Declan Hughes
Westampton, New Jersey
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in youth soccer development, currently serving as the Girls Academy Director of Soccer and Head Soccer Coach at Sporting Athletic Club New Jersey since June 2025. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling, providing a strong foundation in athletic development and sports management. Core competencies include soccer development, team leadership, and talent nurturing in youth sports, driven by a passion for advancing players' potential through structured programs and collaborative strategies. Committed to fostering an environment that empowers young athletes to excel both on and off the field.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Girls Director of Soccer
Liverpool International Academy/Sporting AC NJ
08.2024 - Current
- Oversee all 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 teams on our girls academy
- Manage all girls technical programs
- Manage all field and referee schedules for the girls teams
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, coaches and facility staff
Head Academy Soccer Coach
Liverpool International Academy/Sporting AC NJ
08.2020 - Current
- Head Coach of U12 and U13 Girls and U17 Boys
- Create and implement weekly training sessions
- Developed individual development programs enhancing player skills and tactical understanding.
- Lead teams at all practices, games and tournaments
- Lead coach of Summer Camps
- Attend quarterly coaches meetings
Youth Sports Director
XL Sports World
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Maintain and growth of youth sports programs
- Hire and manage staff of youth sports programs
- Develop curriculum for variety of sports programs
- Create and lead coaching development seminars
- Marketing and promotion
- Facility operations and office administration
- Create and manage special events
- Manage ordering of equipment and uniforms
- Building connections with local schools
Director
Soccer Shots
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the franchise
- Hire, manage, direct and train all coaches
- Leading sales representative for new school and public locations
- Maintain positive relationships with schools and clients
Coach
Soccer Shots
02.2020 - 05.2023
- Lead sessions at public and school programs
- Implement curriculum with emphasis on skill and character development
- Provide fun, interactive and energetic sessions that have a lasting impact on the children in the program
- Interacting and communicating with parents
Lead Camp Multi-Sport Youth Coach
USA Sport Group
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Led daily activities and delegated tasks to coaches
- Taught skills in multiple sports and applied them to game situations
- Took attendance at beginning and end of each day and ensure child safety throughout camp
- Created a schedule of activities weekly
Education
Bachelor of Arts with Honors - Sports Studies
University of Stirling
Stirling, Scotland06.2018
Skills
- Schedule management
- Performance evaluations
- Customer relations
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Coaching and mentoring
- Team building
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
Certification
- U.S Soccer B License Holder
Timeline
Girls Director of Soccer
Liverpool International Academy/Sporting AC NJ
08.2024 - Current
Youth Sports Director
XL Sports World
05.2023 - 08.2024
Director
Soccer Shots
09.2021 - 05.2023
Head Academy Soccer Coach
Liverpool International Academy/Sporting AC NJ
08.2020 - Current
Coach
Soccer Shots
02.2020 - 05.2023
Lead Camp Multi-Sport Youth Coach
USA Sport Group
06.2019 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts with Honors - Sports Studies
University of Stirling
Community Service
Notre Dame High School, Voluntary Assistant Physical Education Teacher, Greenock, Scotland, 2013-08, 2014-05, Create session plans and organized activities for students in variety of sports