COACHES

Jason McGlothern
Founder & Coach
Jason McGlothern brings a wealth of experience across every level of the game — from MLS NEXT and ECNL to NCAA Division I and USL League Two. He has served as both an assistant coach at the collegiate and USL 2 levels and as a director in youth development, overseeing pathways for players at the highest levels of the U.S. game.

Jason holds both a USSF License and the prestigious UEFA B License from the German Soccer Federation, reflecting his commitment to coaching education and global best practices.

His purpose is clear: to reimagine the youth soccer paradigm so that players come first. Jason believes in building intentional pathways not only for players, but also for coaches, parents, and organizations — ensuring that every actor in the soccer ecosystem has the clarity and support to grow.

At LEVEL, Jason is committed to designing environments that challenge players with context, detail, and intensity — giving them the tools to make better decisions, solve complexity, and unlock their full potential on and off the field.
Ethan O’Neill
UEFA Qualified Director & Head Coach
Football has always been more than a game for me—it’s a way to shape identity, build resilience, and inspire growth. My coaching journey has taken me from Ireland to the United States, from grassroots programs to national league academies, and to leading championship-winning teams. Along the way, I’ve learned that while trophies and titles are rewarding, what truly matters is helping players write their own story.

I hold a UEFA A Licence and a BA (Hons) in Sport Coaching and Business Management, with extensive experience across high-performance environments. Currently, I serve as a Head Coach in the Seattle Sounders Academy, working with some of the nation’s top youth players on their pathway to professional football. My career has spanned leadership roles as both Director and Head Coach in the United States and Ireland, where I have built and guided programs across all age groups. A highlight of my journey came in 2023, when I led Ballard FC to the USL2 National Championship—a title-winning squad where 12 players progressed into full-time professional careers.

Before moving fully into coaching, I competed in Ireland’s National League with Shamrock Rovers FC and Wexford FC, represented SETU Carlow University, winning three Division 1 Championships, and lifted an All-Ireland Men’s Championship with my home county. I was also involved with the Republic of Ireland U15–U18 squads—experiences that shaped my understanding of what it takes to perform at the next level.

My coaching philosophy is built on developing players who are:

Confident – brave enough to express themselves on and off the pitch.

Courageous – resilient in adversity, willing to take risks and step forward.

Committed – invested in their growth and determined to become the best version of themselves.

I strive to create environments where players are challenged, supported, and inspired—where they learn not only how to perform, but how to become resilient, confident people.For me, coaching is about more than winning games—it’s about helping young athletes discover who they are, embrace the process, and step into every moment ready to change the game.
Lars Helleren
Sounders Academy GK Coach
Playing experience
2022 — United Soccer Coaches All - American @Seattle Pacific University
2023 — USL 2 national champion @ Ballard FC
2023 — Western Conference champions @ Colorado Rapids 2
2024/2025 — Tacoma Defiance