Steve Hirayama
Chattanooga Football Club Academy has announced new leadership and a pathway to youth soccer development that is more attainable to more parts of the Tennessee Valley community.
The club has hired Steve Hirayama to lead the club as Director of Coaching. Hirayama comes to Chattanooga from Jacksonville, Florida where he served as Girls Program Director for Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) club, Armada FC. Hirayama is originally from the Volunteer State and graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he played and coached club soccer at the collegiate level. He later served in director roles at some of the largest clubs in Texas and Florida.
Hirayama coached with CFC Men’s Head Coach & General Manager Bill Elliot at University of West Florida.
Elliott said, “I’ve known Steve for a long time. If I could pick one coach to develop my kids as players, Steve would be my choice. We are truly blessed to have one of Tennessee’s most successful coaches back in his home state.”
CFC Academy, founded in 2012, is already a proven pathway for youth soccer players who want to play college soccer. More than 30 players in the Class of 2019 are committed to play at the D1, D2, D3, and NAIA level. With stronger ties to the CFC Men’s team, Academy players will now have a clearer path to playing beyond college as well.
Academy players will continue to have access to training facilities at Camp Jordan Park, Grimes Soccer Complex, Middle Valley, Finley Stadium, Highland Park Commons, and other turf partners. CFC Academy will offer full and partial scholarships so that high level soccer is available to all income levels.
A diverse mix of returning coaches and new coaches will be part of the training staff in the 2019-20 season. All are paid staff coaches, licensed through the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
The Academy is currently accepting registrations for the upcoming tryout and evaluation process. Registration is free. Visit ChattanoogaSoccer.com/EVALUATIONS for more details and age groups.
CFC Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.