Matt Crocker is U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director where he oversees the Federation’s entire Sporting Department, focusing on the Men’s and Women’s National Team programs, Youth National Teams, and the Extended National Teams. Matt is responsible for setting U.S. Soccer’s sporting vision, overseeing the performance of all national teams, implementing the technical development plan, developing sporting culture, philosophy, ensuring greater communication, and the sharing of best practices.

The former English Football Association Head of Development Teams and Southampton Director of Football Operations brought more than 25 years of experience in player development and coaching to U.S. Soccer. Matt helped the FA establish the “England DNA,” the playing and coaching styles within the national team setups. His leadership at the English FA coincided with the resurgence of their Youth National Teams. He helped design and implement organizational and development blueprints for both the men and women from the U-15 girls and boys up through the full Men’s and Women’s National Teams. During his time as the Strategic & Cultural Lead, which included National Teams and Coaching Education, England captured both the 2017 FIFA Under-17 and Under-20 World Cup titles. Two years later, England won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Renowned for its player development model, during Matt’s initial tenure from 2006-2013 at Southampton, he served as Academy Manager and oversaw the development of future international stars like Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse. Matt was fundamental in creating and implementing the ‘SFC Playbook’, driving alignment with game model, training model, and position-specific characteristics delivered throughout the academy to the First Team.

Matt also played a critical role in the development and success of Southampton FC Women, converting the program from part-time to a fully professional team that rose from the FA National League to the Women’s Championship in only two years.

A native of Wales, he holds a UEFA Pro License, the FA Technical Directors License, the FA Academy Manager’s license and has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Sport Pedagogy.