The new MLS NEXT leadership team was unveiled today by Major League Soccer, the league’s youth development initiative.
The new leadership group is a component of the development of MLS NEXT, an elite league that started in September 2020 and now has 15,000 players in the US and Canada.
Major League Soccer has promoted Ali Curtis to the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Sporting Development. Curtis will oversee all MLS NEXT initiatives in his new position and keep oversight of MLS NEXT Pro’s athletic division.
Curtis will also be in charge of Major League Soccer’s On-Field Innovation division, as new on-field regulations represent a key area of focus for advancing the sport in MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS.
Luis Robles, a former goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF, has been appointed to the position of Technical Director of MLS NEXT. In this capacity, Robles will oversee all MLS and MLS NEXT Elite Academy Directors and Technical Staff. With his background as a successful youth, collegiate, and professional player in both MLS and other countries, Robles will offer MLS NEXT technical and sporting direction.
After Justin Bokmeyer left to take a job with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Albrecht will take over as the temporary general manager of MLS NEXT. In order to consistently enhance and raise the caliber of competition, talent spotting, instruction, compliance, and club membership, Albrecht will oversee the implementation of MLS NEXT programs.
Albrecht will remain in charge of MLS GO, the league’s recreational soccer initiative that promotes boys’ and girls’ nationwide access to, involvement in, and development in the game.
As part of their new positions, Albrecht and Robles will answer directly to Curtis. The technical direction of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT will continue to be managed by Fred Lipka, MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development. MLS NEXT will immediately launch a global search for a permanent General Manager.
