XL Soccer World Welcomes First Girls Director of Coaching

On Team USA, Sydney Leroux helped the U.S. win both the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal and the 2015 FIFA World Cup. Now, Leroux plays for the Orlando Pride and joins the team at XL Soccer World as the first Girls Director of Coaching.

As an Olympian and World Cup winner, Leroux brings exceptional expertise to her role overseeing the programming for girls at XL Soccer World’s locations in Lake Nona and Winter Park as well as a global ambassador for all XL locations in the U.S.

While her role is new to XL Soccer, Leroux is not. She and her kids have been participating in its programs for years. “I have seen firsthand what a great organization it is and experienced the first class facilities and programs they provide. I am so excited for the opportunity to give back to the sport that I love by coaching and mentoring the next generation of soccer players,” Leroux said.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Sydney as part of our team. She has played at the very highest level and will be instrumental in the development and mentorship of all players at XL from our youth development program all the way up to our full-time school for elite players, The XL Academy,” said XL Soccer World CEO Ciaran McArdle.

XL Soccer’s Lake Nona location is its tenth in the U.S., and the first one built from the ground up. Inside this state-of-the-art facility are two turf fields and two multipurpose courts where people come play soccer, Futsal, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball and more.

This air-conditioned oasis houses a variety of youth programs and adult leagues throughout the year for players of all ages and skill levels. One unique youth program is the Mini Sports Academy where children 18 months to 5 years old are developing motor skills, balance, coordination, agility, and social skills while they learn to play a variety of sports.

In addition to expanding the coaching staff, XL is also expanding its facility with the addition of two full-size, outdoor fields set to open in summer 2022. The fields will host international youth tournaments, adult leagues, and recreational programs and serve as an Orlando City Soccer School location.

Read about the origin story of XL Soccer, how they customized the Lake Nona location, and more in this Q&A with McArdle. For more information on youth programs and adult leagues or to sign-up for classes, visit www.xlnona.com.