WINDSOR, Colo. — Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC is proud to welcome Kevin Ireland to serve as the club’s first Academy Director.
In addition to being in charge of the club’s academy, Ireland will also be assisting with the club’s community outreach efforts.
“I am excited to get going with Northern Colorado Hailstorm,” Ireland said. “They are changing the game in Northern Colorado, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.:
Ireland joins Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC from Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club where he served as the Director of Coaching for the Fort Collins region.
He came to CRYSC from Orlando City Youth Soccer Club (OCYSC) in Orlando, FL where he most recently worked with their MLSNext and Elite Clubs National League programs across all boys age groups U13-U19. He was highly involved in designing and implementing the training program for these age groups and has personally served as coach for the U19 and U14 MLSNext squad. Most recently his U19 MLSNext group qualified through regional competition and reached the last 32 of the MLS Next Cup in Dallas.
Prior to joining Orlando City, Ireland served as the Director of Football and Community Outreach at East Coast Bays AFC in New Zealand. At East Coast Bays, he designed and implemented a strategic plan to grow the club into one of the country’s top clubs, focusing on Community & Engagement, Sporting Excellence, Facilities, Financial Health, and People.
As a result of this work, in both 2020 and 2021, the club became just one of six clubs in the Northern Region Football to achieve New Zealand Football Y-License accreditation. Obtaining the Y license is the mark of a well-run club that has proved it has the best interest of all members involved.
Within the Sporting Excellence component, Ireland implemented a player development model and style of play for all youth age-groups for boys and girls in line with the First Team(s) philosophy while working directly with the first team(s) staff to develop a path for youth player progression and development. During this period, several players earned national team call-ups at the U17 and U20 levels for New Zealand. He also built the club’s Skill Centre Program for U9 – U12, which received national recognition and was awarded elite accreditation status by New Zealand Football Federation.
ECBAFC was selected by the US women’s national team as their home training base for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In addition, Ireland also served as Director of Coaching and Soccer Operations for Jupiter United Soccer Club in Jupiter, Florida. During his time in charge, the club’s competitive program grew five-fold and became one of the most competitive clubs within the state.
Ireland attended Palm Beach Atlantic University where he completed his coursework in a Master of Organizational Leadership and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He served as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach of his alma mater for one year upon graduating.
Currently, he holds coaching licensing from the Scottish Football Association, New Zealand Football Federation, and the United States Soccer Federation.
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The home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.