A native of Hull, England, Technical Director Tom Shields joined STA with an exhaustive list of previous coaching and educational experience, making him one of the most progressive young coaches in the country.
Holding both a Masters Degree in Sport Psychology and an Undergraduate Degree in Sports Coaching, alongside experience as a University Professor in Sports Coaching and Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan (Beckett) University, Tom’s academic history is significant. Additionally, as the author of countless published articles, and presenter and keynote speaker at industry leading conferences and symposiums (including the United Soccer Coaches Convention, US Club Soccer’s P1 symposium and the United States Olympic Committee AGM) Tom helps STA blend together the worlds of education and coaching.
A three-time National Champion, the former Head Coach of Hull City Ladies and the University of Hull, an Assistant and NCAA Division I Title Winning Coach at Central Connecticut State University, The Director of Player Performance and Pedagogy and Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach at Rutgers University, multi cycle US Club Soccer Boys ID2 National Staff Coach, ODP and Region I Staff Coach, United Soccer Coaches Associate National Staff Coach and former Development and Community Coach at Hull City, Leeds United and Bradford City, the experiences that Tom can draw upon to share with our membership are significant.
In addition, he is one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious US Soccer Academy Directors License and USSF A Youth License while also holding the USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Premier Diploma and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma along with a number of FA and LMA certifications.
Since his arrival, he has overseen and helped support the commitments of more than 300 of our players to colleges throughout the NCAA ranks, including a number to “Power Five” Division I schools and has additionally worked with dozens of others that have gone on to secure professional contracts across the United States.
