The Long Island Junior Soccer League announced today that Dave Schneider and Mike Borra have been named Co-Directors of the Academy West program.
“I am thrilled to be back with LIJSL and the Academy West program,” Schneider said. “I am excited for the future as our focus will be on creating an experience that honors each player’s potential and prepares them for the challenges of the beautiful game and beyond.”“I’m honored to join LIJSL Academy West and be part of a program committed to developing players,” Borra said. “I look forward to helping build an environment where players can grow, compete, and reach their full potential both on and off the field.”
Schneider brings his vast experience coaching on Long Island to the Academy West program. With over 30 years of coaching youth soccer, he has been the Syosset Soccer Club Director of Coaching since 2016 and held the same role with the LIJSL Select program from 2001-2011. Schneider also plays a pivotal role in coaching education, which he can bring to all the Academy West coaches. He’s served as a United Soccer Coaches National Staff Instructor since 2010 and an LIJSL Coaching Academy Staff Instructor since 2005. He holds United Soccer Coaches Premier, National, and Advanced National Diplomas.
Borra brings over 33 years of experience to Academy West and currently serves alongside Schneider as Director of Coaching at Syosset. He has also been a trainer for Eastern New York ODP program and with Syosset. Borra has also made an impact in coaching education, serving as both a United Soccer Coaches National Staff Instructor and an LIJSL Coaching Academy Staff Instructor since 2004. His list of certifications includes the United Soccer Coaches Premier, National, and Advanced National Diplomas as well as the United States Soccer D License.
“I’m very excited that we are able to welcome Dave & Mike as the new Co-Directors of Academy West,” LIJSL Academy Director Ronan Wiseman said. “They both bring a fantastic level of experience and professionalism in working with youth players and coaches. Their backgrounds in education will help develop the players and coaches and bring them to a new level.”
Schneider and Borra join returning Academy East Director Andreas Lindberg for the 2026 campaign.