Rapids U-17 Academy coach Elliot Prost will join 25 coaches from around the league to participate in the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) program in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF). Prost will represent the fifth class from MLS to take part in the EFCL, a course that has played a pivotal role in MLS Homegrown development and the growth of several head coaches, assistants, and general managers throughout MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
The EFCL will run a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period (February 2023 – July 2024), which begins on February 1 at the famed INF Clairefontaine outside of Paris. After completing a week of sessions, coaches will participate in club observations from February 8-15, where they will be immersed within many top European teams for one week to observe the academy and player development system. Participating clubs include Arsenal (England), Le Havre AC (France), RC Lens (France), AS Monaco (France), FC Nantes (France), Stade Rennais (France), RC Strasbourg (France), Toulouse FC (France), and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Germany). In addition to the seven-week commitment, the candidates will meet in smaller regional camps for field instruction and candidate evaluation during two additional extended weekends over the 18 months.
Prost, a native of Nevers, France, joined the Rapids Academy in November of 2021 and currently serves as the head coach of the Academy U-17 team. His coaching career spans over eight years and includes roles as Technical Director of Rush Soccer, college assistant coach for Fort Lewis College, Director of Coaching for Colorado Rush and age group leader at IMG Academy. In addition, he has been a head coach in USL League 2, Development Academy and MLS NEXT and directed club teams to several State Cups, directed girl’s academy teams to playoff berths and in his club experience has helped the development of over 15 professional players. Prost currently holds a USSF “B” license.
Previous to his coaching career, Prost enjoyed a quality playing career, which started at his local hometown club, Nevers FC, before moving to Dijon FCO (French L2) to join the professional and residential academy. He played for an additional three years in the USL/PDL for FC Tucson, Albuquerque Sol and Oklahoma Energy.
