The Long Island Junior Soccer League announced today that Stephen Roche has been named the new Academy West Director.
“Delighted to be given the opportunity and looking forward to assembling our staff and to get going,” Roche said. “Our aim will be to make sure every player and every team leaves each session having learned something new, competed to the best of their ability, and most importantly had fun.”
Roche currently is the associate head coach of the NCAA Division 1 Hofstra University Pride men’s soccer team, where he has helped lead Hofstra to the Colonial Athletic Association Championship appearances each season, with Hofstra winning the title in 2021. During that strong campaign in 2021, the Pride reached the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament.
He has previously served as the Long Island Rough Riders’ head coach, which compete in USL League Two.
During his time as a player, Roche competed professionally in his native Ireland with the University College Dublin Football Club in the League of Ireland Premier division.
Roche holds a National Diploma and Advanced National Diploma from United Soccer Coaches as well as a USSF ‘D’ License.
“We are delighted to have Stephen join the program and we’re looking forward to working with him,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “His knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm will be a huge benefit to the program and it’s players.”
Roche joins returning Academy East Director Andreas Lindberg for the 2023 campaign.