Job Title: Mental Performance Intern

Department: Mental Performance 

Reports to: Mental Performance Coach and Director of Sports Performance

Position Summary: The mental performance intern will provide valuable support services to the mental performance program, with a primary focus on all youth athlete with the FCC Academy program (which includes our U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18 players). The mental performance intern will work closely with the full-time mental performance coach and if so desired, may receive supervision for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification recognized by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with and support delivery of group mental performance training sessions and other educational initiatives,
• Assist with, support and delivery of individualized mental performance training consultations and initiatives for both active and rehabilitative (injured) players,
• Assist with the development and production of mental performance training materials and content, including individualized performance plans for players,
• Shadowing and collaborating with the full-time mental performance coach in delivery, education, support and observational activities and programing,
• Explore and utilize mental enhancement training technologies that pertain to performance enhancement, effective rehabilitative (injured) athlete practices, as well as rest and recovery strategies,
• Engage in other relevant player and staff support activities as needed and requested by the mental performance coach,
• Whether seeking CMPC supervision or not, interns will engage in thoughtful development practices which can include reflective learning, video self-review and consistent mentorship practices.

What You’ll Bring:

• Any previous athletic and personal experiences that contribute to the understanding and effective consulting practices with athletes,
• A passion and demonstrated interest in the field of sport/performance psychology, and in soccer.

What You’ll Need:

• Qualified candidates should possess or be in progress towards a master’s degree in the field of sport psychology/performance or higher degree,
• Experience observing and/or participating in mental skills services delivery with groups and/or individuals,
• Desire to grow and develop as a practitioner in applied sport psychology,
• Build trusting and meaningful relationships with FCC players, coaches and staff,
• Ability to adapt interventions to athletes of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds,
• Adherence to the codes of ethics of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
• Willingness to be a contributing member of the FC Cincinnati club and the mental performance program, functioning within its policies and procedures.

Why You’ll Love FCC:

• FCC welcome gifts
• Resume and profile reviews
• Tour of TQL Stadium and MHTC
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Discount off team store merchandise
• Job shadow opportunities
• Paid hourly and/or college credit opportunities

About FCC

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community . FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture. The club’s DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of “75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home.”; on the Business Courier’s Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati’s fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer’s Top Workplaces 2024.

Learn More!

TQL Stadium: learn more

Mercy Health Training Center: learn more

MLS NextPro:  learn more

FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.