MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Working Group and Conference Chair Leadership
As announced on August 4, here is a listing of the MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s leadership.
Read: MLS’ EXPANSION TEAMS & GOVERNANCE OF ELITE YOUTH PLAYER PLATFORM
The MLS Elite Youth Development platform will feature four tiers of governance: Executive Committee, Working Groups, Conference Chairs and Divisions.
According to the MLS release, the Conference Chair leaders within the governance structure will serve as representatives for all clubs within their respective governance Divisions.
Likewise, leaders within each of the five Working Groups will be tasked with submitting recommendations and policies on behalf of all member clubs to the Executive Committee, Platform Management, and MLS League Office for implementation into the platform. The Executive Committee will have representation from MLS and other elite academy technical leaders.
MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Competition Working Group
| Name | Club | Title |
| Sean McCafferty | New York Red Bulls – NJ | Academy Director |
| Robert Elliott | FC Delco – PA | General Manager |
| Cedric Cattenoy | Chicago Fire FC – IL | Academy Technical Director |
| Lars Richter | Michigan Wolves – MI | Academy Director |
| Chris Cartlidge | Colorado Rapids – CO | Academy Technical Director |
| Paolo Carbone | Breakers – CA | Executive Director |
MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Environment Working Group
| Name | Club | Title |
| Anthony Dixon | Cedar Stars Academy Bergen – NJ | Academy Director |
| Jamie Smith | Nashville SC – TN | Academy Director |
| John Burklo | RISE Soccer Club – TX | Academy Director |
| Todd Saldaña | Los Angeles Football Club – CA | Academy Director |
| Derek Armstrong | Nomads – CA | Director of Coaching |
MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Individual Growth Working Group
| Name | Club | Title |
| Darren Powell | Inter Miami CF – FL | Director of Player Development |
| Steve Klein | PA Classics – PA | Director of Coaching |
| Corey Wray | Columbus Crew SC – OH | Assistant General Manager |
| Nick Evans | San Antonio FC – TX | Pro Academy & Club Development Director |
| Kevin Hartman | LA Galaxy – CA | Academy Director, Soccer Operations |
| Jerry Losson | Ballistic United – CA | MLS EYDP Director of Coaching |
MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Talent ID Working Group
| Name | Club | Title |
| Dave Sanford | D.C. United – DC | Academy Director |
| Peter Decker | Seacoast United – NH | Academy Director |
| Tyson Wahl | Austin FC – TX | Academy General Manager |
| Sean Bushéy | Shattuck-St. Mary’s – MN | Academy Director |
| Henry Brauner | Seattle Sounders FC – WA | Director of Player Development |
| Gerson Perez | Silicon Valley SA – CA | SVSA Technical Director |
| Brent Erwin | RSL Arizona – AZ | Technical / Executive Director |
MLS Elite Youth Development Platform’s Commercial Working Group
| Name | Club | Title |
| Dan Lock | Charlotte FC – NC | Academy Manager |
| Alex Chater | IMG Academy – FL | General Manager |
| Dale Schilly | Saint Louis FC – MO | Academy Director |
| Ryan Miller | Portland Timbers – OR | Academy Director |
| Noah Gins | Albion SC – CA | CEO |
