ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) — Orlando City SC today announced the appointment of Dan Lock as Academy Head of Methodology & Coaching. In the role, Lock will lead efforts to strengthen coach development, standardize the Academy’s methodology and training processes from the U-12 through U-18 age groups and improve alignment with Orlando City B and the First Team.
“Dan brings extensive experience developing both players and coaches within high-performing academy environments,” said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director. “His expertise in building clear methodologyand effective training environments will help us create greater consistency throughout our academy and strengthen the pathway from our youngest age groups to Orlando City B and the First Team. We are committed to building one of the leading player development environments in North America, and Dan is an important addition to that vision.”
Lock joins Orlando City with more than a decade of experience in elite youth development, most recently serving as head of coaching and individual development for the Columbus Crew Academy. In that role, he led player and team development initiatives, oversaw curriculum and methodology implementation and played a key role in the education and advancement of its coaches.
Prior to that position, Lock also served as academy directorfor the Crew, helping drive the continued growth and evolution of the club’s academy program. His experience also includes leadership roles with Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders FC, where he oversaw academy operations, coached across multiple age groups and helped strengthen player pathways from grassroots and pre-academy levels through the professional ranks.
In addition to his club responsibilities, Lock has played an active role in coach education at the national and league levels. Since 2023, he has served as a coach educator for the U.S. Soccer A-Youth License and as a coach educator and instructor for MLS NEXT continuing professional development seminars.
His commitment to developing coaches complements a career marked by on-field success, including championships in MLS NEXT Cup, MLS NEXT Pro, Generation adidas Cup and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Lock was selected as head coach of the East Team at the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game and helped the Columbus Crew Academy earn MLS Academy of the Year honors in 2023.
Lock earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in sport science, specializing in sports development and economics, from Liverpool John Moores University. His coaching qualifications include the French Football Federation Elite Formation Coaching License, U.S. Soccer A-Youth License and U.S. Soccer Coach Educator License. He also holds the English FA Talent Identification Level 2 certification, English FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and Director of Coaching Diploma.
