CHARLOTTE — Dan Lock has been appointed Academy Manager at Charlotte MLS, the club announced on Friday.
Lock offers over a decade of experience in developing, mentoring and managing coaches at all youth levels. He has held director and management positions at MLS academy level and boasts a successful track record of elite talent development and educational leadership.
“Dan is a perfect fit for our new academy project,” says Charlotte MLS Technical Director Marc Nicholls. “He has a wonderful coaching pedigree, as well as a background in coach mentorship. His proven ability in the area of club partnerships and affiliations aligns perfectly with our mission to be an inclusive club for the Carolinas.”
In his most recent role with the Seattle Sounders, Lock managed an extensive academy affiliate network and developed youth club partnerships on a local and national level. He will draw on this experience to develop strong relationships and a sense of community within the youth soccer organizations of Charlotte and the Carolinas.
In addition to coaching licenses with US Soccer and the English FA, Lock is currently adding to his depth of qualifications in youth development by undertaking the Elite Formation Coaching License, in association with the French Football Federation and MLS.
“Charlotte is a vibrant city with a great passion for the game, and the Carolinas have a huge amount of potential,” said Lock. “I’m looking forward to us building on the foundations already laid in the region, and developing young talent for the club.”
“I’ve been hugely impressed with the quality of the people leading the club, and the staff already hired,” he added. “I can’t wait to get to work and help Charlotte MLS become a club the city and region will be proud of.”
