Johnnie Karas
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Player development coach with Atlanta United FC's Regional Development School, leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance athlete performance and elevate players to elite levels. Extensive experience in international academy settings in the Netherlands and Sweden, complemented by MLS-affiliated programs in the U.S., provides a comprehensive global perspective on talent identification and player pathways. Expertise in technical skills, leadership, and cross-cultural coaching.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Player Development Coach
Atlanta United FC
Atlanta, United States
02.2025 - Current
- Regional Development School (RDS): A tryout-based elite training program for advanced players aged 7 to 14.
- RDS provides high-level instruction to challenge top talent and supplement their club development.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to design age-appropriate drills and activities.
- Evaluated player progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Assessed player abilities and assigned positions according to individual strengths.
- Showed athletes proper techniques to avoid injuries.
- Adhered to equipment and apparel standards to promote safety and fair play and made new equipment orders when appropriate.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to coaching techniques.
Lead Coach Olympic Development Program (ODP)
Georgia State Soccer
Atlanta, United States
06.2024 - Current
- Lead youth soccer players selected through state try-outs, enhancing their performance using advanced training methods and sports science.
- Spearhead innovative training methodologies for Olympic-caliber youth athletes, fostering a high-performance culture that results in podium finishes and National Team selections.
- Analyze data to customize training, ensuring continuous athlete improvement.
- Craft long-term athlete development plans, nurturing talent pipelines and setting the foundation for sustained Olympic and USMNT/USWNT success.
- Evaluated player performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement during sessions.
Pro-Player Development, Scouting and Representation
N10 Soccer
Atlanta, United States
01.2024 - Current
- Our program integrates sports analytics, small group sessions, and high-performance environments to push boundaries and achieve excellence.
- Collaborating with esteemed sports institutions, we ensure our methods are innovative and effective.
- I lead comprehensive player development initiatives, tracking and analyzing performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in team and individual achievements.
- I develop long-term strategies for soccer excellence and introduce cutting-edge techniques, positioning the program at the forefront of youth soccer development.
- I mentor young athletes, nurturing both athletic and personal growth by providing individualized guidance and fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.
- Additionally, I have established scouting and representation services for athletes, offer coaching and training in media and commercial presentation skills, and provide sports management and business acumen support for player athletes.
- Founder of Number 10 Soccer, where elite athletic performance meets cutting-edge innovation.
- Contact: j.karas@n10soccer.com
- Phone: 9543284455
MLS Youth Coach
SSA Swarm FC
Atlanta, United States
06.2024 - 02.2026
- At SSA Swarm, I play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of soccer talent by focusing on elite player development for the 2015 and 2014 youth teams.
- My responsibilities include designing training sessions that emphasized both technical skills and tactical awareness, ensuring players were well-prepared for the challenges of MLS Next levels.
- Facilitated practices focusing on technique, strategy, and sportsmanship.
- Collaborated with parents to communicate player progress and coaching strategies.
- Mentored and encouraged youth to develop strong work ethic by being positive role model and regularly practicing skills.
- Readied team to compete in tournaments and other special events.
Head Coach SCCL U15 and U16 Boys
SSA Swarm FC
Atlanta, United States
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Developed training programs for athletes to enhance skills and performance.
- Led team practices focusing on strategy, teamwork, and game preparation.
- Evaluated player performance through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Ran drills and fitness circuits to improve athletes' coordination and skills.
Head Coach NAL U15 Boys
Plantation Rush FC
Plantation, United States
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Analyzed game footage to identify strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas for players.
- Cultivating a positive team culture, I emphasized sportsmanship and personal growth, leading to improved player confidence and on-field cohesion.
- Fostered a positive team culture through effective communication and leadership practices.
- Assisted athletes in developing mental skills such as focus, concentration, motivation, discipline, goal setting.
Hospitality Operations Consultant
Suzanne Barr Food
Miami, United States
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Analyzed operational processes to enhance efficiency and productivity across departments.
- Implemented inventory management systems to streamline stock control and reduce waste.
- Facilitated communication between teams to ensure alignment on operational goals.
