MLS NEXT, the US youth soccer league, has appointed Kyle Albrecht as its new General Manager after serving a stint as Interim General Manager.
Assuming the role in April 2024, Albrecht will be responsible for overseeing the execution of MLS NEXT programmes to lead the growth of youth soccer in the US. As part of this, he will lead efforts to enhance the quality of competition, talent identification, education, compliance, operations and club membership.
In his new role, Albrecht will report to Ali Curtis, the MLS’ SVP of Sporting Development and manage the MLS NEXT internal team. Albrecht will also continue to oversee MLS GO, the league’s recreational soccer programme that supports access, participation, and the growth of soccer for boys and girls across the country.
Commenting on his new role, Albrecht said: “MLS NEXT has transformed elite youth soccer in North America, and it is an honour to now lead the program.
“I look forward to working closely with all of our MLS and MLS NEXT Elite Academies as we continue to build on the success of this platform to make it the top player development pathway in the world.”
Albrecht has spent five years with MLS, most recently as VP of MLS GO, leading the launch of the league’s new recreational soccer program in 2023. Before launching MLS GO, Albrecht was involved in commercial development and planning for notable MLS events – the MLS All-Star Game, MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Generation Adidas Cup, MLS SuperDraft, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, MLS Cup, and more.
Prior to joining MLS, he had a nine-year tenure with Under Armour, which included leading Sports Marketing for the organisation’s European operations based in London. During his time at Under Armour, Albrecht played a key role when the company signed European players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Memphis Depay, and Ollie Watkins.