José Tavares joins Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team ahead of its inaugural season in 2023
CHARLOTTE, NC (Monday, August 1, 2022) – Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team today announced that José Tavares has been named the Club’s inaugural Head Coach.
Tavares, a 41-year-old Portugal native, joins the Charlotte FC MLS NEXT Pro team after spending more than a decade at FC Porto, one of Europe’s top developers of talent. Tavares was part of FC Porto’s system since 2008, first joining as Academy Head Coach, followed by taking the role as assistant manager of FC Porto A and B teams and Head Coach of the B team, which competes in Liga Portugal 2, the second division of Portuguese Football.
Tavares’ eye for talent and player development comes with an extensive background in Porto’s youth teams, most recently as Porto B Technical Director.
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“I’m excited to announce José as our MLS NEXT Pro team’s first head coach,” said Charlotte FC MLS NEXT Pro President Darrius Barnes. “It was apparent during the interview process that he possesses a strong methodology and a proven ability to develop young talent. José’s passion for soccer, positive attitude, and eagerness to become a part of the greater Charlotte community align with our Club values and makes him the right person to lead our team in its first season.”
Tavares will be working with select academy players starting this fall, as the Club prepares to join MLS NEXT Pro next year.
“I am thrilled to be named Charlotte FC MLS NEXT Pro team’s inaugural Head Coach,” said Tavares “I look forward to diving into the impressive soccer culture built by those at the Club over the past few years and continue developing young talent throughout the Carolinas. Next year will be a historic year as we continue to expand the player pathway and give young players across our region professional opportunities.”
Tavares’ experience with youth development has been showcased as former Porto players, Fábio Vieira, Vitor Ferreira and Fabio Silva, among others, signed for top European clubs. Over the past decade, players developed under Tavares’ tutelage have been sold for hundreds of millions of dollars in the global transfer market.
Tavares has relocated to Charlotte, NC with his wife and three kids, ahead of the start of the inaugural season.
More information on Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team will be provided in the coming months and further staffing hires will be announced soon.
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