Major League Soccer today announced that 22 coaches, including LAFC Academy U18 head coach Andrew May, received their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF). One of the most highly regarded and rigorous soccer coaching courses in the world, the fifth iteration of the EFCL ran a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period, which culminated at the famed INF Clairefontaine outside of Paris in August.
As part of the program, coaches were required to submit a final project that incorporated classroom and on-field instruction, illustrating their ability to master teachings over the course of the 18 months. The projects were then evaluated based off the candidates’ ability to implement a principle of play within their environment or team.
May began his professional coaching career with the Chivas USA Academy, working with teams at all levels of their program. He then moved to the Galaxy Academy, developing numerous professional players before joining Real Salt Lake in 2021 and serving as the head coach of the U15 Academy team. With Real Salt Lake, he led the team to back-to-back appearances in the MLS NEXT Cup Final, winning the championship in 2021 and taking over RSL’s U17 team in 2023.
May joined the LAFC Academy in April 2024. He holds a U.S Soccer Federation 'A' Coaching License and a Masters degree in Coaching and Sports Management from Concordia University.
Overall, the EFCL platform has played a pivotal role in MLS Homegrown development and the growth of several head coaches, assistants, and general managers throughout MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
Coaches and front office members who previously received their Elite Formation Coaching License have laid strong coaching foundations across MLS and MLS NEXT Pro over the last decade. Notable graduates include current MLS head coaches Nico Estévez (Austin FC), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), and Greg Vanney (LA Galaxy).
MLS is currently working with the French Football Federation on the sixth iteration of the Elite Formation Coaching License program which would begin in the spring of 2025.
