ACADEMY DIRECTOR - RYAN LONG

- Long will be in charge of directing all Academy programs and the every day operations of the Academy.

Coaching experience:

High School - Long spent nine seasons as the assistant coach for the Philipsburg-Osceola boys soccer program (2000-2009). 

Club Soccer - Long was a team coach with the STN (Soccer Training Network), guiding the boys U11 team (2004-2006).  Long currently does summer soccer camps with STN.

Youth Soccer - Long guided the Philipsburg boys U19 team for nine seasons (2000-2009).

Coaching License - USSF E License; NSCAA Regional Diploma.

Playing experience:

High School - Long played high school soccer for Philipsburg-Osceola, helping guide the team to two straight District 6 final appearances.  While playing for the Mounties (1995-1998), Long earned 1st team All-League three times and finished with 48 career goals which is good for 3rd all time.

Club Soccer - Long also played for the Keystone Soccer Club, a premier travel team for two season while in high school. Long played as a central midfielder and finished with 12 goals and 15 assists in two years. 

College - After high school Long joined the St. Francis University soccer program for one year, but did not return for his sophomore season choosing to pursue other options. 

Professional - In 2002 Long earned trials with the Cincinnati Riverhawks, Minnesota Thunder (both of the USL A-League) and the Reading Rage (of the USL Premier Development League).  Long returned without any interest from any of the clubs. 

In 2004 Long again earned a few trials with the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Division 2), Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Division 2) and the Reading Rage (USL Premier Development League).  Unsuccessful in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Long earned a spot on the preseason training squad with the Reading Rage, playing in a preseason game and training for a month with the team before not being offered a contract prior to the season opener.

In 2009 Long was one of 1400 players who earned a trial with the Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer).  Long returned without any interest with the Union.