FRISCO, Texas (December 4) – US Youth Soccer is excited to announce that its Olympic Development Program (ODP), home to many of the nation’s top players, has brought aboard two new technical advisors in its South Region.
Dr. Colin Barnes, who will work with the girls program, and Nick Finotti, who will work with the boys, will both be instrumental in continuing to cement ODP’s place in the national landscape.
Barnes has gained experience at every possible level in the sport. He has spent more than two decades of his life committed to developing his craft, whether it came from playing or coaching at the youth, collegiate, or professional levels.
Barnes’ coaching tenure spans many years and roles, including stops at the Cape Fear Youth Association, Port City Soccer Club, Peachtree City FC, Chicago Magic Soccer Club, Concord Fire Soccer Club, Columbus State University, University of Alabama, and Solent University in Southampton, England, before recently joining the UNC Wilmington women’s program as an assistant coach.
Barnes holds a USSF ‘A’ License, is a USSF Coach Educator, and received his Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy last year from the University of Alabama.
Finotti, who has previously coached in ODP’s South Region, was recently named the head coach of the men’s soccer program at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. Prior to his time with the Blue Hose, Finotti spent time as an assistant with Wofford College and Lander University, where he was integral in developing multiple All-Conference and All-America selections. He was also the Co-Director of the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy for 15 years, where he was directly responsible for the development of hundreds of players that reached the collegiate level.
Finotti holds a USSF ‘A’ License and a Master of Education from Lander University.
The Olympic Development Program has a core purpose of identifying and providing opportunities for high potential players, facilitating their development, and exposing them to the next level of their chosen pathway. Led by US Youth Soccer and its Sport Development team, ODP boasts top-tier coaches from throughout the United States. Its alumni coaches include recently-named US Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes.
For more information on the Olympic Development Program, click here.
About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.
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