Why the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Pathways Strategy Must Include Elite Development for Coaches Under 40

Recently, the CEO of the U.S. Soccer Federation, JT Batson, unveiled the “Pathway Strategy” to build teams capable of winning major tournaments. The new initiative will invest in young talent to help win World Cups.

The conversation around elevating American soccer always focuses primarily on players: identifying talent earlier, improving training environments, and expanding access to the game. These steps address only part of the equation to make the United States a powerhouse among the world’s best, however. All the powerhouses invest just as intentionally in their pipeline of elite coaches. To win World Cups, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Pathway Strategy should also incorporate pipelines for elite development of coaches under 40. 

The country’s football needs coaches who can set successful tactical tones. But many aspiring coaches lack professional development infrastructure–the youth talent pool suffers as a result. Famous Brazilian coach Jairzinho discovered Ronaldo Phenomeno while coaching at the São Cristóvão youth team. He recommended the then-15-year-old Ronaldo to his former club, Cruzeiro, a pivotal moment that launched the Phenom’s professional career. 

Learned coaches with tactical discernment is essential. It is too common for talented youth in America to languish in environments not conducive to elite growth. A larger pool of competent, well-trained coaches enhances all levels of the American game. The competitive gap cannot be closed without addressing core weaknesses in coaching quality.

Most important, developing a pipeline for coaches under 40 creates the conditions for a cohesive American football philosophy to emerge. Modeled after elite academies in Europe, inclusion into the Pathways Strategy of coaches under 40 is the move that will determine the United States’ competitive trajectory for decades.