Liam Shannon, Executive Director
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As Executive Director Liam oversees all aspects of the club including establishing mission, philosophy, methodology, and direct supervision of all programs.
On the “soccer side,” his specific responsibilities include coaching assignments, coaching instruction, curriculum design, player-development, parent education, scheduling, and try outs. On the “business side,” Liam oversees the budget, fundraising, partnerships, sponsorships, tournaments, marketing, advertising, website & social media, facilities and equipment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Before helping establish Carolina Soccer Club, Liam coached at Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) from 2014 – 2015 and served as Director of Player Development for FC Carolina Alliance (FCCA) from 2011 – 2014. Liam also coached boys’ soccer for Cannon Middle School (2015) and girls’ soccer for Hickory Ridge Middle School (2016).
Liam moved to North Carolina in 2010 to take the position of assistant men’s soccer coach at Pfeiffer University. From 2007 – 2010 Liam taught social studies and coached the boys’ soccer team at Cedartown High School in Cedartown, GA.
WRITING, INTERVIEWS & PRESENTATIONS
Liam is the author of Sun Tzu Soccer: The Art of War in Soccer Language and Scenarios, a translation of Sun Tzu’s 2400-year-old classic The Art of War. The book was released on Amazon on April 21st, 2020, and was ranked #1 under "New Releases: Soccer Coaching", and #2 under "New Releases: Soccer".
Liam has been interviewed by The South China Morning Post, Word Class Coaching podcast, and In the Game podcast, all for Sun Tzu Soccer.
Liam's article "The Sun Tzu Soccer Player Qualities Matrix: A Holistic Approach to Player Development," was published in the July/August 2019 edition of the United Soccer Coaches Soccer Journal.
In January 2015 Liam presented to a sold-out audience at the world’s largest annual coaches convention, the NSCAA (USC) National Convention in Philadelphia, on “The Art of War Theories in Soccer”. Liam was joined on stage by friends Jeremy Gunn of Stanford University, Sam Snow of US Youth Soccer, Doug Williamson of United Soccer Coaches, and Diane Drake from US Soccer.
For more information go to:
www.liamjshannon.com
Twitter @SunTzuSoccer
Facebook /SunTzuSport
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma (2016)
NSCAA Premier Diploma (2015)
USSF “C” License (2014)
USSF National Youth License (2013)
NSCAA Advanced National Diploma (2011)
NSCAA National Diploma (2008)
FA Coaching Leaders Certificate (1995)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Liam played soccer for four years at NAIA Berry College (GA), collecting two Region Championships, two Conference Championships, a Conference Tournament Championship, back-to-back National Final Four appearances, and a National Ranking of #2 (2003). Liam tallied 7 goals and 11 assists in 64 games and attained a .76-win percentage during his time at Berry. Liam describes his playing style as a holding midfielder in the mold of Busquets / Carrick / Pirlo. Everyone else describes it is at as nowhere near as good as that.
EDUCATION
Liam graduated from Berry College (GA) in 2006 with a double-major BS in Government and BA in History. He was an All-Conference Scholar Athlete, member of the Dean’s List, Academic Council Student Representative, and President of the International Students Association.
From February – May 2005 Liam studied Russian language, history, and government in St. Petersburg, Russia.