Technical Director

Expected start date: January 1, 2027

McKenzie United Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of the game. We provide accessible, highquality soccer programming for players of all ages and abilities—from grassroots and community levels to high-performance competitive streams. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment for our players, coaches, and community.

Position Overview

We are seeking an innovative, strategic, and passionate Technical Director to lead the football philosophy and technical vision of our club. The Technical Director will be responsible for leading the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of all player and coach development programs. Crucially, this role is designed to ensure strict compliance with Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing Program. The Technical Director will spearhead our technical alignment with the Canada Soccer Youth Club Licence standards, working closely with Alberta Soccer and the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) to maintain the highest level of organizational and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Club Licensing & Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical lead accountable for maintaining and exceeding the standards required for the Canada Soccer Youth Club Licence (National or Provincial level).
• Develop, document, and execute a comprehensive Technical Plan that fully aligns with Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) framework and Youth Licence criteria.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between McKenzie United, CMSA, Alberta Soccer, and Canada Soccer regarding licensing audits, compliance, and technical updates.
• Work collaboratively with operational leadership and the Board of Directors to develop and manage the annual technical budget.

1. Coach Development & Education

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive Coach Development Plan for both volunteer (grassroots) and paid competitive coaches, as mandated by the Youth Club Licence.
• Provide regular on-field and off-field mentorship, formal evaluations, and documented feedback to coaching staff.
• Facilitate internal coaching clinics, workshops, and technical meetings.
• Ensure all coaches meet the minimum certification requirements mandated by Canada Soccer and Alberta Soccer, and actively mentor coaches through the provincial and national licensing pathways, via direct oversight, or management of phase leads.

1. Player Development & Programming

• Oversee the creation and execution of McKenzie United’s technical curriculum across all age groups and skill levels, ensuring specialized focus on the developmental phases outlined in the Youth Club Licence.
• Maintain collaboration with our partner, Valencia CF Canada on Coach Education and player pathways.
• Organize and lead the player evaluation and team placement process for indoor and outdoor seasons, ensuring a fair, transparent, and developmentally appropriate structure.
• Identify and support high-potential players, providing defined pathways to higherlevel playing opportunities (e.g., Alberta Soccer Provincial Teams, NDC/Academy programs, and university programs).
• Liaise with our partner, The Lab, for sports science, medical, and analytical support frameworks as required by higher-tier licensing standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Licensing (Mandatory): Must hold a valid Canada Soccer National “A” or “B” Licence and Children’s License Candidates with equivalent internationally recognized certifications actively converting to the Canada Soccer pathway may be considered. Candidates will also hold or intend to register in the Technical Leadership Diploma.
• Diploma: Completion of (or willingness to obtain) the Canada Soccer Technical Director Diploma.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a senior technical leadership role within a sports organization, youth club, or provincial/national soccer association, with specific experience managing Canada Soccer Club Licensing requirements.
• Background: Proven track record in the creation and implementation of multi-year development plans from grassroots up to high-performance tiers.
• Education: A post-secondary degree or diploma in Sports Administration, Kinesiology, Business, or a related field is not required but considered a strong asset. Key Competencies
• Deep understanding of the youth soccer landscape in Alberta, CMSA league structures, and the rigorous demands of the Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a large team of volunteer and staff coaches.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to navigate difficult conversations with parents and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in modern office software (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) and sports management/communication platforms (e.g., TeamLinkt, RAMP, video analysis tools).
• Must pass a clear Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search and maintain up-to-date Respect in Sport and Safe Sport certifications.

Working Conditions

The nature of the soccer industry requires a flexible schedule. The Technical Director will work standard office hours but must also be highly visible on the pitch, requiring regular evening and weekend work during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Local travel across Calgary is required, with occasional travel for tournaments or provincial meetings.

Compensation

• Salary Range: ~ $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and licensing level.
• Benefits: Wellness and Technology Allowances, professional development allowance (for future licensing, seminars, and coaching courses), and paid time off.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and copies of their active coaching licenses in a single PDF document to [email protected] (Attn: Sporting Director) by November 30, 2026. Please include “Technical Director Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.

_McKenzie United Soccer Club is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities._