Tahlon Drake, A.A.
Technical Director & Head Coach
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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.
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Blake Ordell
Associate Technical Director & HEad Coach
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Alex Reyes
Assistant Coach U19 Academy
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Assists with on-field training and match day coaching duties and oversee UDA/NMSU U-19 Academy
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JEFF THOMPSON, B.BA
UDA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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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
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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 |
Brian Haley, PHD
Recruitment Academic Advisor
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Ed.D University of Toledo
M.Ed Kent State university B.Ed City of Leeds and Carnegie College, England NSCAA Advanced and Premier Coaching License FA (Prelim) England Brian will work with each student discussing their degree options, reading personal statements as well as discussing all the academic requirements of degree programs making sure that we find the right fit for the student. With over thirty years experience as a tenured professor in teacher education he will use his experience to help students prepare their applications to give them the great chance of success in enrollment to the university. |
RESIDENCY AND VISITING COACH PROGRAM
Professional and Collegiate Coaches from the Uk and USA will conduct sessions throughout the year
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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
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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 Brentford, Walsall, Cambridge, Leyton Orient. Mal will organize visiting professional coaches from the Premiership and English Football league to conduct development training sessions at the UDA US academy throughout the year. |
DAVE NICHOLS
HEAD OF ACADEMY for UDA at The University of Gloucestershire
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Graham Roberts
UDA at the University of Chester
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Graham’s professional training and background is in player development across all levels.
His experiences include working as a coach for FA Premier League Club Everton FC within their Junior Academy, across all ages, specializing in the individual development of young players. He is also a specialist in one-two-one coaching. Graham has experience as a talent identification scout at Everton FC, seeking to identify those players with the necessary attributes to play within an elite football environment. He was also recruited by Manchester City FC to co-ordinate their Regional Development Centers and management of a local scouting network. He is a lead coach for Manchester City FC Schools — coaching and delivering the Manchester City Language and Performance Program, using the City Group philosophy, to educate players from all over the world through football. In addition, he is also the managing director of Elite Academy Sports, which delivers football and education programs to schools, colleges and elite travel teams from around the world. |
JON DAVID MCCARTHY, B.SC
HEAD OF COACHING for UDA at the University of Chester
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Jon is a UEFA “A” Licensed Coach and a former International player for Northern Ireland with over 450 football league appearances at the professional club level. He is also a former manager at Chester FC.
As Head of Coaching, Jon will lead the delivery of all practical sessions with a focus on individual and team development, and manage the UDA Academy team on match-days. A UEFA “A” Licensed Coach, and former professional player at football league clubs such as Birmingham City, Port Vale and York City, Jon has gained 18 international caps for Northern Ireland. Jon is currently the Assistant Manager of National League North side Southport FC, and he also has managerial experience from his time with Chester FC when he oversaw the development of several young players including Sam Hughes, who now plays for Leicester City FC in the Premier League. As a former professional player, who holds a degree in Sports Science and has several years’ experience as an educator, Jon understands the importance of academics in the lives of students and what it takes to succeed both in the classroom and on the field. |
MICHAEL MCBRIDE, M.Ed
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B.A Walsh University
M.Ed Walsh University USSF ‘A” License, USC Advanced and Premier License, FA (Prelim) England
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Eddie Puskarich
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USSF "A" Licensed Coach, Eddie Puskarich, has been an MLS Scout since 1997. Eddie brings an extensive playing and coaching experience to the "Coach in Residency" Program. He has extensive connections across the game in the USA at the professional and collegiate level.
Eddies career highlights include:
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Ollie Slawson, B.A.
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City of Leeds and Carnegie, England
USSF “A” License NCAA Premier License Associate Head Coach Coastal Carolina, SC, NCAA Div I, 2020- present.
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Steve Dawson, PhD
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B.Ed Loughborough University, England
MA Kent State University Ohio Ph.D Ohio State University Ohio USSF “A” License NSCAA Advanced National License FA Badge (Prelim)
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Paul Bayly
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USSF “A” license
Director of Coaching, Coach Education, WA USSF “A” license US Soccer Coach Instructor License USC Premier Diploma UCS Director of Coaching Diploma
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