MLS NEXT Academy 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)
Club Overview
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 Academy Division is designed for players who wish to compete at a high level while also participating in high school soccer. HVS is building a unified technical identity rooted in long-term development, professional standards, accountability, and competitive excellence across both divisions.
Position Summary
The MLS NEXT Academy Head Coach is responsible for leading one or more MLS NEXT Academy teams and delivering the HVS player development model through structured training, match management, and individual player oversight.
This role focuses on developing technically and tactically strong players within a school-year based environment while maintaining alignment with HVS’s overall playing philosophy. The Head Coach will work closely with technical leadership, performance staff, and fellow coaches to ensure consistent standards across the MLS NEXT pathway.
Primary Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Environment
- Lead all aspects of team operations including training, matches, player management, and parent communication.
- Establish a positive, disciplined, and development-focused 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 potential transitions between Academy and Homegrown environments.
- 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.
Qualifications
- Proven coaching experience in competitive youth environments (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA, collegiate, or equivalent).
- USSF “C” License minimum required; USSF “B” or “A” License preferred (UEFA equivalent accepted).
- Strong understanding of modern player development principles.
- Ability to lead young athletes in a structured, high-accountability environment.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and travel.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Attributes
- Experience working within school-year based 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.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume or CV
- Coaching Licenses/Certifications
- Professional References
