MERCHANDISE SUPPORT INTERN

ABOUT THE CLUB

Minnesota Aurora FC is a community-owned women’s soccer team based in the Twin Cities, with over 5,000 community owners across all 50 states and 19 countries. The club has two teams and competes in the pre-professional USL W League and UPSL Women’s League, featuring top amateur and aspiring professional players from Minnesota and around the world. The club is operated by a women-led front office and coaching staff.

OUR VALUES

Inclusivity:
We uphold and defend the right for all people to live without hatred, violence, and discrimination by committing to and prioritizing equality in every decision we make.

Empowerment:
We champion the advancement and freedom of women and gender-expansive individuals by investing in their growth on and off the field.

Accessibility:
We ensure soccer is for everyone by removing barriers and creating more equitable access for players and fans.

Transformation:
We spark positive change in soccer, women’s sports, and communities by fostering transparency, humility, innovation, and collaboration.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This internship is part of the Minnesota Aurora FC internship program, which creates opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in sports to gain hands-on, meaningful work experience that directly supports the club’s growth and development.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OUTLINE

• Weekly meetings with your manager
• Regular all-staff meetings
• Intern cohort collaboration opportunities
• Training and education sessions
• Completion of at least three one-on-one meetings to build your network
• Regular check-ins with the intern support team

Each intern will be responsible for one or more projects, outlined below. Projects may be adjusted collaboratively between the intern and manager as needed.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

1. Game Day / Event Merchandise Sales

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: January 20 – Mid-May 2026

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Support merchandise event setup and operations by preparing products, promotional materials, and displays.

Tasks:

• Before the event:
  • Prepare merchandise inventory for transport
• Day of the event:
  • Arrive up to 3 hours before games and stay up to 1 hour after
  • Set up displays and merchandise areas
  • Assist customers and handle sales-related needs
  • Be proactive in solving inventory, customer service, or setup challenges
  • Serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Merchandise team
  • Pack up merchandise, take down displays, and ensure all items are accounted for
• After the event:
  • Meet with the merchandise team to review inventory insights and improvements

2. E-Commerce + Storefront Shop Support

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: January – May 2026

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Gain hands-on experience in e-commerce and physical retail operations.

Tasks:

• Assist with order fulfillment, new product setup, and sales tracking through the e-commerce platform
• Learn how to press authentic kits
• Organize and maintain the storefront
• Gain exposure to visual merchandising principles

3. Quarterly Inventory Support

Manager: Gretchen Pierson
Department: Merchandising
Duration: Early January and End of March (Quarterly Support)

Goal / Intended Outcome:
Support the organization and execution of quarterly retail inventory counts.

Tasks:

• Assist with inventory counting
• Clean and organize shelves, stockrooms, and storage areas
• Ensure accurate product counts
• Verify that shipments, returns, and sales are recorded before counting
• Prepare necessary materials (e.g., clipboards, Shopify product printouts)

COMPENSATION

This internship is unpaid.

INTERNSHIP BENEFITS

• Join the staff of Minnesota Aurora FC
• Access free training and educational opportunities
• Participate in staff meetings and events
• Work on meaningful, real-world projects
• Receive one-on-one mentorship with front-office staff
• Enjoy discounted merchandise
• Participate in additional Aurora activities based on interest