Miquel Gasparin to lead MLS NEXT launch and advance player development in Suffolk County
Long Island, NY – December 18, 2025 — The Island F.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Miquel Gasparin as the club’s new Club Youth Director, supporting the launch and growth of The Island F.C.’s Youth MLS Homegrown and Academy platforms in Suffolk County. In this role, Gasparin will oversee the launch and growth of MLS NEXT programming in Suffolk County while driving future league expansion initiatives across both boys’ and girls’ pathways.
Gasparin joins The Island F.C. with extensive experience in elite youth development, academy leadership, and coach education at both national and international levels. Most recently, he served as Boys Director of Coaching for Long Island Slammers, where he oversaw the club’s technical framework, long-term player development model, and coaching methodology from grassroots through national competition levels. His leadership emphasized a clear game model, consistent coaching structure, and connected pathways from community-based programs to elite regional and national platforms.
Prior to his time with Slammers, Gasparin spent five years as Academy Director within the Barça Academy system, leading Barça Academy PRO New York and Barça Academy Columbus. During this period, he implemented FC Barcelona’s methodology across all age groups (U8–U19), managed large technical staffs, and embedded holistic player-development principles that balanced elite performance with character, education, and identity. He also played a key role in operational oversight, coach education, program expansion, and club-wide strategic planning, helping establish both academies as respected, methodology-driven environments aligned with Barça’s global standards.
Gasparin brings a strong academic and professional foundation to The Island F.C.’s youth player development initiatives. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism and education, an MBA from Universität Oberta de Catalunya, and is currently completing a Master of Science in Sport Management at Adelphi University. His coaching qualifications include the UEFA A License, USSF B License, and a pending USSF A Youth License, reflecting his continued commitment to learning and excellence.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Gasparin is widely respected for his leadership, communication skills, and ability to align coaching staffs around a shared developmental vision. His multidisciplinary background in methodology, operations, education, and long-term planning strongly supports The Island F.C.’s mission to build a modern, player-centered academy environment with clear and meaningful pathways from youth to senior levels.
The Island F.C. is excited to welcome Miquel Gasparin and looks forward to the impact his experience and leadership will bring as the club continues to grow its elite youth and academy platforms in Suffolk County.
Suffolk Trials Scheduled for January 2nd, 2026 — Apply Here >
About The Island F.C.
The Island F.C. is an official MLS NEXT Pro club, committed to building a complete player pathway from youth development to the professional level. As part of its long-term vision, The Island F.C. will launch its MLS NEXT Pro team in 2027, creating a direct connection between grassroots development and the professional game.
Through its MLS NEXT platform in Suffolk County, The Island F.C. provides elite training environments and clear progression opportunities for aspiring players—giving talented athletes access to top-tier coaching, advanced development methodology, and a structured pathway that can lead from local competition to the highest levels of the sport. This integrated approach reflects The Island F.C.’s mission to deliver world-class coaching, methodology-driven programs, and a player-centered experience that fosters excellence both on and off the field.
About MLS NEXT
About MLS NEXT MLS NEXT is Major League Soccer’s (MLS) elite youth development platform for top male players in North America, creating a pathway to professional soccer. It features MLS academies and high-level independent clubs, offering intense competition, top coaching, and significant exposure for college recruitment and pro scouting. As the highest level of youth soccer in the U.S., MLS NEXT, it is designed to develop players for the professional ranks, with many progressing to MLS NEXT Pro—the third-tier professional league that bridges the gap to MLS first teams.
Through its Homegrown and Academy platforms, MLS NEXT provides structured pathways for players to advance from youth development into professional opportunities. Importantly, the Academy platform accommodates participation in high school soccer, allowing families and athletes to balance elite training and competition with the traditional high school experience.
