Experienced coach, educator and program leader brings player-development expertise and a commitment to building stronger pathways for Northern California players and coaches.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — [Aug. 25, 2026] — Cal North Soccer is pleased to welcome Eric Nilius to the organization's 2026–2027 Olympic Development Program (ODP) Technical Staff as Young Olympians Program (YOP) Director.
A coach, educator, technical leader and administrator with more than a decade of experience in youth soccer, Nilius brings a diverse background spanning MLS NEXT, ODP, developmental academy, competitive and grassroots environments. His work has consistently centered on one goal: creating environments where players and coaches can grow through clarity, connection and purposeful development.
In his new role with Cal North ODP, Nilius will help guide the YOP program while supporting player identification, technical development, coaching education and the continued development of meaningful pathways for young players throughout Northern California.
“What drives me most is helping players and coaches grow through clarity, connection, and purposeful work,” Nilius said. “I believe the best development environments give players the opportunity to understand the game, challenge themselves and enjoy the process, while giving coaches the tools and support to help them succeed.”
Nilius currently serves as Director of Coaching and MLS NEXT Academy Division Director at Ballistic United Soccer Club, where he oversees more than 750 competitive and academy players across MLS NEXT, competitive and developmental tiers. He also supervises more than 15 staff coaches and leads curriculum development and event operations.
Prior to Ballistic United, Nilius served as Director of Coaching and Coach Educator at Roseville Youth Soccer Club, where he led its 7v7 competitive program, supervised more than 20 coaches and implemented curriculum and periodization across multiple teams.
His experience also includes serving as Director of Soccer Operations and Director of Coaching for microsoccer at San Francisco Glens SC, where he managed more than 60 teams and 30 coaches while supporting the club's youth-to-senior pathway and MLS NEXT and USL operations.
Across these roles, Nilius has developed a reputation for building structure, creating opportunities and helping programs move forward during periods of growth and change.
At Colorado Rush, he oversaw academy and recreational programs serving more than 1,000 players. During his tenure, he helped stabilize the program following a period of uncertainty, retaining all teams in the program while creating clearer pathways from recreational soccer into competitive environments.
His work has also produced significant program growth. At San Francisco Glens, he helped lead a developmental program that doubled participation, while at Ballistic United he has helped develop new initiatives including a futsal facility, youth coaching mentorship program and expanded player-development curriculum.
Nilius is already familiar with the Cal North ODP environment.
Since 2024, he has served as a YOP Technical Lead and Head ODP Coach, working in player identification, curriculum design and coach education aligned with U.S. Soccer's player-development framework.
He has coached multiple Cal North ODP State Teams, including the 2013 Boys team in 2024, the 2014 Boys team in 2025 and the current 2015 Boys State Team.
That experience provides Nilius with a valuable understanding of the players, coaches and development environment within Cal North.
“Eric has already demonstrated his commitment to Cal North and to the development of our players and coaches,” said Joyce Bordley, Coaching Education & ODP, Managing Director
at Cal North Soccer. “His combination of coaching experience, technical education, program leadership and understanding of the ODP pathway makes him a tremendous addition to our technical staff. We are excited to see him bring that experience to YOP and help strengthen the player-development pathway throughout Northern California.”
A significant part of Nilius' philosophy is that player development and coach development go hand in hand.
Throughout his career, he has created coaching education programs, mentorship opportunities and curriculum frameworks designed to help coaches better understand how players learn and develop.
At Ballistic United, he created a Junior Coaches Program designed to provide U17–U19 players with mentorship, volunteer opportunities, internal education and preparation for coaching certifications.
He has also delivered coach education sessions, conducted evaluations and developed age-appropriate curriculum based on specific club playing principles.
As a USSF D License Instructor and holder of a USSF B License and UEFA C License, Nilius continues to invest in his own coaching education while helping develop the next generation of coaches.
His professional education has extended beyond the United States, including study visits and professional learning opportunities with clubs including Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and Vitesse in the Netherlands; Bayer Leverkusen in Germany; and Manchester United, Tranmere Rovers, Macclesfield FC and Bracknell Town FC in England.
These experiences have broadened his perspective on player development and reinforced his belief in creating environments that encourage players to think, solve problems and develop a deeper understanding of the game.
Nilius describes his coaching philosophy simply:
“Committed to building environments where players and coaches grow through clarity, connection, and purpose.”
That philosophy will be central to his work with Cal North YOP.
Rather than viewing development solely through results, Nilius emphasizes creating environments where players are challenged appropriately, coaches have a clear framework and everyone involved understands the purpose behind the work.
His approach to curriculum development reflects that philosophy. At Ballistic United, for example, he adapted a 40-week periodization model using FUNiño methodology, utilizing constraints, incentives and realistic training environments to encourage quicker decision-making, scanning and technical development.
The goal is not simply to teach players what to do. It is to help them understand why they are doing it.
As YOP Director, Nilius will contribute to the continued development of Cal North's player pathway while working alongside the organization's technical leadership and ODP staff.
His responsibilities will include supporting the technical direction of YOP, player identification and development, curriculum implementation, coaching support and event operations.
Most importantly, he will help create additional opportunities for young players to experience a development environment that challenges them while keeping the joy of the game at the center.
For Nilius, the opportunity represents another step in a career built around serving players, coaches and the broader soccer community.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Cal North and to take on a larger role with YOP,” Nilius said. “There is tremendous potential across Northern California. My goal is to help create an environment where players can grow, coaches can continue learning, and everyone involved feels connected to a meaningful pathway in the game.”
With a background that combines 13 years of coaching experience, seven years of director-level leadership, ODP experience, coach education, player identification and program development, Nilius brings a well-rounded perspective to the Cal North ODP Technical Staff.
As Cal North begins the 2026–2027 cycle, his focus will remain where it has always been: helping players and coaches become better through clarity, connection and purpose.
Cal North Soccer is the Northern California state association for youth soccer, serving players, coaches, referees, clubs and leagues throughout the region. Through player development programs, coaching education, competitions, safety initiatives and community partnerships, Cal North is committed to creating opportunities for players to develop their skills, confidence and lifelong passion for the game.