⚽️🇺🇸 15+ job openings at U.S. Soccer

Plus, how to write a standout cover letter

 

IN THIS ISSUE

  • 🤝 Introduction: Full steam ahead

  • ⚽️ Soccer Jobs: New gigs with U.S. Soccer

  • 📝 Do This Now: Revamp your cover letter like a pro

  • 📰 Extra Extra: NWSL Denver stadium renders revealed!

INTRODUCTION

Greetings, Pathwayers!

The United States is experiencing a small taste of what’s to come with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This summer’s FIFA Club World Cup is about to enter the knockout round, and fans from across the globe are showing up in droves to cheer for their teams in this World Cup precursor.

As the FCWC nears 1.5 million tickets sold (more on that in the ICYMI section at the bottom), the event is an early indicator to U.S. Soccer that the federation will need to continue beefing up its operations to show out for the next global soccer moment.

The good news: U.S. Soccer is hiring! 🇺🇸

The U.S. Soccer Federation is in the midst of moving its front office from Chicago to Atlanta, and while many employees are taking the leap and relocating, there are several gaps that need to be filled as the organization plants its new roots in The ATL.

Scroll down to check out the 15+ job openings currently available with U.S. Soccer, and learn how to you can craft a standout cover letter to accompany your application in our “Do This Now!” section.

Good luck!

-Nolan Sheldon, Co-Founder & CXO

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15+ NEW JOBS AT U.S. SOCCER

Soccer journalist and influencer Melissa Ortiz interviewing Weston McKennie

NEW SOCCER JOBS

U.S. Soccer is still in full hiring mode, and we’ve listed every position currently open for your consideration:

DO THIS NOW: STAND OUT WITH YOUR COVER LETTER

We’ve shared over 70 jobs across a variety of sectors in the soccer industry over the last few newsletters, and we’re willing to bet a few of you have said “that’s the one.”

There’s a lot to think about as you prepare your application, such as updating your résumé and your LinkedIn profile (another do this now!), and preparing for a potential interview. However, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so you’ll absolutely want to nail crafting a succinct and memorable cover letter. 

Here’s our framework for how you can approach crafting your very own standout cover letter:

  • Familiarize yourself with the job description.

    • Print out the job description, or copy and paste it into your favorite word processor, and highlight essential keywords, company values, and required skills

      • Pro tip: Pay attention to repeated words or phrases - they’re emphasizing them for a reason

Next, focus on creating an engaging opener:

Grab the employer’s attention early: Avoid the conventional “I am writing to apply for” approach.  

Instead, consider telling a compelling story:

In an application for a project-based role at a technology company seeking “soccer experts,” our friend John Bello (now an Assistant Coach at Nashville SC) implemented this approach. His intro paragraph began with, “Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of winning the World Cup. I ended up getting my chance, not as a player, but as a coach, representing the United States of America.”  

Like a video created for social media, think of those opening lines as your 3-second hook - you need to grab attention quickly.

You should also customize your cover letter to the specific needs of the club/organization and job:

  • Avoid generic content - tailor your letter to the job description

    • Pro tip: Remember the keywords you highlighted from the description earlier? Include them in your cover letter!

  • Clearly articulate why you’re an ideal fit

    • Emphasizing your alignment with the company culture, key requirements, and skills.

    • Avoid using phrases like “I’m dedicated, hard-working, etc…” That should already be implied!

PATHWAY RESOURCE: Here’s a real cover letter recently written for a technical role at a pro soccer club in the U.S. - use it as a point of inspiration.  

Be concise and impactful:

  • Hiring managers often skim cover letters, so make every word count (again, keywords!). Be concise while conveying your enthusiasm and qualifications.  

  • While every role and every applicant is different, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep your cover letter to between 300-500 words (and use full paragraph breaks, too!)

  • As former Columbus Crew President & GM Tim Bezbatchenko pointed out in Pathway Issue 002, “The ability to take your expertise and communicate it in a way so that someone can use it to make a decision is a lost art”.  

  • Showcase a work product (an article, a report, a case study, etc.) that is easy to digest and highlights your ability to communicate your expertise

In closing…

By following this framework—from crafting an attention-grabbing opener to showcasing your work—you'll create a cover letter that cuts through the noise and positions you as the standout candidate the hiring manager remembers. Take the time to invest in this crucial first impression, and you'll significantly increase your chances of landing that dream job in the soccer industry.

Go get ‘em! 🚀

ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES

📰 Catch up with the latest major headlines, all in one place:

ALSO…

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SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS