Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that Philadelphia Union Academy head coaches Peter McDonnell and Pedro Cavalcanti have recevied their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF).
The Union Academy was one of three MLS teams to have multiple coaches compete the highly regarded and rigorous soccer coaching courses in the world. U-18 Head Coach Peter McDonnell and U-16 Head coach Pedro Cavacanti were part of the fifth iteration of the EFCL. The program spanned a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period and ultimately 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.
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.
