ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2025) – Under the leadership of Academy Director Jose Campos, the Orlando City SC Academy today announced its coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 MLS NEXT season, which will kick off on September 6. Orlando’s Academy teams will compete in the new MLS NEXT Homegrown Division, which was announced earlier today by the league.
Leading the U-18 side is Head Coach & Methodology Lead Eddie Wilding. Wilding holds both UEFA A and USSF A licenses and is currently a candidate for the prestigious Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL 6). His previous coaching experience includes roles at the University of Central Florida, Barcelona Residency Academy and the Colorado Rapids. Wilding joined Orlando City SC in July 2023 and brings a holistic, development-first approach to the Academy’s oldest age group.
Supporting Wilding is Walden Sterrett, U-18 Academy Assistant Coach. Sterrett, a USSF A licensed coach, enters his third year with Orlando City, having previously led the U-12 squad. With over 15 years of coaching experience and a background in youth development at the Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club, Sterrett is currently pursuing his UEFA B License.
The U-16 team will be led by Head Coach Bitielo Jean Jacques. A former Orlando City player, Jean Jacques is known for his emphasis on discipline, creativity and tactical awareness. The Haiti native specializes in technical skill development and player mentorship, fostering a culture of resilience and intelligence on and off the pitch.
Jared Bieber takes charge of the U-15 side as Head Coach. Bieber holds UEFA A and Elite Youth A Licenses from the Football Association of Wales and earned a Master’s in Sports Coaching from Liverpool John Moores University. His diverse experience spans youth and professional academies in Texas, New York and the United Kingdom.
Supporting both the U-15 and U-16 squads is Matt Brewer, Assistant Coach & Player Development Lead. Originally from England, Brewer has over 15 years of coaching experience across ECNL, MLS NEXT and various MLS Academies. Since joining Orlando City in 2021, he has served in multiple roles including head coach, pre-formation lead and lead scout. Brewer is also a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator.
The U-13 and U-14 teams will be led by Vinicius Durante, a former professional player in Brazil who holds License A certifications from both CBF and CONMEBOL. Durante brings with him over a decade of coaching experience at top Brazilian academies, including Botafogo and Flamengo.
Joining Durante is Nick Lehning as U-13 and U-14 Assistant Coach. Lehning holds UEFA and USSF B licenses and has extensive experience in coaching and analysis with clubs such as the Colorado Rapids, Phoenix Rising FC and various collegiate programs. His academic background includes graduate studies in Biomolecular Sciences and Human Performance.
Rounding out the staff is Mateo Gutierrez, Head Coach of the U-12 Academy team. Gutierrez has been with the Orlando City Academy for three seasons following two years at Orlando City Soccer School South. He holds U.S. Soccer National C and D licenses and brings a player’s perspective from his time with the FC Dallas Academy, the Colombian U-15 National Team and NCAA Division I soccer at the University of the Incarnate Word in Texas.
The MLS NEXT Homegrown Division name reflects its direct connection to the MLS Player Pathway, serving as the top level of competition in the program. Every MLS academy will compete in the Homegrown Division alongside 122 MLS NEXT Elite Academies (non-MLS academies), creating a platform for the most talented young players in North America to test themselves and prepare for the next level in their careers, with many each year going on to sign their first professional contracts as MLS Homegrown players.
The 2025-26 MLS NEXT season will feature a record 273 clubs, 2,189 teams, and more than 43,000 players competing in over 28,000 matches across the continent. Orlando City Academy’s full schedule is available here.
