Atlanta-based soccer club, United Futbol Academy, has tabbed Tampa Bay United’s ECNL Girls Director and College Advisor, James Harris, as the predecessor to recently retired ECNL Girls Director, Mo Gonda. Harris will usher in a new era for UFA, building on his successes at TBU and aiming to keep UFA’s status of national prominence.

 

ATLANTA, Georgia (January 27, 2023) – United Futbol Academy, nationally known as UFA, announced today that James Harris would be named the club’s Elite Program and ECNL Girls Director.After a successful stint at Tampa Bay United, where Harris served as ECNL Girls Director and College Advisor, Harris will now depart to join the United Futbol Academy organization, assuming his role in early February 2023.

"Mo Gonda, our former UFA ECNL Girl’s Director, did a tremendous job to bring our girls program to a level of national prominence. In her retirement, our mission is to continue building our ECNL program in the trajectory where she left off. James is perfectly suited for this task and we are thrilled he is joining our staff,” says Director of Coaching, Iggy Moleka. "Between his professional playing experience, directorial background and resume coaching the top youth and collegiate females throughout the United States, James’ oversight of successful programs such as TBU will bode approvingly for the future of UFA.”

A holder of the prestigious USSF “A” License for coaching, Harris’s senior-level background beyond Tampa Bay United has included stints at Concorde Fire as their Development Academy Director and FC Prime as their Technical Director and ECNL Girls Director. 

“Leaders are an unquestionable need in any organization, and James’ time with Tampa Bay United has undoubtedly prepared him to be successful in this exciting opportunity,” said TBU Women’s Sporting Director Tricia Taliaferro. “Often, there is an emphasis on the development of players within a club setting, but we believe in developing front-office leaders that can drive impact and change. James is well-equipped for this challenge and will be a tremendous add at UFA.”

Harris attended George Mason University, where he played collegiately for four years and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Communications. After his collegiate career ended, he pursued professional soccer playing for the Atlanta Magic and Washington Stars of the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL).

Join us in welcoming James to UFA! #united4life