A Tradition in New England Soccer Coaching Continues

John Smith John Smith was well-known as one of the premier place-kickers in the National Football League from 1973-1983. To gain teaching experience, John came to the United States from England in the summers of 1970-72 and developed soccer programs at two different summer camps in western Massachusetts. His shooting power in soccer did not go unnoticed and the New England Patriots invited him to try out as a placekicker in 1973. He led the NFL in scoring in 1979 and 1980 and was voted All-Pro. John was instrumental in organizing the World Cup Campaign for Boston prior to 1994. During the event, he worked as the soccer analyst for Channel 5 TV and Cable News. For the past 34 years, he has run his own camps and clinics in Massachusetts. John has been instrumental in starting youth soccer programs in various towns, as well as teaching thousands of coaches and parents to enjoy working with young soccer players of all ability levels.

Felicity Day The tradition continues with Felicity, John's eldest daughter, joining the family business after a successful college career at Mary Washington College. After being named All-American at college, Felicity went on to play for Arsenal Women's Team in England. Felicity progressed to coach at the collegiate level for two years and is now the full time Coaching Director at John Smith Soccer Schools and Sports Center. She has received her NSCAA Premier Diploma in coaching, one of a handful of women in the country to have received this highest coaching qualification With Distinction. Felicity is on now the NSCAA Academy Coaching Staff and travels around the country coaching youth and college coaches. Together, John and Felicity have created a unique soccer camp philosophy. Read about our Coaches from Around the World.