FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 6, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is thrilled to announce that Ian Barker, a long-standing presence in the coaching community, has been named as the recipient of its 2025 Dr. Thomas Fleck Award.
Barker – the 21st individual to receive the award – joins a list of mentors that have made extensive and far-reaching contributions to the process by which youth soccer coaches are educated, while consistently displaying integrity, honor, humor, and humility.
Barker attended the University of Warwick in England, where he played collegiately and received both a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Literature and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
His role on the sidelines can be traced back to 1989 during his days as an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s soccer team. In the eight years Barker spent with the Badgers, the team made four NCAA tournament appearances and reached the pinnacle of the sport in 1995, when they won both the Big Ten and National Championship. During Barker’s time as the lead assistant, the Badgers posted an impressive record of 111-38-20.
After leaving Madison, Barker took on the Director of Coaching and Player Development position inside of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. He held that role for more than 10 years, overseeing the coaching education of a State Association that represented more than 140 clubs and 75,000 members. While residing in the Gopher State, Barker also took coaching roles at Macalester College in St. Paul for 13 years. In his eight seasons as head coach of the Scots, Barker went 87-53-14 and won three MIAC conference championships.
Barker left Macalester and the college game in 2012 to become the Director of Coaching Education for United Soccer Coaches – a role he held for 10 years.
Throughout Barker’s many years in the coaching community, he served on the national instructional staff for U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and United Soccer Coaches. He holds formal coaching qualifications for all three, as well as the English and German Football Associations.
Barker is currently a Coach Educator Developer for U.S. Soccer.
What they’re saying about Ian Barker…
“This award recognizes Ian’s exceptional commitment to advancing coaching education and his dedication to shaping the next generation of coaches. Through his leadership, he has not only elevated the profession but also empowered others to reach their full potential.”
– Tom Condone, US Youth Soccer Chief Soccer Officer
“I, along with many others, consider Ian a great teacher of the game. Through all of his interactions, he has been able to inspire a great love and passion for soccer. He has the ability to shape all of the people he meets by sharing his lessons from the game to improve anyone both on and far beyond the field.”
– Adam Howarth, Illinois Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching
“Anyone who has had the opportunity to work alongside Ian understands the impact he has made on helping individuals to become the best versions of themselves. As a coach educator, Ian simply doesn’t teach soccer, he teaches life lessons.”
– Bill Glaze, Ohio Soccer Association Chief Technical Officer
“Ian truly deserves this award. His constant support for thousands of coaches has been remarkable. He is always willing to give his time and attention to all who seek it and has done so with a smile on his face.”
– Tim Bradbury, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching Education
“Ian’s impact on coaches and the game is immeasurable. He is a terrific educator and mentor to many, including myself.”
– Derek Willis, Kentucky Youth Soccer Association Technical Director
US Youth Soccer will honor Barker alongside its Hall of Fame inductees and national award winners at its annual awards luncheon on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025, in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
– USYS –
About 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 2.68 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 one 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, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.
