamwork, respect, accountability, sportsmanship, and a love for the game
• Represent Sporting Kaw Valley with professionalism at trainings, games, tournaments, showcases, and club events
• Potentially assist with private sessions, small group training, camps, clinics, and other player development opportunities

Off field Responsibilities

Great coaching extends beyond the field. Coaches will also be expected to:

• Communicate effectively and professionally with players, parents, and staff
• Work closely with SKV leadership and the Director of Coaching
• Participate in required coaching education programs
• Support club standards, expectations, and development goals
• Complete goals and responsibilities assigned by the Director of Coaching
• Help create a strong, connected, and positive club culture
• Build relationships within the club and broader Lawrence community
• Assist with club programming, events, and other duties as assigned

Where Our Teams Compete:

Boys

• MLS Next
• N1 
• Heartland (Kansas City)
• Regional/National Tournaments

Girls

• N1
• Heartland League (Kansas City)
• Regional/National Tournaments

Other Responsibilities:

Candidates must be prepared for the demands of competitive youth soccer, including:

• Overnight travel for events, tournaments, and showcases
• Evening and weekend availability on a regular basis
• Non-traditional work hours during the season
• Successful completion of a background check
• SafeSport certification
• Valid driver’s license
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Coaching

Why Join Sporting Kaw Valley?

At SKV, coaching is about more than running sessions and managing games. It is about building relationships, creating belief, developing players, and helping young athletes discover what they are capable of achieving.

Our coaches play a critical role in the growth of our players, teams, and club. As a full-time member of the Sporting Kaw Valley staff, you will have the opportunity to lead, collaborate, grow professionally, and make a lasting impact on the soccer community in Lawrence and beyond.

If you are passionate about developing players, building strong teams, and helping shape the future of youth soccer, we would love to hear from you.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will bring a combination of coaching experience, leadership ability, and a desire to grow within the profession. Preferred qualifications include:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States without sponsorship
• USSF D License or higher preferred
• Goalkeeper training, goalkeeper diploma, or goalkeeper coaching experience preferred
• Proven coaching experience at the youth development level
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in youth or collegiate soccer preferred
• Playing experience preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and a growth mindset
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and alongside other coaches
• Enjoys being part of a team environment and is eager to collaborate with others
• Passion for building relationships with players, families, staff, and the community

Technological Knowledge & Skills

Candidates should be comfortable using technology to support communication, organization, planning, and club operations. Preferred skills include:

• Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, including Google Sheets
• Zoom, Google Meet, and other video platforms
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally across multiple platforms
• Ability to connect with the community and create strong relationships

About Sporting Kaw Valley

Sporting Kaw Valley, founded in 1982, is a non-profit youth soccer organization headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas. Programming takes place in Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan, KS and is geared to players ages 3-19. SKV is an Academy Affiliate Club of Sporting Kansas City and offers programs from preschool to high school, recreation to competitive.

Connections working at Sporting Kaw Valley