CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Tuesday it had appointed John Bradford as its first Sporting Director in club history, adding to his duties alongside serving as the club’s Head Coach as it returns to the USL Championship for the 2024 season.

In a corresponding move, Daniel Sellitti has been promoted to director of the NCFC Academy, while Bradford will become and advisor to the NCFC Academy and maintain a critical role in the developmental pathways of the program’s top talents.

“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to lead North Carolina FC in the return to the USL Championship,” said Bradford. “This club has been a huge part of me and my family for a long time. I’m so grateful to be trusted with this team at one of the most exciting junctures in its lengthy history. Additionally, I’m excited to expand my role with North Carolina FC as our Sporting Director.

“Thank you to Steve Malik, the front office staff, the countless players and coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and, of course, my loving and supportive family. I also want to thank Gary Buete, Paul Forster, and the entire NCFC Youth staff. I know our Boys Academy Program is in good hands with Daniel Sellitti.”

Bradford will enter his 19th year with the club in 2024, having served as Head Coach for North Carolina FC over the past three seasons. Bradford led the team to the USL League One title in 2023, the first postseason championship in the team’s 17-year history.

“John has been a fantastic representative of our club and region for years and this promotion is well-deserved,” said NCFC owner Steve Malik. He is a great identifier of talent, has a tremendous track record of developing players of all skill levels and career stages, and has proven himself tactically. His knowledge of our club history and competitive drive leaves no doubt he is the right man for the job, and we’re thrilled to have this stability during the transition back to the USL Championship.”

Prior to his promotion, Bradford held a unique role that involved working with the club’s first team while overseeing the development of the club’s top youth players. A true link in NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline, Bradford was director the NCFC Academy and technical director of North Carolina FC U-23 of USL League Two.

Bradford will now oversee all areas of the technical operations of North Carolina FC. He will lead the club’s overall vision in player and technical staff recruitment and development for on-field competition. He will also spearhead the identification and facilitation of players for potential transfer and sale to outside clubs, both domestically and abroad, among other efforts to ensure the competitive and financial success of North Carolina FC.