MLS Homegrown Head Coach

Overview

MLS NEXT Homegrown Head Coach —

Location:

Hoover / Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Department:
Technical / Sporting

Reports To:

MLS NEXT Director & Technical Leadership

Position Type:
Full-Time / Part-Time (based on team assignment)

Hoover Vestavia Soccer (HVS) competes in the elite MLS NEXT platform, providing a comprehensive player development pathway through both the MLS NEXT Academy Division and MLS NEXT Homegrown Division.

The MLS NEXT Homegrown Division represents HVS’s year-round, high-performance environment for players fully committed to club soccer. HVS is building a unified technical identity rooted in long-term development, professional standards, accountability, and competitive excellence.

The MLS NEXT Homegrown Head Coach is responsible for leading one or more MLS NEXT Homegrown teams and delivering the HVS player development model through daily training, match management, and individual player oversight.

This role requires a high-level developmental mindset, strong leadership presence, and the ability to guide elite youth players in a demanding competitive environment. The Head Coach will work closely with HVS technical leadership, performance staff, and fellow coaches to ensure consistent standards across the MLS NEXT pathway.

• Team Leadership & Environment
  • Lead all aspects of team operations including training, matches, player management, and parent communication.
  • Establish a positive, disciplined, and high-performance team culture.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for players and families within assigned teams.
  • Represent HVS professionally at matches, showcases, and league events.
• Player Development
  • Deliver training sessions aligned with HVS curriculum and MLS NEXT standards.
  • Implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each player.
  • Provide ongoing technical, tactical, physical, and psychological feedback.
  • Conduct formal player evaluations and contribute to roster planning discussions.
  • Support player movement within the pathway, including promotion opportunities.
• Training & Match Execution
  • Plan and execute age-appropriate, developmentally sound training sessions.
  • Prepare teams tactically for MLS NEXT competition.
  • Manage match-day responsibilities including lineup selection, substitutions, and game management.
  • Utilize video and performance feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
• Collaboration & Staff Integration
  • Work collaboratively with Directors, fellow Head Coaches, Goalkeeping staff, and Performance staff.
  • Participate in coaching meetings, education sessions, and curriculum alignment workshops.
  • Contribute positively to a unified club-wide technical culture.
• Professional Standards & Compliance
  • Adhere to all HVS policies, MLS NEXT regulations, and operational procedures.
  • Complete required league reporting, player evaluations, and administrative responsibilities on time.
  • Maintain consistent communication with Technical Leadership regarding player progress and team needs.

• Proven coaching experience in elite youth environments (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA, collegiate, or equivalent).
• USSF “B” License minimum required; USSF “A” License preferred (UEFA equivalent accepted).
• Strong understanding of modern player development principles.
• Ability to lead young athletes in a high-accountability environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

• Experience working in year-round competitive pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to develop players for higher levels of competition.
• Strong alignment with long-term development over short-term results.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Interested Candidates Should Submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or CV
• Coaching Licenses/Certifications
• Professional References