Mike Smith (Portland Timbers Academy)
Note: This article uses the slug
mike-smith-timbersto distinguish from other individuals named Mike Smith.
Role
Academy Director, Portland Timbers FC (MLS). Leads all youth development operations for the Timbers’ MLS NEXT academy program.
Background
Prior to the Timbers academy, Smith was Technical Director of the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA), where he established regional training centers for the Olympic Development Program. He also coached at the University of Oregon and Santa Clara University. He has been on U.S. Soccer’s national instructional staff since 1999 and holds USSF National A and FIFA Futuro coaching credentials. Was selected for the MLS/French Football Federation Elite Formation Coaching License program, studying at Clairefontaine and with Paris Saint-Germain.
Connections
- portland-timbers-academy — current organization
- oregon — market
Context
Smith helped shape Oregon’s youth development infrastructure before moving to the Timbers’ professional academy, representing the overlap between state association leadership and MLS club development that characterizes the Pacific Northwest soccer ecosystem.