Legion Player Awarded First U.S. Soccer Coaching Scholarship
September 28, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that Birmingham Legion FC defender Ryan James is the first recipient of a Coaching License Scholarship thanks to the support of USL partner Kwik Goal and U.S. Soccer. James will begin the U.S. Soccer “B” license course this fall.
The USL, Kwik Goal, and U.S. Soccer have collaborated on an exciting new scholarship program designed to address the historical lack of diversity within the coaching ranks in the United States. Scholarships will cover the full tuition costs for a U.S. Soccer coaching course for the “A” or “B” license. Following the awarding of the first scholarship to James, two additional scholarships will be awarded later this year.
James, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, has made more than 150 appearances in the USL since turning pro in 2016 after a stellar four-year career at Bowling Green State University. A natural left-sided player, he has suited up for the Rochester Rhinos, Nashville SC, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, in addition to his current club, Birmingham Legion. In two seasons with Birmingham, he has been a stalwart on the left side, making more than 60 appearances, and this year helping Legion FC clinch a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
Jake Edwards, USL President: “The USL is proud to be working with Kwik Goal to help improve the diversity of the coaching ranks. Ryan is an outstanding player and person with a bright future as a leader in our game. This scholarship will help him further his coaching development, and we look forward to continuing to watch him excel on the field and eventually on the sidelines.”
Ryan James, player, Birmingham Legion FC: “This scholarship provides players like me with a unique chance to further our education and passions for the game. Anytime someone extends an opportunity to help others learn and grow, it is an encouraging sign. It not only inspires me to achieve something special, but also generates confidence, dedication, and belief. I want to take this opportunity to better myself and someday, help others get better as well.”
Tim Hall, Director of Marketing, Kwik Goal: “We are excited to be able to help provide opportunities for coaches to further their qualifications! We’d like to congratulate Ryan on being the first-ever USL recipient of the U.S. Soccer Coach License Scholarship. Ryan has had a successful career as a player thus far, so we’re looking forward to seeing him develop on the other side of the touchline.”
Dan Russel, Senior Director of Sport Development, U.S. Soccer: “This initiative will support broader diversity and inclusion within the coaching landscape by addressing three critical areas: access to education, cost, and work experience. This however would not be possible without the shared interest and commitment to tackle such a systemic issue. U.S. Soccer applauds the USL, Kwik Goal, and the Black Players Alliance on working together in hopes of realizing meaningful change. We also extend a sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ryan as he proceeds on his coaching journey.”
Kwik Goal became the Official Supplier of Goals, Bench Shelters, and Training Equipment for the USL in 2022. It is a Technical Partner and the Official Goal of U.S. Soccer.
Collaboration with the Black Players Alliance
To help award the first U.S. Soccer Coach License scholarship, the USL worked with the Black Players Alliance to identify diverse players who had applied to attain their U.S. Soccer “A” or “B” license.
In addition, the BPA has partnered with 2 Cents FC, a boutique content production company focused on amplifying Black and Brown voices in sports, to develop a content series to bring James’s coaching story to life. Through interviews, in-action footage, and archival content, the series will showcase James’s journey as a professional player, his ambitions as a coach, and the nitty-gritty of acquiring a high-level coaching license.
Brandon Miller, Executive Director, BPA: “One of the BPA’s key strategic initiatives is our coaching subsidies program designed to support and develop more Black coaches at every level of the soccer pyramid. Helping players get the resources they need to further their coaching education is an integral part of our mission. We are thrilled that Ryan has been awarded this scholarship and can’t wait to tell the story of his continuing coaching journey.”
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board…
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
