Thiffault Brings MLS Experience
Soccer News: The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced Jef Thiffault has been named Managing Director. He will manage day-to-day operations for the league, reporting directly to the NPSL’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and owners from across the country, I would like to welcome Jef to the NPSL family,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone commented. “Jef brings immense experience in the American game, including time with Major League Soccer. His network of contacts is truly impressive and we believe his leadership and talents will take the league to an entirely new level. It’s an exciting time to be part of the NPSL and we are glad that Jef has joined us for this incredible journey.”
Thiffault brings nearly 20 years of organizational and leadership positions in the sport of soccer to the NPSL.
Thiffault worked for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) in a variety of league and event management roles. Thiffault was part of the MLS League Office Operations Department and Disciplinary Committee. He managed the administration of all game officials assigned to MLS and all aspects of the MLS Reserve Division. For Soccer United Marketing, he had involvement in every SUM property. He served as the operations lead for SUM’s Mexican National Team Tour in the USA, venue manager for CONCACAF Gold Cups, and project manager for SuperLiga. He also held roles with the World Football Challenge, InterLiga, and Pan Pacific Championship. He helped organize many international friendlies in North America involving some of the biggest professional club teams in the world and national teams from every continent.
“I’m very grateful and excited for the opportunity to be joining the National Premier Soccer League as Managing Director,” Thiffault added. “The NPSL is a key vehicle for player development in America with a tremendous platform. I look forward to working hard to grow our game on and off the field while maintaining our high level of professional standards. I wish to thank NPSL Chairman Joe Barone and the NPSL board and ownership for their vision, faith, and support.”
After his time at MLS and SUM, Thiffault founded Contigo Sports Management, a consulting company primarily focused on soccer with strengths in event management, strategic planning and sponsorship. Thiffault graduated with a double major in Sports Management and Business Administration from the University of New Haven and serves their Student-Mentor Program. He is a member of the University of New Haven’s Institute of Sport Management Advisory Board and a board member for the Claudio Reyna Foundation.
