JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sporting Club Jacksonville announced on Thursday the appointment of Mark Warburton as the club’s first Sporting Director/Head of Soccer as the club prepares for its entry into the USL Super League and USL Championship.

A native of London, England, Warburton brings extensive experience at the top levels of English and Scottish soccer, having previously served as manager at current Premier League clubs Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest and legendary Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers.

Warburton will lead all technical aspects of Sporting JAX’s USL professional and pre-professional soccer teams, including the women’s USL Super League and men’s USL Championship teams, along with the club’s USL W League and USL League Two teams. Additionally, he will spearhead the development of a new professional soccer academy as part of Sporting JAX Soccer Academy, bringing elite-level coaching and greater access to development opportunities for young players across Northeast Florida.

“We are delighted to welcome Mark as our first Sporting Director/Head of Soccer for Sporting JAX,” said Sporting JAX President and CEO Steve Livingstone. “His experience at the highest levels of the sport makes him uniquely qualified to help us build a top-tier soccer organization, fostering talent, professional growth and a winning culture. With Mark at the helm, we are well-positioned to establish Sporting JAX and Northeast Florida as a hub for soccer excellence.”

Warburton’s appointment brings to Jacksonville a leader with a distinguished career in global soccer. Most recently, Warburton served as an assistant coach at Premier League club West Ham United and played a pivotal role as the club claimed the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League by defeating Italian club Fiorentina 2-1 in the Final.

“Joining Sporting JAX at this pivotal moment is an exceptional opportunity,” said Warburton. “The club’s ambitious vision and commitment to elevating soccer in this community made the decision an easy one. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to establish world-class programs that lift up the game and expand the USL here in Northeast Florida.”

As a close associate of some of the English FA’s most senior staff, Warburton established a groundbreaking professional Academy at Watford FC and implemented a full-time program that allowed for both sporting and academic excellence, which was replicated by many of the UK’s top-flight clubs. Furthermore, he was instrumental in launching the groundbreaking NextGen Series, a European competition for Under 19 pro players, involving many of the world’s largest soccer institutions including FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, Sporting Lisbon, R.S.C. Anderlecht, Glasgow Celtic FC, Borussia Dortmund, Paris St. Germain, Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC. The competition transformed youth development to the highest levels in Europe and became the precursor for the current UEFA Youth Champions League.

 “Mark’s career, which includes major success at League and Cup level, guiding clubs to promotions, playoffs and European victory in the most competitive leagues in the world, is also marked by an unparalleled commitment to player development at both the senior professional and youth levels,” said Livingstone. “His deep understanding of the game and proven ability to build successful teams and programs in the top flights of European football will be invaluable to Sporting JAX as he helps shape the future of the club.”

One of Warburton’s immediate priorities will be collaborating with Sporting JAX technical consultant Becky Burleigh to recruit top-tier coaching and technical staff for Sporting JAX’S historic USL Super League pro women’s team, which kicks off its inaugural season at UNF’s Hodges Stadium in August.

He will also oversee the development of coaching and technical staff for the USL Championship men’s pro team and work closely with partners at Florida Elite Soccer Academy (future Sporting JAX Soccer Academy) and Executive Director Sean Bubb to elevate its status as one of the largest and most successful youth soccer programs in the United States.

“Becky and Sean have been instrumental in helping me acclimate to the soccer landscape in Florida and across the U.S.,” said Warburton. “I am eager to integrate my experience with their insights to build an outstanding program together.”