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MLS NEXT Director: Virginia Velocity
Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Reports To: Club Executive Director
Organization: Sofive Soccer Centers / Virginia Velocity
About Sofive Soccer Centers
Sofive Soccer Centers is a nationwide organization operating 22 sports facilities and five youth soccer clubs across 10 states, with additional growth in the pipeline.
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. 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.
Key Responsibilities
Player Development and Curriculum
• 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.
• Support initiatives that improve player performance, long-term development, and pathway opportunities.
Coach Development and Education
• Recruit, mentor, and support MLS NEXT coaching staff.
• Lead coaching education initiatives, including workshops, clinics, staff meetings, and mentorship opportunities.
• 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
• 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.
Technical Alignment
• Work closely with the Technical Director and Executive Director to ensure a unified player development philosophy.
• Create consistent standards for training methodology, player evaluation, and player progression.
• Support collaboration across coaching staff through meetings, shared learning, and internal development initiatives.
• Provide reporting and performance analysis on player development and competitive standards.
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.
Parent and Community Communication
• Serve as a key resource for players and families regarding MLS NEXT expectations and development pathways.
• Support parent education around the club's development philosophy and MLS NEXT standards.
• Represent Virginia Velocity professionally within the local and regional soccer community.
• Participate in MLS NEXT meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives.
Qualifications
• 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 lead, organize, and communicate effectively across players, parents, coaches, and leadership.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with club or league management platforms such as Sprocket, TeamSnap, SportsEngine, PlayMetrics, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with video analysis, performance tracking, sports science, or player monitoring tools preferred.
• Strong network within college soccer, MLS academies, or professional soccer preferred.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required.
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.
Benefits
• Competitive base salary.
• Potential performance-based incentives.
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities within Virginia Velocity and the MLS NEXT network.
• Opportunity to help build an elite player development pathway within MLS NEXT programming.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The role requires evening, weekend, travel, and event-based work.
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.