LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The American soccer universe is converging on Baltimore, Md., for the 2016 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention this week, including Louisville City FC president Amanda Duffy — who will participate in a Club management panel discussion. The presentation is titled LEADERSHIP: Knowing What It Takes and will include various topics surrounding successful management in a soccer-specific environment.
“This is a unique and special opportunity,” Duffy said. “To be able to share your experiences alongside two of the most well-respected and knowledgeable leaders within the sport, and have open dialogue with a room full of your peers and mentors, is a rare and fulfilling occasion.”
Duffy will join founder and president of Manage Your Soccer Club, Joe Cummings, and executive director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, Thom Meredith, on Friday for the hour-long presentation and discussion.
Cummings served as NSCAA CEO from 2009-15 after a combined 11 years with the New England Revolution and Boston Breakers. His resume includes experience with the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cups.
Meredith is one of the most experienced soccer executives in the country, with operational experience at men’s and women’s World Cups and Olympic soccer venues in both the U.S. and internationally. He also worked with U.S. Soccer as its first full-time director of events, and with former women’s professional leagues WUSA and WPS.
Duffy will share her views and experiences of Louisville City’s historic inaugural season. The first-year Club concluded the 2015 season one game away from the USL championship, falling in the Eastern Conference Final after a 14-8-6 regular season. LouCity also advanced to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, falling to MLS-side Chicago Fire in extra time.
DUFFY INTERVIEWED BY WORLD SOCCER TALK
An eventful postseason saw Louisville City honored with the USL Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot winner, Defender of the Year and Goal of the Season. With an eye toward 2016, Duffy and Louisville City are returning 15 players to the roster and have announced the additions of two new signings — with more announcements scheduled in the coming weeks.
Louisville City finished second in USL for average attendance and season tickets sold in 2015.
Billed as “The Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches and Administrators,” the NSCAA Convention draws more than 5,200 coaches from 32,000-plus members, and more than 10,500 attendees. Over five days, there will be more than 250 educational opportunities consisting of live-field demonstrations, classroom sessions, social functions, award presentations, coaching diplomas and more.
The event includes the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, January 14.
Fans can stay up to date with all of Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s official website.
