Forward Madison is one of five United Soccer League (USL) clubs that will have an up-and-coming young coaching prospect placed as a resident coach for the preseason through USL Forward, a new diversity, equity and inclusion program launched by the league.
In 2024, the league will pilot the new Pro Preseason Residency. This program will place coaches who are women or people of color with Forward Madison, Greenville Triumph and Richmond Kickers in USL League One, and Sacramento Republic and Oakland Roots in the USL Championship.
Troy McKerrell will join the Forward Madison staff in February through presason training and friendly matches. Born in Scotland, McKerrell will spend the summer as the head coach of the Des Moines Menace in League Two. He spent 2023 coaching Chicago City, also in League Two. He led the team to 11 wins, the Heartland Division Regular Season Title, and the Round of 16 in the USL2 Playoffs. (Keep in mind, there are 122 teams in USL2.) McKerrell is also an alumnus of the prestigious 30 under 30 program with United Soccer Coaches and is part of the United Soccer Coaches Black Advocacy Group.
“We are excited to be included in the first year of USL Forward and welcome Troy to our club,” Forward Madison FC COO Conor Caloia said in a press release. “As one of the first clubs to embark on this new League program, we recognize that fostering a culture of belonging is not only our responsibility but our greatest opportunity for improving innovation and success in soccer.”
“The USL Forward Pro Preseason Residency program is groundbreaking, and I am excited to be one of the first members of this program,” McKerrell in a press release. “I have been on many club insight visits to watch and engage with coaches up close and personal. This has been, in my opinion, the most beneficial and where real learning happens. I’m excited to learn from Matt Glaeser and his technical staff at Forward Madison, who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. Finally, I would like to thank the USL & the participating franchises who are helping to change the landscape for minority coaches.”
A press release indicates that the program will grow in future years, referring to it as a “multi-dimensional, leaguewide initiative” that will “prioritize professional development for technical staff, league and club executives, and local communities to increase racial and gender diversity in leadership roles throughout the USL ecosystem.”
