Job Description

Sports Nutrition Fellow

Sporting Kansas City is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Sports Nutrition Fellow to support the delivery of performance nutrition services within the club, with a primary focus on assisting the Sports Performance Dietitian. This fellowship is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional soccer environment while supporting player health, performance, recovery, and availability through evidence-based nutrition strategies.

The Sports Nutrition Fellow will assist with day-to-day nutrition operations, fueling station management, supplement inventory, team meals, hydration monitoring, body composition support, nutrition education, and matchday/travel fueling logistics. The fellow will work closely with the Sports Performance Dietitian, culinary staff, sports performance staff, sports medicine, coaching staff, operations, and other members of the Player Health and Performance team. This role is intended for an emerging sports dietitian or RD-eligible candidate seeking mentorship and practical experience in elite soccer performance nutrition. This role is a stipend position designed to provide professional development and hands-on experience. Compensation will be provided through a fixed stipend.

Essential Functions

• Team Meals and Foodservice Support
• Support communication of player food allergies, intolerances, preferences, and dietary restrictions to culinary staff as appropriate.
• Assist with menu review and feedback for training meals, post-training meals, home match meals, and recovery meals.
• Assist with post-match meal logistics in coordination with stadium culinary staff or catering companies.

Matchday and Travel Nutrition

• Assist with home match nutrition setup, including pre-match fueling, halftime fueling, recovery nutrition, and post-match meals.
• Provide matchday support as assigned by the Sports Performance Dietitian.
• Assist with away match fueling logistics, including snack packing, hydration supplies, supplement organization, and recovery nutrition.
• Support review and organization of travel meal details, including hotel menus, catering orders, and Banquet Event Orders.
• Help prepare travel fueling guides, snack lists, and player-facing resources as needed.

Hydration, Body Composition, and Performance Monitoring

• Assist with hydration assessments during designated periods.
• Help organize and document body weight monitoring for Sporting KC players.
• Support DEXA scan logistics, skinfold assessments, or other body composition procedures under supervision.
• Assist with data collection, organization, and reporting related to nutrition, hydration, body composition, and recovery.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling player health and performance data.

Nutrition Education and Player Support

• Develop nutrition education materials, handouts, visuals, digital resources, and presentations under the guidance of the Sports Performance Dietitian.
• Assist with team nutrition education for Sporting KC, Sporting KC II, and Academy players when assigned.
• Support individual nutrition follow-up and player accountability systems as appropriate.
• If Registered Dietitian credentialed, provide limited individual nutrition counseling under the supervision and direction of the Sports Performance Dietitian.
• If RD-eligible or not yet credentialed, assist with education, logistics, and resource development within appropriate scope of practice.

Supplement Safety and Inventory

• Assist with supplement inventory management, stocking, ordering, and distribution.
• Support supplement documentation and organization in accordance with club policy.
• Help ensure all supplements used by players align with MLS, club, and third-party testing standards, including NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice when applicable.
• Communicate supplement questions, concerns, or player requests to the Sports Performance Dietitian.

Performance Nutrition Operations

• Support setup, service, and breakdown of pre-training, post-training, and recovery nutrition.
• Maintain, stock, and organize the fueling station, including snacks, beverages, recovery products, and smoothie ingredients.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of pre- and post-training shakes or recovery nutrition as directed.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, storing, and tracking nutrition products and supplies.
• Maintain clean, organized, and food-safe fueling areas in accordance with club standards.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborate professionally with sports performance, sports medicine, culinary, coaching, operations, and player care staff.
• Attend relevant meetings as assigned.
• Assist with performance nutrition projects that support the Player Health and Performance department.
• Maintain clear communication with the Sports Performance Dietitian regarding daily priorities, player needs, and operational issues.
• Participate in mentorship opportunities and continuing education related to sports nutrition, soccer performance, recovery, hydration, supplementation, and athlete health.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support the nutrition program and club operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, food and nutrition, exercise science, or a related field.
• Registered Dietitian or RD-eligible
• Strong interest in sports nutrition.
• Previous experience in sports nutrition, collegiate athletics, professional sport, foodservice, or performance environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move nutrition products, coolers, and supplies as needed.
• Master's degree in nutrition, exercise science, sports nutrition, or related field.
• Registered Dietitian credential.
• CSSD eligible or interest in pursuing Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential.
• Experience working with soccer athletes.
• Experience in a collegiate, professional, or high-performance sport environment.
• Bilingual communication skills, especially English and Spanish, are beneficial but not required.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.

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