HAMILTON, Ont. - McMaster Performance, the Marauders' elite strength & conditioning program, is seeking candidates who identify as female for the second cohort of its summer coaching internship program.

The position is a paid, 18-week internship providing hands on experience in the field of strength & conditioning in a university athletic setting. The individual selected for this position will work 10-15 hours/week under the direction of lead performance coaches. The total compensation for this position is dependent on candidate as hours are flexible based on candidate needs and areas of interest. 

Strength and conditioning as a profession is dominated by male coaches, and this has proven to be a significant barrier for female athletes seeking representation and connection with coaches to work with. As part of the inclusion excellence initiative of McMaster's Department of Athletics & Recreation, this internship aims to help increase exposure and opportunities available for young and aspiring female coaches. The purpose of the summer S&C internship program is to educate an up and coming coach in all aspects of sports performance coaching. The selected applicant will conduct physical development and literacy sessions of all kinds with varsity athletes, youth athletes, and professional/national level athletes.

"At this point, similar to the sport coach profession, there is still not enough female representation in the field of strength and conditioning. Our aim is to provide development streams for more female professionals to see that future for themselves" says Ben Bahrami, Manager, HPA and High Performance Programs. 

The desired outcome of the internship program is to provide participants with the opportunity to be instructed and mentored by McMaster's Lead Performance coaches to better prepare them with the tools necessary for employment in this increasingly competitive field.

Lyanne Martin, a 2022 strength & conditional intern, says that the McMaster summer coaching internship program was an invaluable experience where she was able to learn from and collaborate with a stable of extremely knowledgeable S&C coaches. 

"This internship allowed me to push my boundaries and grow both as an individual and as a professional" says Martin. "The High Performance team provided me with a host of amazing opportunities to learn, develop and refine my skill set. Everyone at McMaster was extremely welcoming and made my time there so much more enjoyable."

For Bahrami, what sets the McMaster Performance internship apart is where its previous staff are now. The program alumni includes former interns pursuing Masters and PhD's in Strength & Conditioning, employed with various national teams, Canadian Sport Centre's and pursuing internships with professional teams, private sector facilities and NCAA Universities.

"This internship ensures that we're giving young, developing female strength & conditioning coaches the ability to network, to build their skill set and to earn a position at a university or in professional sports. We really look forward to launching the program this year and continuing to develop a new crop of strength & conditioning coaches on an ongoing basis."
 
Tasks

• Weekly educational seminars and tutorials administered by coaches, professors, and professionals in the field.
• Completing assigned projects based on weekly educational topics.
• Work as camp staff for the Marauder Sport Camps – Sport specific development
• Conduct team, group or individual training sessions, including but not limited to:
  • Leading preparation/warm-up and recovery sessions
  • Athlete return-to-play protocols
  • Biomechanical and physiological assessments
  • Movement and plyometric training sessions
  • Strength, power, and energy system development sessions
• Learn how to use and gain competence with typical assessment tools including: Force Plates, Timing Lights, Velocity/power tracking devices, etc…
• Work alongside our staff in advancing McMaster Performance training systems
• Supervise weight room  

Qualifications and skills

• Graduate of a University/College program in Kinesiology/Fitness Program.
• Strong interest and passion for Strength & Conditioning.
• Minimum 1-2 yrs experience in training & conditioning athletes.
• Highly motivated leader with strong coaching skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends (expect 10-15 hrs/week).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced athletic environment.
• First Aid CPR & AED.
• Criminal record check. 

This 4-month position begins May 1, 2023 and completes Aug 25, 2023. Those interested in applying for the position should email Ben Bahrami, Manager, HPA and High Performance Programs (bahrami@mcmaster.ca). 

1. Cover letter outlining career goals and why this internship will help achieve those goals.
2. Up-to-date resume.

Application Deadline: March 31st, 2023

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