MLS NEXT Director (Virginia Velocity)

About Sofive

Sofive Soccer Centers is a nationwide organization that currently operates 22 sports facilities and five youth soccer clubs across 10 states, with more in the pipeline. Virginia Velocity is seeking a candidate for its MLS NEXT Director position. The MLS NEXT Director is responsible for overseeing the technical, operational, and developmental standards of MLS NEXT programming, ensuring alignment with MLS NEXT requirements and best practices in elite youth player development.

This individual will work collaboratively with club leadership, coaching staff, and league administrators to implement development standards, support coaching education, and create a clear pathway for high-performing players within MLS NEXT programming. Additionally, the MLS NEXT Director will ensure alignment of technical standards, competition structures, and player development initiatives across Aspire League clubs participating in MLS NEXT to promote consistency, collaboration, and long-term player growth.
The position reports to the Club Executive Director.

Responsibilities

Player Development & Curriculum Implementation

• Develop and implement a league-wide player development framework aligned with Virginia Velocity standards and best practices in elite youth soccer development.
• Provide guidance to club staff on age-appropriate training models and performance environments consistent with MLS NEXT expectations.
• Monitor player development environments across MLS NEXT programs and provide feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
• Support initiatives that enhance player performance and long-term development.

Coach Development & Education

• Drive the recruitment, mentorship, and support of MLS NEXT coaching staff.
• Organize and lead coaching education initiatives including workshops, clinics, and mentorship opportunities aligned with MLS NEXT standards.
• Promote best coaching practices and ensure adherence to MLS NEXT development philosophy.
• Provide ongoing feedback and evaluation tools to support coach development across MLS NEXT programs.

League & Program Management

• Work with league leadership to develop long-term strategic plans for MLS NEXT programming.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, operational guidelines, and developmental benchmarks aligned with MLS NEXT requirements and Virginia Velocity Talent Development plans.
• Support club directors and staff with MLS NEXT program structure, roster management, and player evaluation frameworks.
• Assist with the organization and oversight of MLS NEXT competitions, league events, and talent identification opportunities.

Alignment of MLS NEXT Member Clubs

• Work closely with Technical Director and Executive Director programs to ensure a unified player development philosophy.
• Develop and implement standardized guidelines for training methodology, player evaluation, and player progression within MLS NEXT environments.
• Facilitate collaboration between clubs through coaching forums, shared learning opportunities, and inter-club initiatives.
• Support talent identification and player movement opportunities within the MLS NEXT ecosystem where appropriate.
• Provide consistent reporting and performance analysis on player development and competitive standards across MLS NEXT programs.

Community Engagement & Parent Communication

• Serve as a key resource for clubs, parents, and players regarding MLS NEXT pathways and development expectations.
• Support educational initiatives that communicate the league’s development philosophy and MLS NEXT standards to families.
• Promote the MLS NEXT mission through engagement with regional soccer communities, clubs, and governing bodies.
• Represent Virginia Velocity in MLS NEXT meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives.

Competition & Pathway Development

• Ensure teams are placed in appropriate MLS NEXT competitions, showcases, and events that support high-level player development.
• Assist in organizing showcase events, identification opportunities, and performance benchmarking initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with college coaches, scouting networks, professional academies, and MLS clubs to support player advancement opportunities.
• Attend MLS NEXT matches and events to evaluate player perfo