Tahlon Drake, A.A.
​Technical Director & Head Coach

As the Director of Soccer for UDA@NMSU, Coach Drake will oversee the daily operation of the Academy. As well as on-field coaching duties, Drake will be responsible for staff development, recruitment, match scheduling, travel and other duties that pertain to the operation of the Academy.

• Hold current USSF "B" License

• Attended the University of California Santa Barbara. 

• Played professionally in Romania, Belgium and California. 

• Played and Coached in the NPSL. 

• Has over 16 years of coaching experience. 

• Currently coaches in the UPSL

Blake Ordell
​Associate Technical Director & HEad Coach

• Graduate of Westminster College, PA
• MSc Management and Sports Management 
• USSF "A' License 
• USC Premier Diploma
• Former Professional in Sweden, USA and Canada
• Former Head coach at Lincoln Trail College, Head men’s and women’s soccer coach at Sheridan College, Head men’s soccer coach at Culver-Stockton College,
• Assistant men’s soccer coach at Quincy University, and Assistant men’s and women’s soccer coach at MacMurray College.
• Former player for the U.S. National Arena Team

Alex Reyes
Assistant Coach U19 Academy

​​Assists with on-field training and match day coaching duties and oversee UDA/NMSU U-19 Academy

• Holds USSF "B" License
• Holds USSF "Y" License (National Youth)
• UDA Soccer Recruitment Coordinator 
• Attended New Mexico State University 
• Has over 30 years of Coaching Experience. 
  • Club Level
  • NM ODP (Olympic Development Program) 
  • Highschool 

JEFF THOMPSON, B.BA
​​UDA PROGRAM DIRECTOR

A long time resident of Las Cruces , Jeff will coordinate the integration and working relationship between UDA-US and NMSU.

Jeff has extensive experience as an NCAA Division One coach and will oversee the integration and functioning of the UDA academy at NMSU.

Jeff will oversee outreach to the local community and region for soccer development as well as ensuring a fully integrated experience for students in the UDA academy.

Jay Sparrow
UDA National Recruitment Coordinator

Jay will be attending several showcase events around the country. If you are attending any showcase events please contact:
​
jsparrow@udauk.org
(210) 219 7278

Jay, originally from England moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2003. He has a passion for helping student athletes reach their academic and soccer goals. 
​
He is experienced in talent identification and player development. He has identified, selected and provided opportunities for many students seeking an international studying and playing experience. 

Jay ran and developed a successful soccer organization in the USA and now has taken his skills to player identification for UDA across the USA 

RESIDENCY AND VISITING COACH PROGRAM

Professional and Collegiate Coaches from the Uk and USA will conduct sessions throughout the year

UDA academy will, over the course of the year, offer  training opportunities with visiting coaches from  the UK and collegiate and professional coaches from the USA.

This opportunity will provide greater exposure and development for students to help them reach their optimal potential

Mal Saville

UDA Resident and visiting coach liaison officer, england

Mal Saville is a Scout for Aston Villa FC, English Premier League, England 

Mal has been connected to the professional game for over 30 years as a scout for a wide range of football clubs across the English leagues including Brentwood, Walsall, Cambridge, and Leyton Orient. 

​Mal will organize visiting professional coaches from the Premiership and English Football League to conduct development training session at the UDA US Academy throughout the year. 

Dave Nichols

Head of Academy for UDA at the university of gloucestershire

• UEFA "B" License
• Apprentice professional at Bradford City FC and Huddersfield Town FC
• Former academy player at semi-professional club Gainsborough Town, England
• Extensive work as Academy Coach at Cadmatrai Academy, Middlesbrough FC, and Huddersfield Town FC, England
• England Schoolboy International
• Coached in China and the USA as part of youth development programs