FC COPA
ACADEMY
A HISTORIC TRADITION OF DEVELOPING PLAYERS OF CHARACTER
HOME OF STATE, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CHAMPION
Vice President | Director of Education & Academic Guidance
LORI BERMAN
"It is an honor to be at FC Copa Academy and have the opportunity to work with such great players and their families. I am thrilled to be a part of an Academy that is looking to develop the "entire person" over the time they are with us to provide the vehicle for them to live their dreams in the sport of soccer! Working alongside dedicated, caring, like minded professionals each day continues to inspire me to be the best I can be for our student athletes! Thank you for entrusting your amazing children to us! Copa for Life!”
Coach Lori Berman joined FC Copa Academy in 2007 and serves as the FC Copa Academy Director of Academic Guidance, Vice President of Operations, and Senior Coaching Staff member. Coach Lori plays a vital role in player development at FC Copa Academy. She has been influential in preparing and assisting over 200 FC Copa Academy alumni for the transition to playing college soccer across all levels. Prior to joining FC Copa Academy in 2007, she served as a guidance counselor and freshman seminar instructor for 20 years at St. Peter’s Preparatory High School in Jersey City, NJ.
Since joining the club, Coach Lori has traveled all over the country with FC Copa Academy teams to some of the most prestigious and selective tournaments and showcases across the country, competing against the top domestic and international talent including: the Disney Soccer Showcase, CASL Showcase, the Las Vegas Player Showcase, the Dallas Cup, and the Jefferson Cup.
Coach Lori currently assists on the U17G G00 Black (#1 NJ) and U19G G98/99 Black (#1 NJ). Competing at the top level of youth soccer, these teams have earned a plethora of accolades including:
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U17G US Club National Champions (FC Copa Academy Real, 2012)*
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U16B US Club National Finalists (FC Copa Academy Juniors, 2013)
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1 team to a NPL National Final (FC Copa Academy U16G Celeste)
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GotSoccer #1 National Ranking (FC Copa Academy Real, Celeste)
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GotSoccer #1 New Jersey Ranking (FC Copa Academy Real, Celeste, Juniors, and Milan)
As a player, Coach Lori enjoyed a distinguished college career at the University of Scranton after earning all-state honors at New Providence High School. As a Pioneer, she scored 68 goals in two years on the varsity squad, leading New Providence to its first Union County title in program history. At Scranton, Coach Lori was selected as a two-time Adidas Academic All-American, Middle-Atlantic Conference all-star, and ECAC Scholar athlete award winner, after compiling astounding career totals of 66 goals and 33 assists, effectively breaking schools records in both categories, as well as overall points (99). Her efforts helped lead the Royals to their first ever Middle-Atlantic Conference title in 1986.
Coach Lori graduated from Scranton with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and received a Rhode's Scholarship nomination in recognition of her athletic and academic prowess, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Coach Lori holds a USSF National License and is a member of the NSCAA.
*First in FC Copa Academy History
