nelson medina
POSITION DIRECTOR OF COACHING
COACHING LICENSE LEVEL "A"
EXPERIENCE +30 YEARS
Medina holds a United States Soccer Federation National “A” License and was most recently the Executive Director & Director of Coaching at Atomic City FC (Las Vegas, NV) and the WPSL Head Coach. Medina has been involved in coaching the beautiful game and in club organizational leadership roles for over 30 years.
Coach Medina will oversee all aspects of the club’s coaching staff, player development and coaching education, utilizing his vast background of experience in the game at all levels of competition, from the club’s recreational level to the elite pathways.
Medina is a familiar face to coaching in the NW Arkansas area. He was the Technical Director for the Arkansas Comets from 2011-2014 and was the former Head Coach of the Boys Varsity team at Har-Ber High School for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He coached the Comets to numerous Arkansas State Cup championships and won a Regional III League championship. At Har-Ber High School, Medina took the program to new heights by taking the program to their first ever 7A-West Conference title by going undefeated in the conference in his first season and also coached them to the 2014 7A-Arkansas High School championship game, which were all a first in school history.
“Being entrusted to lead the most successful club in the great state of Arkansas, which has such a rich history of developing players, is an absolute honor,” said Medina. “The Comets have always had a special place in my heart because of the relationships that were developed during my time with the club.”
“As an organization, we are thrilled to have Nelson back with us with his experience, passion and ability to help lead us,” said Club Director, Samir Haj. “Nelson’s formal training and experiences combine to make the ideal foundation on which to enhance our program.”
Medina has had a hand in helping put hundreds of players into college programs and has numerous former players playing professionally in the MLS, NWSL, WPSL, overseas and with the U.S. National teams. In addition, he coached and directed in the WPSL, ECNL and National League. He has spent the last eight years directing and coaching in some of the most successful programs in the country at placing players on U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams.
Medina added, “Samir is an icon and staple in the community and has done so much for the youth of NW Arkansas. I’m excited to be working with him again, the staff and the next generation of young footballers.”