Sofive
MLS Next Director
Midlothian, VA · Director · Full-time
Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 26 days ago
LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoringMicrosoft Office
About the role
- Virginia Velocity is seeking an MLS NEXT Director to lead the technical, operational, and developmental standards of its MLS NEXT program.
- The MLS NEXT Director will be responsible for ensuring the program aligns with MLS NEXT requirements, Virginia Velocity standards, and best practices in elite youth player development.
- This role will work closely with club leadership, coaching staff, league administrators, and technical staff to support player development, coach education, program structure, and long-term pathway creation.
Responsibilities
- Program Management • Work with club leadership to develop long-term plans for MLS NEXT programming. • Establish and maintain technical standards, operational guidelines, and developmental benchmarks. • Support roster management, player evaluations, and team structure across MLS NEXT age groups. • Assist with MLS NEXT competitions, league events, showcases, and talent identification opportunities.
- Player Pathway and Talent Identification • Identify and support high-potential players within the MLS NEXT environment. • Build relationships with college coaches, scouting networks, professional academies, and MLS clubs. • Support player advancement opportunities toward college soccer, professional academies, and higher-level environments. • Attend MLS NEXT matches and events to evaluate team and player performance.
- Core Attributes • Passion for football and elite player development. • Honesty, integrity, and accountability. • Strong leadership and communication skills. • Ability to multitask and stay organized. • Ability to lead by example and positively influence players and staff. • Ability to problem solve and remain calm under pressure.
- The MLS NEXT Director will also help drive consistency across training methodology, competition standards, player evaluation, and development plans within the Virginia Velocity MLS NEXT environment.
- Virginia Velocity is looking for a leader who can help build a professional, high-performance environment that supports the development of the next generation of elite players.
- Support initiatives that improve player performance, long-term development, and pathway opportunities.
Nice to have
- USSF A or B License, UEFA A or B License, or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of coaching and leadership experience in elite youth soccer.
- Experience within MLS NEXT, professional academies, or high-performance youth environments preferred.
- Experience mentoring coaches and leading technical staff.
- Strong understanding of elite player development models and long-term athlete development.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field required.
- Master's degree preferred.
Compensation
- Develop and implement a player development framework aligned with Virginia Velocity standards and MLS NEXT best practices.
- Support age-appropriate training models and performance environments across MLS NEXT teams.
- Monitor player development environments and provide feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
- Recruit, mentor, and support MLS NEXT coaching staff.
- Promote best coaching practices and ensure alignment with the club's development philosophy.
- Provide ongoing feedback and evaluation tools to support coach development. Program Management
Benefits
- Coach Development and Education
- Lead coaching education initiatives, including workshops, clinics, staff meetings, and mentorship opportunities.
- Support collaboration across coaching staff through meetings, shared learning, and internal development initiatives.
Company info
- About Sofive Sofive, the home of 5-a-side soccer; a new kind of soccer center.
- We make "the beautiful game" more available than ever before for soccer and fitness enthusiasts by providing easy access to the highest quality, 5-a-side, all-season soccer centers.
- We are a growing startup that is developing state-of-the-art soccer centers - modern sport complexes with small-sided soccer fields.
- We have 22 sites to date, with many more in the pipeline.
- Integrity is the backbone of our organization.
- We value reliability and professionalism in our partnerships with businesses and team members.
- And of course, we are passionate about soccer!
- Resonate with this?
- Then let's connect.
- Learn more here and on our website.
- Find open positions and come grow with a technology empowered, community minded organization that is passionate and knowledgeable about the soccer industry.
- Sofive is soccer.
This listing is sourced directly from Sofive's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.