Resources
The 90’+ Network
This network is a resource for MLS players, both past and present, to build connections, gain insights, and create opportunities for developing off the field. If you’re interested in building relationships, finding a mentor, setting up a job shadow or internship, or exploring potential employment opportunities, get started with the 90’+ Network.
Request Access to the 90'+ Network Directory
*Former MLS players can join the network here.
90'+ Workshops
The 90’+ Workshop is an annual event that takes place to equip players, past and present, with tools, connections, and other opportunities to succeed beyond the field.
Career Conversations
Interested in learning more about popular career paths and industries that many of your peers and other professional athletes pursue? Active and former MLS players and other professionals provide important career insights in fields like real estate, entrepreneurship, sales, grad school, marketing, and more in this series!
Request 1:1 Connections or Access to the Virtual Series
Game Plan
Game Plan is the leading platform used by athletic organizations to educate and develop their athletes & staff on and off the field. Their proprietary and athlete-specific personality assessments - the Athlete Interest & Next Play Pro - will help prepare and develop you for your professional careers and life after soccer.
Once completed, you will receive a full report breaking down your results and how to apply them to your educational and professional pursuits. MLSPA staff are also available to conduct 1-on-1 assessment debriefs.
Next Play Pro Overview | Athlete Interest Inventory Overview
Request access to complete the assessments | Schedule assessment debrief
Shift Group
Shift Group prepares former collegiate & professional athletes and military for careers in sales. This includes access to training courses and materials, a career coach, resume and LinkedIn support, interview prep, and more. Shift Group currently focuses on tech and pharmaceutical sales. Check out this Career Conversations session for an overview of their program.
Harvard Crossover into Business
Built to help active professional athletes be better prepared for business activities during and after their active sports careers, the Crossover Into Business program matches athletes with a pair of Harvard Business School’s MBA student mentors. These mentors help the athletes develop their business acumen and empower them to make better business decisions, all in a way that fits the athletes’ busy lives, is tailored to their interests, and leverages the acclaimed Harvard Business School case method.
Click here to get added to our notification list when the next application period opens.
Bellevue University
*Official launch coming March 2024.
Unlock an annual grant to support your educational pursuits at Bellevue University - a private, nonprofit university with nearly 25 years of experience offering online degrees dedicated to innovating education to better serve working students like you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Whether it’s a full degree or just a couple of classes, take the next steps in your journey with UMGC, one of the most transfer-friendly institutions. With over 90 programs of study, no-cost course materials, and accessible-from-anywhere classrooms, UMGC is ready to help you achieve your goals.
University of Florida Online
UF Online provides an unparalleled education to determined individuals - wherever life takes them. They remove barriers, so their students can break through. And those who have what it takes to complete one of the 20+ fully online four-year programs earn the same University of Florida degree as their counterparts on campus.
Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business
The top-ranked Kelley School of Business offers current and former MLS players the opportunity to pursue an online graduate certificate or MS or MBA degree.
Program Highlight: Online MBA (48 credits)
Additional Program Options: Graduate Certificates (12 credits) in Business Analytics or Business Management | MS degrees (30 credits) in Business Analytics, Finance, or Strategic Management
Global Institute of Sport
Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is a leading destination for Master’s degrees and executive education in the world of sports.
Program Highlight: MSc Sports Directorship
- This elite executive Master’s program is designed to equip sports professionals and leaders with the skills to develop a successful vision and deliver for the long-term success of sports organizations via the prominent role of Sporting Director.
Additional Program Options: GIS offers many other undergraduate, graduate, and interest-based courses related to the sports industry.
Setanta College
Setanta College is an internationally renowned provider of higher education in human performance and sports science. Headquartered in Ireland, Setanta College also operates campus locations in the UK, Italy, USA, South Africa, and India and is led by an Advisory Board and lecturing faculty highly experienced in the elite-level sport.
Program Highlight: Master’s Degree in Performance Coaching, Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology, or Sports Rehabilitation & Performance
Additional Program Options: Undergraduate Degree & Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning
US Soccer Coaching Courses
U.S. Soccer is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way.
If you are interested in applying for a coaching license course, learn more and follow the instructions at the below links:
US Soccer Coaching Education Overview
Create Your U.S. Soccer Account
Request Your MLS Employment Verification Letter
*By creating your U.S. Soccer account, you will receive updates when courses you’re eligible to take become available. If you would also like to be directly notified by the MLSPA, submit your request here.
Financial Finesse
Build your best financial life with the assistance of Financial Finesse. Connect with a Financial Coach and access your free Financial Hub account to get the resources you need to be successful with your finances.
Topics covered include: budgeting, debt, retirement, investing, real estate, tax, insurance, estate planning, and more.
How to Access:
👨💻 Create your Financial Finesse account @ ffhub.com/mlspa
☎️ Connect with a Financial Coach* @ (855) 623-8180
*This is a family benefit. You and members of your family can also reach a Financial Coach directly Mon - Fri | 9 AM - 8 PM ET.
Stay connected with your network, get up to date on opportunities and trends related to career and industry interests, and keep your personal and professional experience organized and accessible. Whether you already have a profile or need to create one, check out our best practices guide linked below to help you make the most of the platform. We also encourage you to follow MLSPA and join our 90’+ Network group.
