Welcome to Ustruck Sports Group
Ustruck Sports Group is a premier sports consulting firm, led by Erik Ustruck, a former Major League Soccer athlete and experienced executive and board member in MLS, NWSL, and USL. With 18 years of expertise in professional sports and business operations, we specialize in strategic planning, executive placement, and performance optimization. Our tailored strategies and insights drive success in both sporting and business arenas.
About Us
Ustruck Sports Group excels in executive search and sports consulting, driven by the leadership of Erik Ustruck. With a robust background in professional soccer and business, we offer unparalleled expertise in strategic planning, executive placement, and performance optimization. Our team is dedicated to providing bespoke solutions that enhance operations, maximize performance, and achieve strategic goals for our clients.
Services
-
Comprehensive search and placement services for interim and permanent executive positions, ensuring the best fit for your organization’s leadership needs.
-
Strategies to enhance team performance and operational efficiency, including analytics-driven insights, coaching optimization, and player development programs.
-
Customized onboarding and continuous development programs for executives to ensure a smooth transition and sustained leadership growth.
-
Recruitment and representation services for technical staff, including coaches and support staff, to build a strong, cohesive team.
-
Programs focused on developing leadership capabilities and fostering organizational growth, including workshops, mentorship, and team-building initiatives.
-
Consulting services that provide strategic direction and operational improvements, tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization.
-
Expertise in managing large-scale programs and individual projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of strategic objectives.
-
Comprehensive change management strategies and risk mitigation plans to navigate transitions smoothly and maintain operational stability.
-
Representation and consulting services for board governance, focusing on best practices, compliance, and effective decision-making processes.
Why Choose Us
Proven track record in placing successful coaches, GMs, and technical directors.
Experience in developing sporting operations and technical recruitment.
Business operations expertise from working with Fortune 50 companies.
Board experience in NWSL, USL, and youth soccer.
Competitive pricing that provides exceptional value.
Success Stories
Orlando Pride: Achieved a 50% increase in wins, a 3-spot jump in the table, and a +22 goal differential in the first year. Midway through the second year, the team is atop the table, surpassing last year’s goal tally with 32 and a +20 goal differential. Additionally, Orlando Pride has matched the longest unbeaten streak in NWSL history (7.11.24).
Client Placements: Successfully placed Seb Hines at Orlando Pride and supported Marc Skinner’s transition from the NWSL to recent Women’s FA Cup Champions, Manchester United.
Global Advisory Role: Currently serving as an advisor to the President of Global Soccer at Young Money APAA Sports and partnering with several global soccer agencies.
Testimonials
“I had the pleasure of working with Erik at Orlando City/Pride for three years from 2016-2019.
Erik’s background as an elite soccer player gave him an innate and practical understanding of the needs of players, coaches and support staff at the professional level. This combined with outstanding strategical, management and organisational qualities led to him becoming a highly skilled operative.
Furthermore, his trustworthy character, personality and leadership abilities enabled him to connect positively with people at all levels within the organisation, making him an invaluable asset to the club.”
“I have known Erik for over a decade, and he has consistently proven dependable and adept at solving problems. When negotiating the sale of my agency, his guidance was crucial. His comprehensive knowledge of all facets of the industry is invaluable, and anyone would be fortunate to have him in their corner.”
“I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Trinity 3 Agency for the outstanding sports business consultant services made by Erik Ustruck.
Erik’s passion and compassion for soccer and the sports business is so remarkable. His recommendations and contributions to the agency were extremely helpful; but, most significantly, he has instilled all of us here with an understanding of the real value of working together with both club and agency to make a commitment to creating the best environment for players.
We are so grateful for his effort and contributions and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
“Erik is an outstanding partner in the sports world. He has always been honest, forthcoming, and creative in our past interactions. His consultation will undoubtedly benefit many partners moving forward.”
“Erik’s strategic approach to building our roster and establishing a three-year timeline for success was instrumental in our achievements. His expertise and vision not only helped us meet our goals ahead of schedule but also positioned us at the top of the standings in excellent form. Erik’s ability to identify and recruit top talent, coupled with his emotional intelligence and growth mindset, has been a game-changer for Orlando Pride. He understands how to build strong relationships and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team.”
Our approach prioritizes people management and focuses on process improvement while aligning with the organization's future state.
Rather than focusing on a particular workflow, we collaborate with stakeholders to design a process that aligns with the organization's goals while continuously monitoring performance to ensure its effectiveness.