LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — October 5, 2026 — The Island FC today announced the appointment of Larry Sunderland as the first Sporting Director in Club history. Sunderland will oversee all aspects of the Club’s sporting operation as The Island FC prepares for its inaugural professional season in 2027.
A Long Island native with more than three decades of experience across professional, collegiate and youth soccer, Sunderland returns home following seven years as FC Cincinnati’s Director of Player Development. He previously held leadership positions with the Portland Timbers and Chicago Fire, helping build and oversee integrated development systems designed to move players from the academy level into the professional game.
“Larry is exactly the type of leader we wanted to establish the sporting foundation of The Island FC,” said Mitchell Rechler, Chairman of The Island FC. “He has spent his career building successful organizations, developing players and creating meaningful pathways to the professional level. Just as importantly, he understands Long Island and what this opportunity can mean for the soccer community here. We are incredibly proud to welcome him home as the first Sporting Director in our history.”
In his most recent role, Sunderland helped launch and lead FC Cincinnati’s academy and player-development structure as the organization transitioned into Major League Soccer. Before joining Cincinnati, he served as Youth Technical Director for the Portland Timbers and spent eight years directing player development and academy programming for the Chicago Fire.
Sunderland has also worked extensively with U.S. Soccer, including assignments with the U.S. Under-16 and Under-17 Men’s National Teams. His teams have won national championships at the U-14, U-16, U-18 and U-20 levels.
“For me, this is an opportunity to come home and help build something that Long Island can truly call its own,” said Sunderland. “This region played an important role in shaping who I am, both as a person and as a soccer professional. The Island has always produced talented players, passionate coaches and families who care deeply about the game. Our responsibility is to create an environment that brings those pieces together, establishes a clear identity and gives players a genuine pathway to the professional level. I’m honored to be part of The Island FC and excited to get to work.”
Sunderland’s Long Island roots include playing for Massapequa Soccer Club, beginning his professional career with the New York Express and serving as an assistant coach at LIU/CW Post. His appointment represents a return to the community where his career in the game began.
“Throughout our search, we wanted someone with the experience to build a professional sporting operation from the ground up, but also someone who understood the larger vision for The Island FC,” said Travis Lamprecht, President of The Island FC. “Larry brings a proven record within MLS, a deep commitment to player development and an authentic connection to Long Island. He understands that we are building more than a first team. We are creating a complete pathway and a club that represents the entire Island. Larry is the right person to lead that work.”
As Sporting Director, Sunderland will lead the development of The Island FC’s sporting identity and playing philosophy while overseeing first-team roster construction, coaching and technical staff appointments, scouting, recruitment and player development. He will also work closely with the Club’s youth leadership to strengthen the pathway connecting local players to the professional team.
Sunderland’s appointment is effective immediately.
