HVS Appoints Mike Keeney as MLS NEXT Director
Advancing the MLS NEXT Pathway Through World-Class Leadership
HOOVER | VESTAVIA HILLS, AL
Hoover Vestavia Soccer (HVS) is proud to announce the addition of Mike Keeney to its coaching leadership. A world-class tactician with over 30 years of experience at the game’s highest levels, Keeney brings a global pedigree to Alabama, further solidifying HVS’s commitment to elite player development.
Mike most recently came to us from Florida, where he served as Executive Director and MLS NEXT Director of the historic Clearwater Chargers Soccer Club. This appointment brings Mike full circle, as he served as Director of Coaching for Hoover Soccer Club and as an Assistant Coach at UAB twenty years ago.
In 2008, Mike moved abroad to coach professionally in Finland. What followed was a 13-year career in European professional football.
Keeney’s resume is distinguished by his tenure in the UEFA Europa League and his work with both Senior and Youth National Teams in the United States and abroad. As a holder of the UEFA Pro License—the highest coaching certification in the world—he joins HVS with a level of expertise rarely seen in youth soccer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Keeney to the HVS family. His experience as a current MLS NEXT Director, and his role in shaping the next generation of American coaches, make him an invaluable asset to our players and our staff.”
— Rocky Harmon, Co-Executive Director, Hoover Vestavia Soccer
A Legacy of Elite Development
Keeney’s career has been defined by his ability to bridge the gap between youth development and professional performance. His highlights include:
- International Tactical Expertise: Successfully managing teams in the UEFA Europa League against premier European clubs.
- National Team Impact: Mentoring top-tier athletes within U.S. and international youth national team systems. He is currently on staff with the U.S. U16 National Team.
- Coaching Education: Serving as an instructor for the U.S. Soccer ‘A’ Coaching Course, helping shape the methodologies used by the country’s top coaches.
Building the Future of Alabama Soccer
At HVS, Keeney will apply his holistic approach to player growth, focusing on technical precision, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience. His appointment signals a new era for the club, providing local athletes access to the same caliber of instruction found in professional European academies.
“Mike doesn’t just coach the game; he teaches players how to think and lead. His presence will elevate the standard of excellence we want to provide to our community, ensuring our players are prepared to thrive both on and off the pitch.”
— Tomas Fox, Co-Executive Director, Hoover Vestavia Soccer
About Hoover Vestavia Soccer (HVS)
Hoover Vestavia Soccer is a premier competitive soccer collaboration dedicated to providing the highest level of training and competition for athletes in the Greater Birmingham area. By combining resources and elite coaching talent, HVS creates a pathway for players to reach collegiate, professional, and national team levels.
