Simon Collins hired as commissioner of the US Youth Soccer National League

FRISCO, Texas — US Youth Soccer has announced the hiring of Simon Collins as the new commissioner of the USYS National League.

With an extensive background in soccer — as a player, coach and director, both in the U.S. and internationally — Collins’ passion for the game is broad and far-reaching. He brings more than 25 years of sports industry experience to the USYS National League, along with a vast knowledge of sports management and business. Collins most recently served as the Technical Director for EDP Soccer — helping to oversee four National League Conferences while playing an integral part in the EDP Soccer business development team.

“I’m very excited to join the USYS team and help lead the National League to the next level,” Collins said. “I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the future success of thousands of youth soccer players across the country. I look forward to building on the National League’s current success and finding new ways to make the National League a true destination of choice for competitive clubs and players in the United States.”

Collins holds a U.S. Soccer Grassroots & D Instructor License, U.S. Soccer A and B Licenses, UEFA B License and a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. He has provided consultation services for professional adult and youth clubs, and he was a part of the USYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) task force that later announced a Talent Identification partnership between US Youth Soccer & MLS. Collins has also worked with education authorities in the United Kingdom to develop a “soccer syllabus” for prestigious private schools in England.

On the field, Collins has coached and developed opportunities for players in the U.S. and abroad. In England, Collins served as a coach in Huddersfield Town’s Academy and as the manager of Bradford Park Avenue, Ossett Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he helped develop standout English Premier League forward Jamie Vardy.

As an 11-year veteran professional soccer player, Collins made over 200 appearances in the England Football League — playing as a defender for Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Macclesfield Town and Shrewsbury Town.

In his most recent role as Technical Director for EDP Soccer, Collins worked closely with USYS National League management and proved to be a partner who sought out opportunities for collaboration and development. His background in the educational, coaching, playing and administrative realms of soccer have afforded Collins a unique and vast perspective on the opportunities and challenges presented to youth soccer clubs, players and families. Through his interactions and collaboration with USYS State Associations and regional administrators, Collins has formed productive working relationships with critical leaders and partners in the youth soccer landscape.

“Our goal was to find a commissioner with an insatiable appetite to make the USYS National League the best, most prestigious, and most sought-after youth soccer league in the country,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “We found that and more in Simon Collins, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be joining our team to help move the USYS National League forward.”

Collins currently resides in Florida with his wife, Michelle, and two sons. He will join the USYS team at the national office in Frisco, Texas, beginning Sept. 1, 2021.