Philly Leader

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced that Philadelphia Union Academy head coaches Peter McDonnell and Pedro Cavalcanti have earned their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). This achievement comes through a collaboration with the French Football Federation (FFF).

The Union Academy was among three MLS teams to have multiple coaches complete these demanding coaching courses. U-18 Head Coach Peter McDonnell and U-16 Head Coach Pedro Cavalcanti participated in the fifth iteration of the EFCL program, which lasted seven weeks over an 18-month period. The program concluded at INF Clairefontaine near Paris in August.

Coaches were required to submit a final project that combined classroom learning and on-field instruction, demonstrating their ability to apply teachings from the 18-month course. These projects were assessed based on how well candidates could implement a principle of play within their team or environment.

Past recipients of the Elite Formation Coaching License have contributed significantly to coaching foundations across MLS and MLS NEXT Pro over the last ten years. Notable alumni include current MLS head coaches Nico Estévez (Austin FC), Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), and Greg Vanney (LA Galaxy).

MLS is currently collaborating with the French Football Federation on the sixth iteration of this program, set to commence in spring 2025.