The United Soccer League announced today that Birmingham Legion FC defender Ryan James is the inaugural recipient of a Coaching License Scholarship, made possible by USL partner Kwik Goal and US Soccer. This fall, James will begin his “B” license training with US Soccer.
The USL, Kwik Goal, and US Soccer have collaborated on an important new scholarship initiative geared to address the country’s historic lack of diversity in the coaching ranks. Scholarships will pay the entire tuition cost of a United States Soccer coaching course for the “A” or “B” license. Following the awarding of the first scholarship to James, two more will be given out later this year.
James, a Mississauga, Ontario native, has made over 150 USL appearances since going pro in 2016 after a standout four-year career at Bowling Green State University. In addition to his current club, Birmingham Legion, he has played for the Rochester Rhinos, Nashville SC, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He has been a workhorse on the left flank for Birmingham in two seasons, making more than 60 matches and this year assisting Legion FC to a fourth consecutive playoff berth.
The USL collaborated with the Black Players Alliance to identify diverse players who had applied for their US Soccer “A” or “B” license in order to help grant the inaugural U.S. Soccer Coach License scholarship.
In addition, the BPA has collaborated with 2Cents FC, a boutique content production brand dedicated to amplifying Black and Brown voices in sports, to create a content series that will tell James’ coaching story. The series will highlight James’s path as a professional player, his objectives as a coach, and the nitty-gritty of obtaining a high-level coaching license through interviews, in-action footage, and archival content.
