Meet our Staff
Grant Leckie, Executive Director
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Phone: (513) 515-0975 |
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Born and raised in the southwest of Scotland, Grant began working in youth soccer after finishing high school whilst completing a 2 year Higher National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development. Grant began coaching with the Pro Youth Academy at Glasgow Rangers and he was able to work with handpicked players who formed U9 and U12 boys teams.This experience led to further coaching opportunities with the Scottish Football Association in their community program working with the local Development Squad and Grant furthered his education by completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Management. After graduating, Grant pursued a coaching opportunity in the US, with Challenger Sports. He was able to coach in 20 states and work on youth summer camps as well as acting a professional trainer for Lincoln Spirit Soccer Club, Albert Lea Youth Soccer and Albert Lea High School. In 2008, Grant was offered the opportunity to move into a full-time management role here in Cincinnati and oversee staffing and programming in Ohio and Kentucky for Challenger Sports. This role allowed him to partner with over 200 organizations since 2008 developing new programs, educating coaches, supporting existing programs, providing educational material and increasing player development opportunities. As Regional Business Manager, Grant hired, trained and managed 100 + staff annually in order to provide high quality coaching programs to Challenger Sports’ partner organizations. Since moving to Cincinnati, Grant has been a trainer with Kolping Soccer Club and STAR Soccer Club and has been able to work closely with many local recreational and competitive programs in order to utilize his experience and qualifications to the benefit of many youth soccer players. |
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Jack Perkins, Director of Player Development
513-501-0196
Education / Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science –Sports and Exercise Science (2013)
- National E Licence –U.S. Soccer (2017)
- National Diploma in Sport (2009)
Coaching Experience
- STAR Soccer Club (2015 –Present)
- Challenger Sports (2014 –2017)
- Farnworth FC (2007 –2014)
Playing Experience
- The University of Bolton (2011 –2013)
- Farnworth FC (Youth level)
What I love about coaching for STAR
Coaching for STAR Soccer Club has not just helped develop me as a coach but also as a person. I have been able to adopt the club’s culture and philosophies towards player development in my coaching.STAR Soccer Clubs philosophies on coach development along with player development allows me to improve my ability on the training field, and in turn provide a greater level of coaching for my players.
Yonas Asmerom, Director of Player Development
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Phone: (513) 349-6683 |
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| Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Yonas grew up playing TYCO soccer. He played varsity at Mount Healthy High School four years, and was team captain his last three years. He played one year of club soccer at Miami University, and has continued playing soccer in adult leagues and occasionally refereeing. In 2008, Yonas had a scheduled tryout with the Columbus Crew but unfortunately tore his ACL the day of the tryout. Yonas holds a USSF E license, and has been coaching with STAR SC for nine years. He also was head coach at Mount Healthy High School boys varsity soccer program for the 2009 season. |
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