We are very excited to announce a fantastic addition to Force Soccer Academy coaching team – Melford James Jr. will be joining us as one of our new Goalkeeper Coaches. With over 20 years of experience both as a player and a coach in various soccer organizations across the Peel and Halton regions, Melford brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to our goalkeeper program. His extensive background and success on and off the field make him an invaluable asset to our coaching staff.
A Storied Playing Career
Melford’s journey in the world of soccer began in Ontario, where he played rep soccer throughout his youth and early adulthood. His talent and hard work were evident from an early age, and it didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself in the soccer community. His commitment to the sport earned him a full scholarship to play Division I soccer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where his career truly took off.
At UAB, Melford enjoyed a decorated college career that included numerous accolades and achievements. He earned prestigious All-American honors, was named to several first-team conference selections, and still holds multiple goalkeeper records at UAB. His remarkable performances on the field helped propel his team to great heights, including a spot in the NCAA Final Four tournament during his final year of collegiate soccer. Melford’s success in the NCAA made him one of the most sought-after players in the country.
In 2008, Melford’s dream of playing professionally became a reality when he was drafted by the Chicago Fire in the MLS Draft. His experience in Major League Soccer further solidified his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the country and helped shape his understanding of the game at the highest levels.
A Passion for Coaching
After an impressive playing career, Melford transitioned into coaching, where his love for soccer continued to grow. For the last 15 years, Melford has dedicated himself to coaching goalkeepers across the Peel and Halton regions. His coaching experience spans multiple organizations, including the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA), Brams United, GPS, and Milton Youth Soccer Club. Through these roles, Melford has honed his skills as a coach and mentor, helping to shape the future of young goalkeepers and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
His work in the community has left a lasting impact on the players he’s worked with, and his ability to connect with and motivate athletes is a testament to his coaching philosophy. Melford believes in not only developing technical skills but also fostering a love for the game that will carry players throughout their soccer careers and beyond.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Melford James Jr. to our team,” said Club President Mihail Markovic. “His extensive experience as both a player and coach, combined with his genuine passion for developing young talent, makes him the perfect fit for our goalkeeper program. Melford has a proven track record of success, and we’re confident that his expertise will have a lasting impact on our players. We look forward to watching our goalkeepers grow under his guidance.”
Bringing His Expertise to Force Soccer Academy
Now, Melford is excited to bring his wealth of experience to Force Soccer Academy. He is eager to share his knowledge, passion, and expertise with the next generation of goalkeepers. Melford understands the importance of strong foundational training for goalkeepers, and he is committed to providing top-tier coaching that will help players improve their skills and elevate their performance on the field.
At Force Soccer Academy, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and dynamic training environment, and Melford’s addition to our coaching team will only strengthen that commitment. His impressive background as both a player and a coach ensures that our goalkeeper program will continue to thrive under his guidance.
Melford’s approach to coaching is centered on building confidence, technical ability, and mental resilience. These qualities are essential for goalkeepers, who often face high-pressure situations and must remain calm and focused throughout the game. With Melford’s guidance, players will not only improve their technical skills but also develop the mental toughness needed to excel in this demanding position.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly excited to have Melford on board at Force Soccer Academy, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our goalkeeper program. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for the game, will help our athletes reach new heights and ensure that Force Soccer Academy remains a leader in goalkeeper development.
Please join us in welcoming Melford James Jr. to the Force Soccer Academy family. We are confident that his expertise and dedication will make a significant difference in the growth and development of our young goalkeepers.
Stay tuned for upcoming training sessions and opportunities to work with Melford – we can’t wait to see what he will bring to our soccer community!
