Position: Executive Vice President of Growth & Development
Teams: MLS NEXT HD U13 (2014)

Hometown: Oldham, England

 

SoCal Reds History:

Paul Bright joined SoCal Reds FC as Executive Vice President of Growth & Development, bringing more than two decades of experience across professional academies, international football, coach education, and club leadership. In his role, Paul oversees strategic growth initiatives, player development pathways, coaching standards, and the continued expansion of the club's elite programming.

What attracted Paul to SoCal Reds was the club's ambition, commitment to player development, and strong sense of community. He is passionate about helping create an environment where players, coaches, and families can thrive while ensuring the club continues to provide best-in-class developmental opportunities at every stage of the player pathway.

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Coaching/Professional Licenses & Qualifications:

• UEFA A Licence

• USSF A Licence

• USSF Technical Leaders II Licence

• BSc (Hons) Football Science

• Masters in Education

• USSF Coach Educator

 

Professional Experience:

Paul has held leadership, coaching, and coach education roles across England, the United States, and the Caribbean, including:

• Manchester United Academy Coach

• Jamaica U17 Men's National Team Coach

• United States Soccer Federation Coach Educator

• MLS NEXT Academy Director – ALBION SC Las Vegas

• National Technical Director – AYSO United

• Director of Coaching – LA Galaxy Orange County

• Academy Manager – FC United of Manchester

• Youth Development Phase Coach – Oldham Athletic

Throughout his career, Paul has worked within some of the game's most respected player development environments, helping shape pathways for aspiring youth players while supporting coaches and organizations in creating high-performance cultures.

 

Area of Expertise

• Elite Player Development

• Club Leadership & Strategic Growth

• MLS NEXT & High-Performance Pathways

• Coach Education & Staff Development

• Curriculum & Game Model Design

• Talent Identification & Recruitment

• Organizational Development

• Leadership & Culture Building

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Career Highlights:

Manchester United Academy

• Paul spent nine years working within the Manchester United Academy system, contributing to the development of players within one of the world's most successful and respected youth development programs. During this time, he worked with and around players who progressed to professional and international football, including Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomez, and Kobbie Mainoo.

International Football

• As a coach with the Jamaica U17 Men's National Team, Paul has supported the development of elite youth internationals and gained valuable experience within the international football environment.

US Soccer Federation Coach Educator

• Since 2016, Paul has served as a USSF Coach Educator, delivering coaching licenses and mentoring coaches throughout the United States. He has also presented at national coaching conventions and served as a technical leader at US Soccer development events.

National Development Frameworks

• Paul has led the creation of player development and coaching frameworks impacting thousands of players and hundreds of coaches across North America, helping organizations establish clear identities, standards, and pathways for success.

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About:

Born and raised in Oldham, England, Paul's passion for football began at an early age and has developed into a career spanning professional academies, international football, coach education, and executive leadership.

He is driven by a belief that great environments create great people and that player development extends far beyond the field. Whether working with players, coaches, or club leaders, Paul's focus remains on creating meaningful experiences that help individuals reach their full potential.

Outside of soccer, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a Purple Belt, Boxing, traveling, and following his hometown club, Oldham Athletic, with his favourite players being Andy Ritchie and John Sheridan.