Experienced coach, technical leader and nonprofit executive brings extensive player-development and program leadership experience to Cal North ODP.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — [Aug. 25, 2026] — Cal North Soccer is pleased to announce Lee Dunne as the organization's Boys Technical Director for the 2026–2027 Olympic Development Program (ODP) cycle.
Dunne brings a broad and accomplished background in youth soccer, nonprofit leadership, coaching education, player development and program operations. His coaching experience spans some of the highest levels of youth soccer in Northern California, including ODP State and Regional programs, MLS NEXT and Development Academy.
In his new role, Dunne will provide technical leadership for the Cal North Boys ODP program, working with coaches and players to establish a consistent, challenging and development-focused environment across the program.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to work with Cal North ODP and contribute to the development of players and coaches throughout Northern California,” Dunne said. “There is an incredible amount of talent in this region. My goal is to help create an environment that challenges players, supports coaches and provides a clear pathway for players to continue developing at the highest levels of the game.”
Dunne currently serves as Executive Director of San Francisco Vikings SC, where he brings together his experience in soccer leadership with his background in nonprofit management and community engagement.
Throughout his career, Dunne has demonstrated a commitment to building strong teams, creating sustainable programs and expanding access to quality soccer experiences.
His leadership philosophy combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, allowing him to work directly with coaches, players, families and community partners while maintaining a broader organizational vision.
Before joining San Francisco Vikings SC, Dunne spent nearly a decade with Challenger Sports in Sacramento, serving as a Regional Director from 2009–2017.
In that role, he was responsible for a wide range of soccer programming and operations, including:
- Soccer camps
- Seasonal training programs
- Coach education
- Tournaments
- Program logistics
- Regional operations
- Staff development
That experience provided Dunne with an extensive understanding of how to build and operate soccer programs while delivering positive experiences for players and families.
Dunne's coaching background includes experience across virtually every major level of the Northern California youth soccer landscape.
He has also coached within the Southern Premier League and Northern California UPSL Divisions 1 and 2, giving him experience across both the youth and adult sides of the game.
That breadth of experience gives Dunne a unique perspective on player pathways and the different environments players encounter as they progress through the sport.
For Cal North ODP, that understanding will be particularly valuable as the organization continues to develop pathways for players seeking opportunities at higher levels of the game.
Dunne holds his USSF A License, earned in 2019, as well as the USSF Technical Leader Level 1 certification, earned in 2022.
His continued investment in coaching education reflects a commitment to learning and adapting as the game evolves.
The role of technical leadership requires more than simply understanding tactics and training methodology. It requires the ability to communicate ideas, develop coaches, evaluate players and create consistency across an entire program.
Dunne's combination of technical education and leadership experience positions him to help bring those elements together within Cal North ODP.
“Lee's experience is incredibly valuable to our Boys ODP program,” said Joyce Bordley, Coaching Education & ODP, Managing Director at Cal North Soccer. “He understands the Northern California soccer landscape from multiple perspectives—as a coach, technical leader, nonprofit executive and program builder. His experience across ODP, ECNL, MLS NEXT, Development Academy and other competitive environments gives him a strong understanding of the player pathway and what it takes to help players continue progressing.”
At the center of Dunne's approach is a commitment to access, quality and community.
His professional experience has consistently focused on creating opportunities for players while building the infrastructure and support systems necessary for coaches and programs to succeed.
As Executive Director of San Francisco Vikings SC, Dunne has continued that work through organizational leadership and community engagement.
His experience with Challenger Sports further developed his ability to manage large-scale programming, coordinate coaches and staff, deliver educational opportunities and create quality soccer experiences across a wide range of communities.
That combination of technical and operational experience will be an important asset to Cal North ODP.
As Boys Technical Director, Dunne will work alongside the broader Cal North ODP Technical Staff and Director of Coaching Education & ODP to support the program's technical direction.
His responsibilities will include helping establish technical standards, supporting coach development, contributing to player identification and evaluation, overseeing technical objectives and helping create consistency across ODP training and events.
The goal is to provide players with an environment that is challenging, supportive and focused on long-term development.
For Dunne, the opportunity is also about contributing to the broader Northern California soccer community.
“Youth soccer can have an incredible impact on a player's life—not only in how they develop as a player, but in how they develop as a person,” Dunne said. “I'm looking forward to working with the players and coaches in Cal North ODP and helping create experiences that challenge them, connect them with the game and give them the tools to continue moving forward.”
With extensive experience across youth development, ODP, elite competition, coaching education, nonprofit leadership and soccer operations, Dunne brings a comprehensive perspective to his new role.
As Cal North begins the 2026–2027 ODP cycle, Dunne will help lead the Boys ODP program with a focus on technical consistency, coach development, player growth and creating meaningful pathways for Northern California's next generation of players.
About Cal North Soccer
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.
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