LEADERSHIP TEAM

MILES JOSEPH – Advisor

Miles Joseph is a Shenendehowa High School Class of 1992 graduate and two-time All-American, contributing to three NY State titles and one National Championship title during his high school career. This was followed by four years at Division I Clemson University from 1992-1996 earning All-ACC and All-American honors. He was selected to the US Men’s Olympic Team in 1996, and played professionally for the NY MetroStars, Columbus Crew, Dallas Burn and Dallas Sidekicks between 1996-2003.

Miles started his coaching career at Siena College in 2003 as an assistant. His vision to give back to the youth soccer community in the Capital District resulted in starting his own club, New York Elite FC, launched in 2009, just months before accepting his first MLS assistant coaching position with Real Salt Lake in 2010. He is currently Associate Head Coach for FC Charlotte, following five years as Assistant Coach for the Portland Timbers and stints with New York City FC and Orlando City SC. Joseph provides guidance on the MLS-centric coaching methodology adapted for youth soccer and focused on individual player development. 

AFRIM NEZAJ – President

The Albany Alleycats was founded in 1994 by Afrim Nezaj. Born in Kosovo, Afrim came to the US at age 10 and settled in Bronx, NY. He played soccer for the University at Albany where he was an All-American and was inducted into the University of Albany Hall of Fame in 2008. After college, Afrim played professionally with the Pennsylvania Stoners, Rochester Flash, New York Nationals and Albany Capitals. He also played semi-professionally for a decade with New York Atlas and was part owner of several professional soccer teams.

Afrim has been integral in the development of youth soccer in the Capital Region where he was recognized by the Capital District Youth Soccer League as a Golden Thread Award winner and a Hall of Fame inductee. Afrim now owns and operates five indoor/outdoor soccer complexes and is excited to continue his journey as the owner of the New York Shockers. The Albany Alleycats originally started as a semi-professional men’s soccer team that competed in the USISL from 1995-1999. Since then, the Alleycats have grown into an elite developmental platform for youth soccer in Albany, NY.

JON BAIN – Director of Coaching

Led by Director of Coaching Jon Bain, New York Elite FC grew significantly into an accomplished club with many successes in a short span of time. Bain is head coach of the nationally ranked Shenendehowa High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team and a four-time Section II Coach of the Year who took his team to NY State Championship Semi-Finals four times. He will continue his leadership role in the new organization to ensure a smooth transition and ensure the club’s continued success.

AFFILIATIONS  

USYS
EDP Soccer League
Eastern New York Youth Soccer
cdysl

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