Galanis Has Served as Technical Director of New Jersey ODP Since 2017
Australian-born professional soccer manager James Galanis joins New Jersey Youth Soccer as Director of Technical Operations
New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) is welcoming highly respected soccer coach James Galanis to the state’s association staff. Galanis is the new Director of Technical Operations for NJYS.
Galanis is a coach who changes people’s lives. Galanis has even impacted the course of American soccer with his work.
“My whole life changed in a parking lot when my dad approached a trainer named James Galanis, President of Universal Soccer Academy. James gave my dad his card and told him to have me reach out. When my dad came back home and talked to me about James, I was adamant about quitting and nothing was going to change my mind.”
The person who said this is Carli Lloyd.
If you visit Carli Lloyd’s website, you will see the picture of her and Galanis and see her quote above. That’s right. Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, Two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Two-time FIFA Player of the Year personally thanks Galanis whose dedication to developing players is well known.
“This is great news, not only for NJ Youth Soccer but for everyone involved in youth soccer in New Jersey.”
Carli Lloyd, NJYS Ambassador.
Galanis has worked as Technical Director for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 2017, and he has now transitioned into a strategic role that will support all areas of soccer competition and education.
“I am not surprised that James had success in ODP, and now moving to a broader role will give him the chance to share his wisdom to a larger audience,” said Carli Lloyd, NJYS Ambassador.
As part of his increased responsibilities, he will continue to oversee the New Jersey ODP while working to further improve NJ Youth Soccer programs and the player pathways that benefit member leagues and clubs.
“James has an incredible background that has positively impacted our state association, including ODP.”
Evelyn Gill, New Jersey Youth Soccer’s President
As the New Jersey ODP Technical Director, Galanis helped reinvent the program by introducing new tournament competitions, implementing a unified state team playing philosophy, developing a specific training curriculum, and improving the coaching standards, as well as hosting off-field Mental Toughness and Tactical Awareness Seminars.
With this appointment, NJ Youth Soccer anticipates that Galanis will further strengthen all departments and programs of the state association.
Rick Meana, a senior member of the NJ Youth Soccer staff, US Soccer A License Coach, and current state association leader for Coaching Education, will work closely with Galanis. Their combined experience will enhance the already robust coaching education program that NJ Youth Soccer delivers to its members, serving more than 1,000 coaches each season.
“I want to thank Evelyn Gill and the NJ Youth Soccer Board of Directors for their continued support. I am motivated by this opportunity to positively impact the lives of the 100,000+ members in our state association,” said Galanis.
“Evan Dabby and the NJYS staff work tirelessly every day and have played a key role in what the organization is today. My goal is to provide as much knowledge as I can to improve the level of play for youth soccer players, coaches, and parents. I have the right people around me and am genuinely motivated to continue building the state association into a leader in player, coach, and club development.”
