We are excited to announce the return of Carlos Rivera to our community as the Director of FC Copa Academy West!

 

Carlos is no stranger to many of you, as he returns to the Greater Flemington area after being away for two years. During his previous time with us, Carlos made a positive impact with his passion for the game, dedication to player development, and his ability to inspire young athletes to reach their full potential. We are beyond excited to welcome him back, and we know that his return will bring tremendous energy and expertise to our club.

 

Carlos comes with over 20 years of extensive coaching experience, having worked with a wide range of age groups and competitive levels. He holds a USSF "B" License, which is the second-highest coaching certification in the United States, highlighting his advanced understanding of the game and commitment to excellence. Additionally, Carlos earned a B.S. in Information Technology from Purdue University, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to continuous learning.

 

Carlos will be working to ensure that our players receive the highest level of training and support. Together, they will be leading our teams with a shared vision of excellence, commitment, and innovation. We believe that with Carlos at the helm, FC Copa Academy West will continue to set new standards in player development and competitive success.

 

Carlos has extensive coaching experience which includes:  

 

1998-2002: Coached teams in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League

2002-2010: U6B – U12B at Staten Island United Stars

2010-2011: U15B – U23B USYS/PDL

2012-2017: Private trainer, honing individual skills and developing young talent

2017-2021: USA Soccer – Head coach for U9B – U17B USYS/ECNL

2021-2022: Director of GFSC and coached U13B, U14B, & U17B at GFSC/CAPS/Rec

2022-2024: Director of Coaching at FC Neshanic, coaching U10B, U11B, U12B, & U15B

 

Carlos’s playing experience is equally notable. From 1984 to 2001, he played for various semi-professional teams in New York and New Jersey, bringing firsthand knowledge of the game to his coaching philosophy.

 

Our commitment to you, our FC Copa families, is unwavering. We are dedicated to providing an environment where every player can thrive, grow, and achieve their dreams. As part of our five-year plan, we are investing in senior resources like Carlos to ensure that we are not just meeting the needs of our current players but are also preparing for the future of our club. This plan includes expanding our facilities, enhancing our training programs, and fostering a culture of excellence and high level of communication that will carry us forward for years to come.

 

We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead and confident that with Carlos’s leadership, FC Copa Academy West will continue to grow and flourish. His return is a testament to our commitment to bringing the best talent to our club, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our players and the entire community.

 

As we move forward, if you have any questions, concerns or just want to touch base with Carlos, please contact him as the first point of contact for all matters relating to FC Copa Academy West via phone or email: carlos.rivera@fccopa.com 

 

Please join us in giving Carlos a warm welcome back to the FC Copa family. We can’t wait to see the great things we will accomplish together!