Soccer Academy Director

Connecticut Rush, a premier youth soccer club in Connecticut, is seeking a highly motivated, visionary, and experienced Academy Director to lead the continued growth and development of our Select program. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly expanding and community-driven soccer club.

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About CT Rush:

Connecticut Rush is a soccer club that serves well over a thousand players across a wide range of ages and competitive levels. We are a year round, professionally operated youth soccer organization based in Connecticut. We are dedicated to the holistic development of our players through our training methodology where we emphasize technical, tactical, and physical growth. Our mission is to develop players who C.A.R.E. and our vision is to become the most innovative and challenging development center in the region.

The club operates in several locations throughout the state. These "branches" include: South (Wilton), Central (Seymour), South Central (North Branford), Southeast (New London), Northeast (Griswold), and Select (North Branford).

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About the Role

The Academy Director will oversee the direction of the Select program including ECNL RL teams on the girls side and MLS Next new tier teams on the boys side. The Academy Director will also oversee the growth and development of the youth categories at the South Central branch and develop the pipeline into the Select program. The Academy Director will oversee a staff of coaches to lead at the Select level. The Academy Director will oversee all aspects of player and coach development on the Select side, ensuring that training standards, curriculum, and player pathways align with the club’s mission and values. The Academy Director will work closely and collaboratively with the General Manager/Technical Director to drive operational success, competitive development, and staff excellence.

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Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Program Development

• Design and implement a club wide Player Development Plan for the Select program.
• Ensure technical excellence and consistency across all age groups and competition levels.
• Oversee training methodology, session planning, and competitive team structures.
• Continuously evaluate and evolve programming to meet strategic objectives and industry standards.

Coach Recruitment, Development & Evaluation

• Recruit, assign, mentor, and retain high level coaching staff.
• Develop and lead coach education initiatives including training sessions, evaluations, and feedback processes.
• Implement a structured performance evaluation process for all girls program coaches.
• Foster a professional, collaborative coaching culture committed to ongoing improvement.

Player Development & Progression

• Manage the developmental pathway for players ages U8–U19.
• Lead tryouts, player assessments, and roster placements.
• Create and manage individual development plans and feedback systems.
• Guide college recruitment and showcase opportunities for high school aged players.

Operational & Strategic Collaboration

• Partner with club administrators on schedules, registration, and field logistics.
• Coordinate with leadership on staffing, budget management, and long-term planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the club and external leagues, college coaches, and events.
• Communicate effectively with players, parents, and stakeholders about development plans and club vision.

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Qualifications & Desired Experience

• USSF or UEFA B or higher License strongly preferred.
• Director of Coaching Diploma or equivalent advanced certification is a bonus.
• Proven success in youth development leadership within club or academy environments.
• Experience mentoring coaching staff and implementing technical programs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Technological proficiency with tools such as GotSport, Google Workspace, 360 Player, etc.
• Must pass all background checks and possess a valid driver’s license.

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Why Join CT Rush?

• Become a key leader in a growing and ambitious club with strong community ties.
• Influence the future of the game in a region passionate about soccer development.
• Collaborate with a passionate and evolving staff in a professional environment.
• Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
• Opportunities for career advancement within an expanding club infrastructure.