Academy Methodology Lead

Academy Methodology Lead Department: Team Operations Reports To: Academy Director Employment Status: Full-Time; Exempt Role Overview The Academy Methodology Lead is the technical backbone of Orlando City SC's player development pathway. This role drives the day‑to‑day implementation of the club's coaching methodology across all Academy age groups (U12–U19), ensuring full alignment with the First Team game model. Equal parts tactician, mentor, and administrator, the successful candidate will shape how our players learn the game and how our coaches teach it. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Lead the development, documentation, and ongoing evolution of Orlando City SC's game model across all Academy phases, ensuring clear alignment with the First Team's tactical identity. Design and implement a progressive, age‑appropriate coaching curriculum that reflects the club's long‑term player development philosophy. Oversee the club's tactical framework, including principles of play, set‑piece strategies, and in‑possession/out‑of‑possession behaviors. Maintain a living methodology document incorporating written guides, diagrams, video examples, and data‑driven insights. Develop a structured framework for session design, session evaluation, and team performance analysis. Prepare and lead training sessions as needed; manage exhibition, regular season, playoff, and tournament matches while upholding club principles and a competitive mentality. Lead the delivery of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) across Formation Phase teams and manage off‑season player development programs. Oversee all player evaluations and player/parent meetings, ensuring clear, consistent communication. Collaborate with the Academy Director and Technical Staff on player and roster movement from the Formation Phase to the Professional Phase. Assist with scouting and evaluation of prospective players; maintain frequent communication with Academy Scouts to identify and report talent. Enforce team and league rules applicable to players and coaching staff, ensuring adherence to the Orlando City Academy Code of Conduct. Provide consistent on‑ and off‑field support to Academy coaches, ensuring methodology is applied within training and on matchday. Conduct regular session observations and matchday evaluations, delivering actionable feedback aligned with each coach's individual development plan. Facilitate in‑house coach education events, workshops, methodology walkthroughs, and collaborative review sessions to foster a culture of continuous learning. Support the Academy Director in developing and implementing the Coaches Code of Conduct and in tracking staff licensing pathways, development goals, and performance standards. Provide structured mentorship to coaches across all Academy phases. Contribute technical evaluations of session quality, methodology adherence, and player outcomes in support of annual staff performance reviews. Use session planning tools and video platforms to record and analyze relevant player and team data. Collaborate closely with scouting and performance departments to integrate methodology into daily workflows and decision‑making. Collaborate with the Academy Director on technical reports, documentation, and reviews required for compliance, audits, and strategic planning. Conduct and organize matchday preparation, including developing game strategies, team meetings, and opponent scouting. Support additional age groups with training and matchday coverage as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications USSF ‘A’ License or Equivalent Minimum of 5 years of experience working in elite soccer. Proven history of developing players. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organizational and leadership skills. Collaborative management style – an advocate of team concepts. Positive influencer, comfortable with leading dynamic change. Able to work non‑traditional hours, in non‑traditional settings, within a team atmosphere. (This may include nights, weekends, and holidays.) Preferred Qualifications Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) Professional Coaching Experience (Formation Phase, MLS Next Pro, MLS First Team) Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multi‑lingual fluency Experience, familiarity, and network within the OCSC Territory is strongly preferred 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. Orlando City and Orlando Pride will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process and perform critical job functions. Please contact the People and Culture department at View email address on click.appcast.io to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Orlando City SC