City SC is excited to announce the addition of Ellis Riley to their GA staff as the girls College Liaison. In addition to taking on the college liaison role, Riley will assume head coaching duties for the 2007 GA team. Riley also remains on staff as an assistant coach with the University of San Diego women’s soccer team. His direct connections and experience in the college game will be an invaluable resource to City SC players in helping each individual navigate their college recruitment process. Prior to joining the coaching staff at USD, Riley spent a year at St. Francis College in New York, helping their team in their inaugural NCAA D1 season and also coached at Hastings College where he was named to the NAIA Midwest Region Staff of the Year. A native of Leeds, England, Riley holds his USSF B License and is certified through FA and United Soccer Coaches. He played collegiately at University of Jamestown in North Dakota and earned his master’s degree in physical education from Hasting College.
Riley is also the founder of SOCCERIQ – Ahead of the Game, an educational platform designed to accelerate coach and player learning of tactical and technical elements of the game.
“I am looking forward to joining the Girls Academy at City SC,” said Riley. “The close-knit feel of the club allows for a collaborative environment, and I am excited to get to work with the many great players, coaches & staff within the program.”
Click here to view Coach Ellis’ coaching BIO.
Alongside the addition of Ellis Riley, the club has promoted current GA staff coach Jeff Hughes to Academy Coordinator. As the academy coordinator Hughes will liaise with the league, staff, managers and opponents on all logistics and communications.
Hughes (welcome video below) is entering his second season on staff at City SC. He’s had an illustrious professional career, playing overseas, domestically in the USL, with the US Futsal National Team, the San Diego Sockers and Ontario Fury. He played collegiately at University of Cincinnati and holds his USSF B License. Prior to joining City SC, Hughes served as Girls Director at Cardiff Sockers, Director of Coaching at Riptide FC and Technical Director at FOSC.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to step into this new role within the Girls Academy,” said Hughes. “The foundation of this program has been built through the culture of City SC, the staff and our families. I look forward to continuing to help our players and teams reach new heights and maintain the excellence that is the Girls Academy at City SC.”
Carl Higham will remain in his role as Girls Executive Director and will oversee GA Operations.
“It’s an exciting time for our GA program and we are looking forward to working with Ellis and Jeff in their new roles,” said Higham. “Ellis will be a fantastic resource for our players with his connections in the college game and Jeff brings a wealth of coaching, playing and administrative experience to help facilitate operations behind the scenes in addition to his work with the players and staff on the field.”
