Real Salt Lake Academy announced its full staff roster for the 2026-27 MLS NEXT season. The announcement, made from Herriman, Utah, detailed new leadership roles and coaching appointments across the academy's various departments.
The academy's leadership structure features Jon Spencer as Academy Director. Spencer, who previously served as the club's Director of Scouting & Recruitment, returned to the club following a one-year absence to take over day-to-day operations after the departures of Colton Atkin and Gary Williamson.
Tony Beltran will continue his role as Assistant Sporting Director, maintaining oversight of all RSL Academy and Real Monarchs developmental teams. The leadership team also includes Roxy Luna as Director of Education and Almir Netto as Head of Academy Performance. Netto joined the Utah-based organization from Orlando City SC Academy and Figueirense Futebol Clube.
Dr. Luna remains in charge of educational and community initiatives following a 2025-26 academic year that saw 18 academy graduates complete high school.
The coaching staff for the upcoming season includes Lewis Neal as U18 Head Coach and Wes Charpie as U18 Assistant Coach. Neal, who led the U18s to the 2026 MLS NEXT Cup Quarterfinals last spring, returns for his first full season at the helm. Charpie joins the staff following his recent retirement from professional play.
Fito Ovalle was named U16 Head Coach, while his brother Nico Ovalle will serve as U16 Assistant Coach and U15 RSL Juniors Head Coach. Michael Flynn will continue as the Academy Goalkeeper Coach.
The RSL Juniors staff, responsible for overseeing the U13, U14, and U15 squads, includes Sean Forster as U14 RSL Juniors Head Coach, Cam Jolley as U13 RSL Juniors Head Coach, and Karson Payton as U13 RSL Juniors Assistant Coach.
The academy's scouting department will be led by Matthew Hayes as Head of Emerging Talent, alongside Club Scout Morten Timm. The announcement also detailed various support roles in athletic training, performance, administration, and dormitory management to support the academy's development pipeline.
