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LEADERSHIP TEAM
CHRISTIAN & RALUCA FUCHS
FSA Founders
Christian won the English Premier League Champion in 2016 and the English FA Cup trophy in 2021 with Leicester City FC, is currently playing for Charlotte Independence in the USL Championship, and will join new MLS franchise Charlotte FC for the 2022 season. Together with his wife Raluca, the couple founded Fox Soccer Academy in 2014 to provide professional, top level training to the next generation of soccer players.
MARK SMITH
International Program Director
Mark has been a vital part to build the structure of Fox Soccer Academy in England and the USA. Since his start in 2016, he lead FSA to huge growth in both countries, overseeing both the daily operations and coaching curriculum. He is extremely passionate in helping to create the best opportunities for our players. Mark's experience in professional soccer is vital for our academy's growth. Having coached all around the world with stops in Australia, Greece, and Egypt, his knowledge and experience are great assets to Fox Soccer Academy.
Coaching Qualifications
UEFA B-License, UEFA C-License, FA Youth Modules, FA Talent Identification, BCs in Sports Coaching & Development
Coaching Experience
Brighton Hove Albion FC (Eng), Crystal Palace FC (Eng), Sorrento FC (Aus), private coach for professional athletes including English & Republic of Ireland national players (Gre/Egy)
Personal Achievements
Completed UEFA C license at age 16 (one of the youngest coaches to ever receive the award)
Achievements at Fox Soccer Academy
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Born into a soccer family and raised in Liverpool, England, John began playing at a very young age and quickly rose to elite level, playing for Everton FC and training at Melwood, with Liverpool FC, as a youth player. John signed for Oldham Athletic FC as a 15 year old and spent 5 years at the club. John's playing career was cut short and his coaching career began when he was 21. He possesses a natural passion for youth development, coaching education, and club development. He has built a reputation as someone who knows how to build elite programs after 18 years in NJ and is well respected amongst his peers.
JOHN SAUNDERS
Executive Director
Coaching Qualifications
UEFA A-License
UEFA ‘Elite Youth A’ License
Coaching Experience
John's previous roles include time as Sporting Director of TSF Academy, Academy Director at CSA Monmouth, and Technical Director of EDP Soccer. During his time in the USA, he has played a huge part in the development of countless collegiate players and many professionals.
He brings vast knowledge and experience to the club and will oversee all aspects of player development, coaching education, and club culture
HONORABLE MEMBER
HEINZ GRIESMAYER
Co-Founder
Heinz Griesmayer holds a masters in Sports Science and French. For the past 39 years he is a high school teacher in Austria in Wiener Neustadt. Heinz was a professional soccer player for SC Wiener Neustadt in the second Austrian division. After his retirement he had coaching positions at several clubs before working as the assistant coach for SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, the highest league in Austria. Heinz is a passionate supporter of young soccer players and helps African orphans through the charity “Freunde kicken für Afrika” (Friends kick for Africa).
Coaching Qualifications
UEFA A-License, Masters Degree in Sports Science
Coaching Experience
SC Wiener Neustadt (AUT), SV Mattersburg (AUT)
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