Youth Academy Intern in Hartford, Connecticut at Hartford Athletic

About Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic is Connecticut's professional soccer team competing in the United Soccer League (USL). Through the Hartford Athletic Youth Academy (HAYA), we are committed to developing young athletes while creating positive experiences for players and families throughout Connecticut. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and grow the game by providing a professional, inclusive, and community-focused environment.

Position Summary

The Hartford Athletic Youth Academy (HAYA) Intern will gain hands-on experience in youth sports administration, event management, customer service, and soccer operations. This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside the Academy staff to support camps, clinics, leagues, tournaments, and community programming while learning the day-to-day operations of a professional soccer organization's youth development department.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assist with the planning, setup, and execution of Academy programs, including:

• Youth camps and clinics

• Recreational and competitive programming

• Community outreach events

• Player appearances and promotional events

• Tournament Preparations

Support administrative operations by:

• Assisting with player registrations and program enrollment

• Managing attendance and participant check-in

• Preparing program materials, rosters, and waivers

• Responding to parent inquiries via email and phone

• Maintaining accurate participant records

Provide event support by:

• Setting up and breaking down fields and equipment

• Assisting coaches during Academy programming

• Distributing uniforms, training apparel, and equipment

• Ensuring fields and activity areas are organized and safe

• Supporting player and family check-in processes

Assist with marketing and communications by:

• Capturing photos and videos during Academy events

• Assisting with social media content creation

• Promoting upcoming programs and events

• Supporting community engagement initiatives

Assist with equipment and inventory management by:

• Organizing Academy equipment and storage

• Preparing materials for practices and events

• Tracking inventory and notifying staff of supply needs

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Academy staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for soccer, youth sports, and community engagement.

• General knowledge about Connecticut Youth Soccer + Leagues

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Positive attitude and willingness to work in a team environment.

• Comfortable interacting with children, parents, coaches, and staff.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Canva, Google Workspace, or social media platforms is a plus.

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or willing to volunteer for internship experience.

• Available throughout the fall and/or spring semester.

• Willing to work evenings and weekends based on Academy programming and events.

• Reliable transportation to Academy locations throughout the Hartford area.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and assist with event setup and breakdown.

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain practical experience in:

• Youth sports administration

• Event planning and execution

• Customer service and family relations

• Sports marketing and communications

• Soccer operations

• Registration and database management

• Community engagement

• Professional sports organization operations

This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in Sport Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Event Management, Recreation, Education, or related fields who are interested in building a career in the sports industry.

Hartford Athletic is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.