St. Louis Development Academy Promotes Vernon Croft to Technical Director

St. Louis, MO — March 2, 2026 — St. Louis Development Academy is proud to announce the promotion of Vernon Croft to Technical Director. The appointment reflects the club’s continued commitment to excellence in player development, coaching education, and long-term growth across the academy.

In his new role, Croft will oversee the club’s technical vision, including player development philosophy, curriculum design, coaching methodology, talent identification, and alignment across all age groups. He will continue to oversee all Girls Academy programming within the club while also working closely with Boys Director Dave Beck to ensure collaboration and consistency across both programs.

Croft will also remain actively involved on the field, serving as head coach for a boys age group, reinforcing the club’s belief in hands-on leadership and direct engagement in the development process.

Croft brings an extensive and respected background to the role. He holds a USSF A License, Club Technical Leader License, and Grassroots Instructor License, and has accumulated more than 25 years of collegiate coaching experience, developing players and mentoring coaches at the highest levels of the youth and college game.

At the national level, Croft is deeply involved with the Girls Academy (GA). He currently serves as a member of the Girls Academy Competitions Committee and has previously held leadership positions as a GA Sporting Director, GA Board Member, and Membership Committee Member, contributing to the development of league standards and competitive structures nationwide.

“Vernon’s experience, leadership, and vision make him the ideal person to lead our technical direction,” said Jeff Stevens, Executive Director of St. Louis Development Academy. “His ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on involvement will strengthen every level of our club.”

Croft added, “I’m honored to step into the Technical Director role at St. Louis Development Academy. I’m excited to continue leading our Girls Academy program while working closely with Dave Beck and our entire coaching staff to build clear, connected development pathways for all of our players.”

As Technical Director, Croft will partner with club leadership, coaches, and families to continue building a strong, unified academy focused on long-term player development and competitive excellence.