NEW YORK (October 30, 2024) – Two New England Revolution Academy coaches are among the 22 academy directors and head coaches who received their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL, one of the most highly regarded and rigorous soccer coaching courses in the world, in partnership with the Frech Football Federation (FFF). The Revolution’s Director of Youth Development and Under-16s Head Coach Rob Becerra and Under-14s Head Coach Liam Connors completed the fifth iteration of the EFCL, which ran a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period and culminated at the famed INF Clairefontaine outside of Paris in August.
The ECFL program requires coaches to submit a final project that demonstrates their mastery of classroom and on-field instruction. These projects were evaluated based on the candidates’ ability to implement a principle of play within their environment or team. With the platform’s pivotal role in Homegrown development, MLS is currently working with the French Football Federation on the sixth iteration of the EFCL program, set to begin in the spring of 2025. CLICK HERE to view the full 2024 EFCL recipient list. Of the 22 coaches to complete this year’s program, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Erin Ridley became the first woman to complete the program.
The esteemed EFCL platform has played a pivotal role in MLS Homegrown development and the growth of several head coaches, assistants, and general managers throughout MLS and MLS NEXT Pro. Notable graduates include current MLS head coaches Nico Estévez (Austin FC), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), and Greg Vanney (LA Galaxy). Additionally, FC Cincinnati 2 Head Coach Tyrone Marshall, who was a recipient of the EFCL this year, was named the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year on October 16.
The Revolution Academy continues the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season this Sunday, November 3, with all five teams visiting Rochester New York FC. CLICK HERE or visit Revolutionsoccer.net/Academy for more details.
