Soccer 101 Academy Staff

Director Gary Crompton

Gary has a very unique background that very few camp directors could match. Gary has been a professional player and assistant college coach at Harvard University for 13 years. Crompton holds an NSCAA Advanced National Coaching License and an "A" License from US Soccer Federation.

Playing Career Two time captain and Academic All American at the University of Maine, Gary graduated with a double degree in Sociology and Psychology in 1992. Upon graduation he started his professional career with the Cape Cod Crusaders and was elected league all star in 1995. In 1996 Crompton was selected to the first MLS combine in California. Inclusion in that group of players helped Gary land a spot with the Worcester Wildfire in the “A” League. In 1997, Gary was selected team captain, league all star and team MVP. The Wildfire latter became the current Boston Bulldogs were Gary played until signing with the Connecticut Wolves in 2000. Midway through the 2000 campaign, Crompton was traded back to the Bulldogs for the remainder of the season. This summer Gary will help lead the defense for the O-30 Bulldogs once again.

Coaching CareerGary has been assistant coach for Harvard University since 1994. In 1994, 1996, and 2006 the Crimson won the Ivy League championship and a berth to the NCAA Tournament. Crompton has over a decade of experience working with young players at camps from around the country. In 1998 Gary traveled to South America observing player development with Univeridad de Catolica in Santiago, Chile. For the last 4 years Gary has been Head Coach of the FC Greater Boston Bolts soccer team. Under Gary's direction the team developed into finalist in the reputable Region 1 League as well as MA. State Runner's Up in 2006. Gary holds an Advanced National Coaches license and a Pro B and A License from USSF. Gary is also pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Harvard and hopes to graduate in June 2008. He is currently writing a thesis entitled "Acute Effects of Soccer Heading on Cognitive Functioning".

James Proctor

Professional player and co director of Soccer 101 Academy since 1998. James is professional player for the Connecticut Wolves of the “A” League and Head Coach at Worcester Academy. James was also assistant coach of BB&N school in Cambridge in 1998. James brings a level of passion, intensity, and energy that makes Soccer 101 Academy a great experience for all players who attend.

Anthony Latronica

Assistant Coach of Harvard University and former Revolution and Boston Bulldog keeper. Anthony is a former pro player Italy. Anthony was an All American keeper at the University of Rhode Island before turning pro in 1997. He has years of experience training keepers at camps and at the college level. Anthony is also one of the founders of the www.soccerspecific.com website.

Neil Ryan

Professional player in England and most recently the US. Neil has worked with Soccer 101 for a number of years. Neil’s father is a coach for the most celebrated soccer club in the world, Manchester United. Neil holds a F.A. coaching badge and is a youth team coach for Manchester United.

Kelly Desmond

Stand out player at the University of Vermont. Assistant coach and recruiting director for the Northeastern University women’s soccer team. As a former assistant coach for Harvard University, Kelly helped guide the Harvard team into the second round of the NCAA tournament in 1999.

Sami Eladhari

Current assistant coach for Lexington High School Soccer team. Sami is also an assistant coach for the FC Greater Boston Bolts. Sami holds a master degree in sports management and speaks three different languages. He is known best at Soccer 101 Academy as the soccer trivia expert and avid soccer memorabilia collector.


Soccer101 Academy 2008