Position Summary
El Paso Locomotive FC is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and visionary Boys’ Academy Director / U20 USL Academy Head Coach to lead and oversee all aspects of the club’s elite player development pathway.
This position combines strategic leadership, staff management, and hands-on coaching at the highest academy level, with direct responsibility for the club’s ECNL program and U20 USL Academy team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of elite youth development, ambassador of community and proven experience managing competitive academy environments aligned with long-term player development objectives.
Key Responsibilities- Academy Director
Leadership & Administration
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the club’s boys’ academy program
- Design, implement, and oversee the academy’s long-term player development model
- Align academy philosophy with club values and first-team pathway objectives
- Direct all registration efforts for coaches and players in collaboration with the Youth Soccer Manager, ensuring timely compliance and eligibility with sanctioning competition associations (ECNL)
- Oversee academy operations, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and compliance
- Serve as the primary liaison with ECNL, USL Academy, U.S. Soccer, and league partners
Staff Development & Management
- Recruit, recommend, and supervise academy coaching staff
- Lead regular coaching meetings, evaluations, seasonal tasks (player evaluations, tryouts, ID events), and professional development sessions
- Foster a collaborative, professional, and growth-oriented coaching culture
- Ensure all coaches maintain required certifications and continuing education through USSF licensing
- Plan, prepare, and execute the seasonal academy calendar, including trainings, matches, events, and community engagement initiatives
Talent Identification & Player Pathway
- Develop and oversee scouting, tryouts, and recruitment strategies for ECNL Academy teams (U13-U20)
- Maintain a clear and transparent player pathway from Pre-Academy through Academy and into collegiate and professional environments
- Communicate consistently and effectively with players and families regarding expectations, including scheduled feedback and development updates
- Support college placement and professional pathway opportunities
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance for Academy staff with league rules, U.S. Soccer standards, and SafeSport policies
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting requirements
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for all participants
Key Responsibilities-U20 USL Academy Head Coach
- Serve as Head Coach for the U20 USL Academy team
- Assume responsibility for the full USL Academy player registration process for league play
- Communicate and collaborate with USL Academy administrative and operations staff to ensure all league requirements are executed in a timely and professional manner
- Plan and deliver high-performance training sessions and comprehensive match preparation
- Manage player development plans, performance analysis, and match evaluations
- Prepare players for progression to collegiate, and/or professional opportunities
- Coordinate support staff to best serve U20 players and establish weekly, monthly, and annual team calendar
- Build relationships with college programs nationwide to introduce, promote, and support recruitment efforts for U20 players
- Collaborate with senior team staff to align player integration and pathway development
- Understanding and know-how of player wellness platforms, resources and tools in order to effectively collaborate with sports performance staff team
- Communicate with management/operations team in preparation for team travel, logistics and equipment needs.
- Coordinate and lead all weekly USL Academy meetings internally with staff
Qualifications & Requirements
- U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) B License or higher (strongly preferred)
- Director of Coaching Diploma or equivalent advanced certification (preferred)
- Proven track record of youth development leadership within elite club or academy environments (ECNL, MLS NEXT, or equivalent)
- Experience mentoring coaches and implementing technical training programs
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel on weekends throughout the season
- Proficiency with platforms such as PlayMetrics, AthleteOne, GotSport, and Microsoft Office
- Experience with international amateur player registration through U.S. Soccer (preferred)
- Ability to pass all required background checks
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
