Derek Leader Joins NCFC Youth Staff as Girls ECNL Director
Veteran Coach to Begin in July 2022

Leader comes to NCFC Youth from Arizona, where he is finishing up his role as a Program Director and ECNL coach with the Utah Royals FC Arizona youth club. With more than 30 years of coaching experience across the youth, Olympic Development Program (ODP), collegiate, and professional levels, Leader will have an immediate impact on the ECNL Girls program, coaches, teams, and players.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the NCFC youth ECNL girls program,” said Leader. “My family and I are looking forward to arriving to the Triangle. I want to thank Gary, Paul, Bobby and Pete for their interest and trust in me. The high standard of the club has existed for many years, and I cannot wait to get started and join the players and staff on the field.”

At the youth level, Leader developed players at some of the most recognized clubs across the country including IMG Soccer Academy, Dallas Texans Soccer Club, and Concorde Soccer Club, prior to being in Arizona. During his 12-year tenure at IMG, he coached 2 MLS Rookies of the Year (Kyle Martino and Michael Parkhurst), 1 NWSL Rookie of the Year (Erika Tymrak), and a Women’s MAC Hermann Trophy Winner (Anne Maakinen). He was inducted into the IMG Soccer Academy Hall of Fame in 2010.

In addition to the youth game, his coaching career is marked by various stints in the collegiate game at both Division I and Division II programs.  Leader served as the Assistant Women’s and Men’s Coach at Ashland University (DII), Associate Head Women’s Coach at Southern Methodist University (Division I), Head Women’s Coach at Georgia State University (DI), and Head Women’s Coach at Grand Canyon University (DI). His experience with collegiate players will be a valuable resource to NCFC Youth ECNL players who aspire for the next level of play.

His experience also extends to the national level as a former US Soccer National Instructional Staff and National Scout.

Leader earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Akron. He holds multiple coaching licenses including his USSF A License and United Soccer Coaches Premier License.

Leader is recognized across the country by colleagues, and here’s what they had to say:

What Others Are Saying

“NCFC has scored big with this hire. Derek is an outstanding coach and a first-class person. His expertise in player and team development will only enhance what is one of the top youth clubs in the country.”

Chris Petruculli, Chicago Red Stars NWSL Coach

“Derek is a fantastic coach with a high level of integrity. I am thrilled that he has the opportunity to lead the NCFC Youth ECNL program. He possesses a strong work ethic and has a great knowledge of the game. He has the experience and contacts to aid the program and players. I look forward to seeing how he helps further develop the youth players at NCFC.”

Mark Krikorian, Former Head Coach at Florida State Women’s Soccer

“Derek Leader is an awesome hire for NCFC. Derek is one of the top coaches in the country. He is knowledgeable, passionate, and a great teacher of the game. Derek is a very caring person who will help develop all areas of a youth soccer player!”
Robbie Church, Duke University Head Women’s Soccer Coach