Affable and energetic, Coach Scotty, is often seen running from field to field on game day. He coaches Academy as well as U16 and U18 teams. Scotty hails from Newcastle, England, home of Alan Shearer, an English Premier League all-time top goal scorer; and native, Brian Johnson, the lead singer of ACDC.
From the age of eight until 18, Scotty played for top English youth and youth reserve teams, including: Newcastle United, Middlesbrough F.C., Celtic F.C, Darlington F.C. and Carlisle United F.C.
Scotty attended university in the United States at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. He was a formidable defender and three-year starter for the Bulldogs Division II soccer team. Wingate won the Division II National Championship in 2016. Scotty’s team had an impressive record of being three-time South Atlantic Conference Champions, and twice being Conference Tournament Champions. Scotty made three NCAA Tournament appearances, and two first-team appearances on the All Conference team.
In 2017, Scotty transferred to Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Not surprisingly, Scotty captained the Hawk's Division II Men’s team during the team’s most winning year in 2017. He played in over 65 collegiate Division II games. He scored four goals, and had four assists! Scotty graduated from Chowan University in May 2018 having earned his degree in Exercise Science, and he holds an FA Level 2 license. Scotty is always a friendly face on the field. He’s also a life-long, diehard Newcastle United supporter.
Go Magpies!
Read our Q+A with Scotty.
Q: What is your coaching philosophy?
A: My approach to coaching is to make sure that all of the kids are having fun and enjoying themselves. I coach fast-paced, possession-based soccer, but I like to see them playing with a smile on their face, and developing the skills I teach them in a positive constructive, environment.
Q: Why did you decide to become a coach?
A: I became a coach because I love teaching kids and I love the game. I was a player myself not so long ago, so being a young coach, I can empathize and put myself in the kids’ shoes. Also, being around the game my whole life, I take the lessons I’ve learned over the years and pass that knowledge onto the players.
Q: As a young child, what did you love most about soccer?
A: As a child what I loved most about football were the friendships I forged from playing soccer. I loved the feeling of working my heart out for my team, and knowing the player next to me was doing the same thing. I loved feeling completely exhausted after a game, knowing I had done everything in my power to make sure my team was successful.
Q: What advice would you give to Carolina Velocity FC players?
A: There’s a famous quote I often repeat. “Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.” I believe that. I’ve played with many footballers who are playing professionally in England that were not necessarily great players, but they worked extremely hard, and have great attitudes. The advice I’d like to give to Velocity players is the same advice I received as a young kid. Go home and practice kicking the ball against the wall...right foot and left foot. The best players can play comfortably on both feet.
Q: What’s the best thing about Carolina Velocity, FC?
A: The best thing about our club is the personal relationships we have with each of the players. In bigger clubs, kids are often just another number. Here at Velocity, we genuinely care about every single player who wears a Velocity jersey. This makes everyone’s experience a lot more personal and enjoyable.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I tell all my players to enjoy every second! Play with a smile on your face! Every single player naturally plays their best when they enjoy playing. Also, never be afraid to ask questions. We coaches are here for you, to answer your questions, to make you the best you can possibly be. We will help you with every aspect of the game (skills, attitude, understanding) in order for you to play at the highest level. We have all been coached by, and have coached alongside the top professional coaches. If you listen and take on-board what us coaches are telling you, you can become as good as you want to be, there is no LIMIT!