For Immediate Release
MLS Communications |
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25 MLS Coaches to Start Elite Formation Coaching License Program on February 1 in Paris
Program has played significant role in the evolution of Homegrown player development and further training of several coaches within MLS and MLS NEXT Pro
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NEW YORK (Friday, January 27, 2023) – Major League Soccer today announced that 25 coaches will be participating in the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) program in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF). Made available to MLS coaches in 2013, this group of candidates represent the fifth class from MLS to take part in the EFCL. Overall, the EFCL platform has played a pivotal role in MLS Homegrown development and the growth of several head coaches, assistants, and general managers throughout MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
One of the most highly regarded and rigorous soccer coaching courses in the world, the EFCL will run a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period (February 2023 – July 2024), which begins on February 1 at the famed INF Clairefontaine outside of Paris. After completing a week of sessions, coaches will participate in club observations from February 8-15, where they will be immersed within many top European teams for one week to observe the academy and player development system. Participating clubs include Arsenal (England), Le Havre AC (France), RC Lens (France), AS Monaco (France), FC Nantes (France), Stade Rennais (France), RC Strasbourg (France), Toulouse FC (France), and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Germany).
In addition to the seven-week commitment, the candidates will meet in smaller regional camps for field instruction and candidate evaluation during two additional extended weekends over the 18 months.
“The Elite Formation Coaching License, in partnership with the French Football Federation, has already made a substantial impact on MLS player development through the rigorous education of our MLS coaches,” said Fred Lipka, MLS Vice President of Player and Youth Development. "We are thrilled to have 25 talented and diverse individuals participating in the program as these candidates will become not just experts in the player development field, but also leaders in their club and soccer communities. We look forward to these coaches mastering the information and methodology they acquire over the next 18 months.”
Coaches and front office members who previously received their Elite Formation Coaching License have laid strong coaching foundations across MLS and MLS NEXT Pro over the last decade. Notable graduates include current MLS head coaches Nico Estévez (FC Dallas), Luchi Gonzalez (San Jose Earthquakes), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), and Greg Vanney (LA Galaxy). Additionally, six current MLS NEXT Pro head coaches have completed the program.
Among the 25 candidates taking part in this iteration of the ECFL program, Erin Ridley of the San Jose Earthquake becomes the first woman from MLS to participate in the program.
Below are the candidates from MLS who will participate in the program over the next 18 months.
| 2023-24 Elite Formation Coaching License Candidates |
| Club |
Name |
Role |
| Atlanta United |
Will Bates |
U13 Head Coach |
| Charlotte FC |
Patrick Daka |
U13 Head Coach/Head of Development |
| Chicago Fire FC |
Selim Talbi |
U15 Head Coach |
| FC Cincinnati |
Tyrone Marshall |
MLS NEXT Pro Head Coach |
| Colorado Rapids |
Elliot Prost |
U17 Head Coach |
| Columbus Crew |
Eric Dutt |
U15 Head Coach |
| D.C. United |
Matt Arrington |
Director of Coaching |
| FC Dallas |
Adam Wells |
U15 Head Coach |
| Houston Dynamo FC |
Jeremy Hurdle |
U15 Head Coach |
| Sporting Kansas City |
Luis Pacheco |
U15 Head Coach |
| LA Galaxy |
Sam Al-Basith |
U13 Head Coach |
| LA Galaxy |
Benoit David |
U15 Head Coach |
| Inter Miami CF |
Pedro Cavalcanti |
U15 Head Coach |
| Minnesota United FC |
Peter McDonnell |
U15 Head Coach |
| Nashville SC |
Jason Boxx |
U15 Head Coach |
| New England Revolution |
Rob Becerra |
Academy Director |
| New England Revolution |
Liam Connors |
U14 Head Coach |
| New York City FC |
Michael Dal Pra |
U15 Head Coach |
| New York Red Bulls |
Jonathan Rhodes |
U17 Head Coach |
| Portland Timbers |
Shannon Murray |
MLS NEXT Pro Head Coach |
| Real Salt Lake |
Andrew May |
U17 Head Coach |
| San Jose Earthquakes |
Erin Ridley |
U15 Head Coach |
| San Jose Earthquakes |
Steven Sosa |
U17 Head Coach |
| Seattle Sounders FC |
Brayton Knapp |
U15 Head Coach |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
Dan Fairhurst |
U15 Head Coach |
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer – celebrating its 28th season in 2023 – features 29 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including 2023 expansion team St. Louis CITY SC. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
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