- Evaluated supplier performance to maintain quality standards in sourcing ingredients.
Head Coach NAL U14 Boys
Lauderhill Lions Academy
Lauderhill, United States
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Analyzed player performance data to identify areas for improvement, resulting in targeted skill development and enhanced team strategies.
- Coordinating with other coaches and club staff, I ensured consistent player development across all age groups.
- I identified and nurtured potential MLS and USNMT players, fostering talent and growth in youth athletes.
- Additionally, I developed tailored skill development programs and scouted for exceptional youth athletes, creating pathways for their advancement.
- My efforts fostered a positive, growth-oriented environment that prioritized player development, punctuality, and collective success.
Football Strategy Adviser
Dutch Americas Football
Toronto, Canada
07.2021 - 07.2023
- Lead the strategic vision to establish youth soccer programs modelled in the Dutch style of player development throughout North America, Mexico and The Caribbean.
- By shaping the future through long-term strategic planning, I identified emerging trends and opportunities for sustainable growth and impact.
- I analyzed key metrics to enhance operational efficiency and team performance in soccer club expansion.
- Analyzed trends in youth sports participation to inform program adjustments.
- Formulated innovative strategies in soccer club management, positioning Dutch Americas football clients for sustainable success through partnership negotiations with Feyenoord FC in Rotterdam.
Assistant Coach U16 and U17 Academy Boys
IFK Göteborg Soccer Club
Gothenburg, Sweden
01.2009 - 07.2012
- I worked closely with senior coaches to align youth academy strategies with the club vision, fostering team cohesion among U16 and U17 players.
- I implemented innovative drills to enhance player performance and tactical understanding, analyzed player performance data to tailor individual development plans, and identified key areas for improvement, leading to measurable progress in player skills and match outcomes.
- Assisted head coach in developing training programs for players.
- Coordinated practice sessions, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
Assistant Coach U17 and U19 Academy Boys
Sparta Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands
01.2006 - 07.2009
- Worked closely with U17 and U19 boys' teams head coaches and staff to align youth academy strategies with first-team objectives, ensuring seamless player progression.
- Organized team meetings to discuss tactics and player development.
- Developed training and exercise programs to meet individual requirements and team play strategies.
- Assisted head coach in making decisions related to personnel moves such as recruiting, player selection.
Education
Master of Coaching - Elite Development and IDP
Feyenoord FC
Rotterdam, Netherlands11-2025
C License - Physical Education and Coaching
U.S. Soccer Federation
Atlanta, GA07.2023
Diploma of Sports Management - Sports Management
Johan Cruyff Institute
Amsterdam, Netherlands02-2013
Skills
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Data analysis and performance assessment
- Strategic planning and program development
- Conflict resolution and feedback delivery
- Sports coaching and game strategy
- Player evaluation and small group practices
Languages
English
Professional
Greek
Native/ Bilingual
French
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Player Development Coach
Atlanta United FC
02.2025 - Current
MLS Youth Coach
SSA Swarm FC
06.2024 - 02.2026
Lead Coach Olympic Development Program (ODP)
Georgia State Soccer
06.2024 - Current
Head Coach SCCL U15 and U16 Boys
SSA Swarm FC
06.2024 - 07.2025
Pro-Player Development, Scouting and Representation
N10 Soccer
01.2024 - Current
Head Coach NAL U15 Boys
Plantation Rush FC
07.2023 - 06.2024
Head Coach NAL U14 Boys
Lauderhill Lions Academy
06.2022 - 07.2023
Football Strategy Adviser
Dutch Americas Football
07.2021 - 07.2023
Hospitality Operations Consultant
Suzanne Barr Food
01.2017 - 01.2024
Assistant Coach U16 and U17 Academy Boys
IFK Göteborg Soccer Club
01.2009 - 07.2012
Assistant Coach U17 and U19 Academy Boys
Sparta Rotterdam
01.2006 - 07.2009
Master of Coaching - Elite Development and IDP
Feyenoord FC
C License - Physical Education and Coaching
U.S. Soccer Federation
Diploma of Sports Management - Sports Management
Johan Cruyff Institute