MLS NEXT Coach (Virginia Velocity)
About The Position
Responsibilities Player Development and Curriculum Implementation • Deliver high quality training sessions aligned with the club’s MLS NEXT player development curriculum and methodology. • Implement age appropriate training models and monitor player development progress. • Provide individualized feedback to support long term athlete development. • Assist with player evaluations and contribute to player development plans within the MLS NEXT program. Team Management and Match Preparation • Plan and lead weekly training sessions in preparation for MLS NEXT competition. • Manage team performance during league matches, tournaments, and showcase events. • Analyze team and individual performance using video review, statistical analysis, and coaching evaluations. • Foster a professional team culture centered on accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement. Collaboration with Technical Staff • Work closely with the MLS NEXT Director and Technical Director to maintain consistency in training methodology and player development philosophy. • Participate in technical staff meetings and collaborative coaching initiatives. • Support internal player movement within the club’s development pathway. • Contribute to curriculum development and program improvement discussions. Player Pathway and Talent Identification • Identify high potential players within the MLS NEXT environment. • Assist with scouting and player recruitment initiatives when required. • Support athletes in navigating pathways toward college soccer, professional academies, and higher level opportunities. • Collaborate with technical leadership to ensure players are competing in appropriate developmental environments. Community Engagement and Parent Communication • Maintain professional and clear communication with players and parents regarding expectations, development progress, and team standards. • Support parent education initiatives that reinforce the club’s development philosophy. • Represent Virginia Velocity positively within the local soccer community. • Assist with club events, identification programs, and community outreach initiatives. Competition and Event Participation • Attend MLS NEXT league matches, showcases, and tournaments as scheduled. • Support the execution of club events, camps, and talent identification programs. • Participate in league meetings, coaching education sessions, and MLS NEXT programming. • Maintain high standards of professionalism in all competitive environments. Qualifications and Experience • USSF C License, UEFA C License, or equivalent preferred. • USSF A or B License encouraged for senior age groups. • Minimum 3+ years of coaching experience in competitive youth soccer environments. • Experience within MLS NEXT, professional academies, or elite youth programs preferred. • Strong understanding of elite player development models and long term athlete development principles. • Proven ability to design and deliver high level training sessions. • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for matches, tournaments, and events. • Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Technical Skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. • Experience with club management platforms such as SportsEngine, PlayMetrics, TeamSnap, or similar systems. • Familiarity with video analysis and performance tracking tools. Personal Attributes • Passion for football and elite player development. • High integrity, honesty, and accountability. • Ability to multitask and remain highly organized. • Strong leadership presence and ability to positively influence young athletes. • Ability to problem solve and remain calm under pressure. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Benefits • Competitive base salary with potential performance based incentives. • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Virginia Velocity and MLS NEXT network. • Opportunity to contribute to elite player development and pathway creation within the MLS NEXT ecosystem.
Requirements
- USSF C License, UEFA C License, or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 3+ years of coaching experience in competitive youth soccer environments.
- Strong understanding of elite player development models and long term athlete development principles.
- Proven ability to design and deliver high level training sessions.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for matches, tournaments, and events.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Passion for football and elite player development.
- High integrity, honesty, and accountability.
- Ability to multitask and remain highly organized.
- Strong leadership presence and ability to positively influence young athletes.
- Ability to problem solve and remain calm under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- USSF A or B License encouraged for senior age groups.
- Experience within MLS NEXT, professional academies, or elite youth programs preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Experience with club management platforms such as SportsEngine, PlayMetrics, TeamSnap, or similar systems.
- Familiarity with video analysis and performance tracking tools.
Responsibilities
- Deliver high quality training sessions aligned with the club’s MLS NEXT player development curriculum and methodology.
- Implement age appropriate training models and monitor player development progress.
- Provide individualized feedback to support long term athlete development.
- Assist with player evaluations and contribute to player development plans within the MLS NEXT program.
- Plan and lead weekly training sessions in preparation for MLS NEXT competition.
- Manage team performance during league matches, tournaments, and showcase events.
- Analyze team and individual performance using video review, statistical analysis, and coaching evaluations.
- Foster a professional team culture centered on accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with the MLS NEXT Director and Technical Director to maintain consistency in training methodology and player development philosophy.
- Participate in technical staff meetings and collaborative coaching initiatives.
- Support internal player movement within the club’s development pathway.
- Contribute to curriculum development and program improvement discussions.
- Identify high potential players within the MLS NEXT environment.
- Assist with scouting and player recruitment initiatives when required.
- Support athletes in navigating pathways toward college soccer, professional academies, and higher level opportunities.
- Collaborate with technical leadership to ensure players are competing in appropriate developmental environments.
- Maintain professional and clear communication with players and parents regarding expectations, development progress, and team standards.
- Support parent education initiatives that reinforce the club’s development philosophy.
- Represent Virginia Velocity positively within the local soccer community.
- Assist with club events, identification programs, and community outreach initiatives.
- Attend MLS NEXT league matches, showcases, and tournaments as scheduled.
- Support the execution of club events, camps, and talent identification programs.
- Participate in league meetings, coaching education sessions, and MLS NEXT programming.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism in all competitive environments.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary with potential performance based incentives.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Virginia Velocity and MLS NEXT network.
- Opportunity to contribute to elite player development and pathway creation within the MLS NEXT ecosystem.
