MLS Next
Homegrown
The Boston Bolts' MLS Next Homegrown program provides elite youth players with a top-class training environment and consistent high-level competition, aiming to develop them for collegiate, national team, and professional soccer careers. Operating as a year-round program, the MLS Next Homegrown platform serves as highest level of youth soccer in the country.
MLS Next Homegrown
The Boston Bolts have a rich history both on and off the pitch. We strive to fully understand the individual needs of each player and develop an environment that empowers them to reach their full potential. Our MLS Next program sets high standards that ensure every player trains in an elite environment and consistently competes in competitive games to optimize player development. Our commitment to supporting our players’ soccer, educational, and personal development goals, is the essence of our club.
Why MLS Next Homegrown at Boston Bolts?
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Elite Player Development – MLS NEXT provides one of the best player development experiences in North America.
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High-Level Competition – Players gain access to one of the highest levels of competition, with meaningful games that raise performance standards.
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World-Class Environment – The league sets standards that ensure every player trains in a professional, world-class setting.
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Expert Leadership – Led by UEFA A Licensed coach Sean Napier, our Boston Bolts MLS NEXT program is built on excellence.
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Comprehensive Resources – Players benefit from superior technical curriculum, advanced soccer resources, and competitive athletic programs.
Elite ID Events
To ensure the very best players represent our club at the highest level, the Boston Bolts host Elite ID events designed to identify top talent for our MLS NEXT teams. These events provide aspiring players with the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a highly competitive environment, evaluated by our professional coaching staff. Through this process, we select the most promising athletes who demonstrate the technical quality, tactical understanding, and character required to succeed at the elite level of youth soccer.
2025-2026 MLS Next Homegrown Coaching Staff
u19 & u17 Head Coach
Jonny Burns
Head of Coach Development • U19 & U17 Head Coach
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Jonny Burns brings over 16 years of experience in elite youth soccer coaching. A UEFA A License holder, Jonny also holds certifications in Performance Analysis and Talent Identification, reflecting his holistic approach to player development.
Jonny’s coaching journey includes a formative role at the prestigious Celtic FC Youth Academy, where he contributed to one of Europe’s most respected player development systems. His career then took him to the United States, where he served as Technical Director in both Florida, and recently as a Pro Academy Coach with Charlotte Independence. After Charlotte Jonny joined the Boston Bolts as senior phase lead in the MLS Program.
With a proven track record across all levels of elite youth soccer in the U.S.—including MLS, ECNL, and USL—Jonny is known for his ability to identify talent, develop technical excellence, and foster high-performance environments that prepare players for the next level.
U16 Head Coach
Seán Napier
Director of Elite Pathways • U16 Head Coach
A native of Ireland, Seán is a UEFA A Licensed coach with a degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Central Lancashire. Over the past 15 years in the U.S., he has worked across every level of youth soccer, building a reputation for his ability to create clear development pathways for players. His coaching qualifications and experience provide the foundation for structured, evidence-based programs at the Bolts. Seán leads with a long-term view, designing environments that challenge players technically, tactically, and mentally, while also driving accountability and leadership within teams.
His philosophy centers on the individual, using the team as the platform for players to learn, express themselves, and compete. Seán is committed to leading development pathways where players are not held back by fear of failure but are encouraged to take risks and embrace challenges. His goal is to develop confident, resilient players who are prepared for the next stage of their soccer journey and for success in life beyond the game.
u15 head coach
Bryce Schomburg
U15 Head Coach
Originally from Seattle, WA, Bryce is entering his 5th season on staff with the club. Bryce has had a unique journey to coaching having also worked with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets. He currently holds his USSF B and Club Technical Leadership licenses. In addition to coaching the u15s, he also works as our head of player development. Away from the field, Bryce is a new dad and enjoys going on walks and traveling with his 6 month old, Miles.
U14 Head Coach
Denis Petro
U14 Head Coach
Committed to developing complete athletes, Denis emphasizes technical clarity, tactical intelligence, and robust physical preparation. His player-first sessions challenge athletes to improve weekly while preparing them for opportunities at the next level. Off the field, he continues to advance the Academy’s analytics stack, creating tools that connect training demands with match performance.
u13 Head Coach
Kyle Ryan
U13 Head Coach
Kyle Ryan enters his fifth year on staff with the club after graduating from their academy, having represented them at US Development Academy and USL League two levels. After the Bolts, Kyle played Division 1 soccer at George Mason University and UMass Lowell, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business management. A candidate for the UEFA C license, he currently holds his USSF C license as well as certificates in player care, mental health first aid training, and understanding neurodiversity in grassroots football. Kyle believes in a problem solving approach to coaching, allowing for players to go through experiential learning to develop technical, tactical, psychological, and physical aspects of their game. Away from soccer, he enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with his family and dog Buckeye.