MLS Director

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Reports To:
Club Executive Director
Organization:
Sofive Soccer Centers / Virginia Velocity

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 with in 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…