FC COPA
ACADEMY
A HISTORIC TRADITION OF DEVELOPING PLAYERS OF CHARACTER
HOME OF STATE, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CHAMPION
David Atkinson
ASSISTANT ACADEMY DIRECTOR
& BOYS DIRECTOR | FC Copa Academy
Coach David Atkinson moved to America in the summer of 2013 to further his coaching experience. Now living and working in New Jersey having spent the large majority of his time in the states living in Brooklyn, New York.
Atkinson currently holds UEFA B License, USSF B License, USSF Director of Coaching license, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National diploma and FA Level 2 license as well as FA Youth Modules 1 & 2. Alongside these qualifications I also hold; United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 2, Futsal level 1 and Youth 7v7/9v9 diploma.
Before moving to America in 2013 David coached youth teams for three years whilst graduating from the University of St. Mark and St. John Plymouth (Marjon) with a bachelors degree in Sports Development.
In July 2021, David undertook a month long intensive course with the Berliner Fußball-Verband in Germany and gained his UEFA B license. He was one of three participants on the course to be accredited with a specific recommendation to continue to the Elite level course.
David joined FC Copa in 2020, originally as Director of Programs in the newly established FC Copa Academy Brooklyn. He successfully oversaw the launch and growth of our Brooklyn location whilst coaching several of our older age group teams graduating many players to the DI, DII & DIII college level in his time there. He moved to FC Copa NJ Central location was appointed as our current Boys Director in 22/23 season.
It is with great pride that we announce David Atkinson, our current Boys Director and one of the most accomplished coaches at FC Copa Academy, will be stepping up to the role of Assistant Academy Director.
David brings an impressive 15 years of coaching experience, including 12 years in the United States showcasing a deep commitment to player development and education. Equally as important, David is starting his 6th year at FC Copa Academy and is a trusted, caring and successful mentor and coach that has shown a track record of developing players and teams.
Just this past season, David led two of our ECNL RL boys teams to an outstanding showing at the prestigious Potomac Memorial Day Showcase, winning the championship with the B08s and reaching the finals with the B10s. With his 2010 Boys having also been finalists at the nationally recognized Jefferson Cup in a successful season for the team. These results are just the latest in a series of successes under his leadership, including guiding our USL Academy team to the National Finals in 2024.
As Assistant Academy Director, David is uniquely positioned to bring continuity between on field performance and off field development for all of our teams on both the boys and girls side in all of our locations in NJ, NY & PA. His expertise in video analysis, player education, and strategic recruitment ensures that our players will be supported holistically in their growth, both now as youth players in their formative years and into their future years as college or professional players.
His passion, professionalism, and proven success make this a very exciting step forward for FC Copa, and we are confident that this move will help elevate the experience for our players, our families and the club.