Central Connecticut State announces Dave Kelly as interim men’s soccer head coach

Central Connecticut Interim Director of Athletics Tom Pincince has named Dave Kelly as the interim head coach of the men’s soccer program for the 2020 season.

Kelly has been with the Blue Devils’ program since 2013 when he joined the staff as an assistant coach.

“Dave’s wealth of coaching experience makes him an excellent choice to assume the head coaching role of our men’s soccer team,” said Pincince. “He is well-known within the soccer community in Connecticut and we look forward to him being a positive mentor for our student-athletes during the upcoming season.”

“I am honored and excited to assume leadership of the men’s soccer program at CCSU,” said Kelly. “I look forward to the challenge of helping build a successful program on and off the field. We can’t wait to get to work preparing for the season.”

Kelly has spent seven seasons with the Blue Devils, helping the program claim the 2013 Northeast Conference regular season championship and helping develop over 20 All-NEC honorees. Prior to coming to New Britain, Kelly spent time as an assistant at the collegiate level with Southern Connecticut State University (2011-13), Hartford (2005-11), Quinnipiac (2004) and Trinity College (2001-03). Kelly has also been involved coaching at the club level with FSA FC, and the Connecticut Olympic Development Program, while also serving as head coach of CFC-Azul in the Premier Development League.

Kelly played professionally in the A-League (now the USL Championship) Professional Soccer League and in the National Professional Soccer League, while also spending time abroad with both Carlisle United and Burnley FC in England. During his time in the A-League, Kelly was also a player-assistant coach with the Connecticut Wolves. He holds “A,” “Pro-B” and “National Youth” coaching licenses from the United States Soccer Federation and the “Premier Diploma” from the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA).

Kelly played collegiately at the University of Maine where he graduated with a degree in history in 1990. He lives in West Hartford with his wife, Tricia, and their two daughters.