Leon O’Neil: Recreation and Youth Development Director of Coaching

Personal info:

Born in Blackburn England, Leon played for numerous youth teams in England, including Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, and Rochdale.  During his time with Rochdale Academy, Leon was also fortunate enough to represent the state/county, at U18 and U19, along with making the U19 Great Britain college team.  After finishing with Rochdale,  Leon played semi-professional with Colne and Bamber Bridge, before heading to America on a soccer scholarship, were he played for Walsh University in the NAIA. While at Walsh, Leon was a 3 time all AMC selection, All Ohio selection, and a 2007 all Ohio All Star player. Leon completed his Undergraduate degree in Business communications, at Walsh. After graduation Leon went to work as an Assistant with the University of Akron, and also completed his Masters Degree in Physical Education. While at Akron Leon would spend the summer coaching and recruiting players for the Baton Rouge Capitals in the USL Professional Development League.  In the summer of 2010 they won southern conference and went all way to national semi final.

Leon has been working at Henderson County Soccer Association the past 3 years, were he served at the Director of Coaching, overseeing the Recreational, Academy, Challenge and Classic programs, as well as working with North Carolina Youth Soccer Association with the ODP, and Educational Programs. Leon also met his wife Beth at Walsh, who is a Physical Therapist; they have a baby girl, Madelyn. Leon is also a big Liverpool fan.

Playing Experience:

Professional Club Experience:

Blackburn Rovers Football School Boys

Burnely Football Club School Boys

Rochdale Football Club

Accrington Stanley Football Club

Semi Professional Experience:

Bamber Bridge Football Club

Colne Football Club

College:

4 Year Starter at Walsh University (NAIA D1)

Great Britain U19 College team.

Coaching Education:

USSF ‘A” license candidate June 2012

USSF ‘B’ license.

NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

UEFA B Coaching license

FA Coaching Certificate

FA Youth Coaching License.

Coaching Experience:

NCYSA Coaching Education Instructor & ODP

Henderson County Soccer Association Director of Coaching

Baton Rouge Capitals (USL) Assistant Coach/Recruitment Coordinator

University of Akron Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach 

Education:

BA, Business Communications, Walsh University

MS, Physical Education, Akron University