(January 17, 2025)  Last week, Nicole Turner, our Director of Supplemental Programs, spoke at the United Soccer Coaches Convention on behalf of US Soccer’s SheChampions mentorship program. She shared her experiences with the program, which aims to build a supportive community for women coaches, enhance their professional development through coaching scholarships and mentorship opportunities, and increase the recruitment and retention of women in soccer.

“It was an honor to contribute to such an important conversation and to connect with others who are passionate about empowering women. Being part of the US Soccer SheChampions program on the advisory board and as a mentor is truly a privilege, and I hope our presentation helped to expand awareness and interest in its mission,” said Turner. “Thank you to NCFC Youth for supporting my involvement in this impactful panel and program.”

This year, four national soccer organizations: US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, Women and Girls in Soccer, and U.S. Soccer’s SheChampions Coaching Initiative are collaborating in an effort to increase the number of leadership roles across the soccer landscape. This all-female Club Technical Leadership is the first of its kind. Turner, who is currently earning her USSF A License, will be one of four educators teaching this course with 31 student coaches from across the US, which blends both in-person and virtual components.

Hannah Sink, our Durham/Chapel Hill Classic Girls Director, will be one of the student coaches participating in the course. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the CTL-1 Course, learning alongside and from leaders around the country! I hope to effectively develop and implement programs that prioritize player growth, technical quality, coach development, and a positive culture. My goal is to ensure our programs provide the best possible environment for player development at all levels!”

Beginning January 30 – February 2, the in-person portion will be held at the U.S. Olympic Performance Center at UNC Charlotte in North Carolina. The course will progress through the beginning of May, and at the completion of the course, participants can earn their Club Technical Leadership Level 1, formerly known as the Director of Coaching, license.

To learn more about the Club Technical Leadership Level 1 Course and ongoing initiatives by US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, Women and Girls in Soccer, and the U.S. Soccer’s SheChampions Coaching Initiative, click here.