Coaches Across Borders
- Global Coaching Journeys -
Richard Jones - USA
“Build experience first and focus on learning, not status.”
Name: Richard Jones
Nationality: Welsh
Home Town: Caernarfon
Countries coached in: USA
Education: BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching, PGCE in Further Education, Level 3 in Counselling
Currently studying BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Coaching certificates: UEFA B
Current situation
Country: Wales
Club: Gwynedd School
Favourite Team: Celtic
Favourite Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson
Article published January 2026.
My Personal Journey
“I kept asking myself, could I really do this?”
Where did your coaching journey begin and how did it develop?
My coaching journey began at grassroots level with Caernarfon Wanderers FC. I started volunteering when I was 16, at the same time as beginning my BTEC qualification. My role involved supporting and leading football skills sessions for Under 6 and Under 7 players.
That then led to helping run local summer camps with the club, which were used to raise money. It was a great opportunity to coach every day, gain experience, and keep learning.
What motivated you to pursue a coaching career abroad?
When I was a teenager, my mum bought me a picture of the New York skyline. As I got into coaching and learned that opportunities existed to work abroad, I became really interested in going to the United States, especially around New York.
Which country did you move to first, and why?
Through a friend, I was introduced to Youth Elite Soccer. Everything felt right. I attended a trial day at Aston Villa FC, was selected, and then moved to Connecticut in the USA, which is close to New York.
As soon as I finished university, I went straight to America. I did not attend my graduation because my focus was on starting my coaching journey abroad.
What were your biggest fears before leaving home?
My biggest fear was confidence. I kept asking myself, could I really do this? I was going somewhere completely new and did not know anyone. I also worried about whether I was physically fit enough and how I would cope with being away from home.
What surprised you the most when you arrived?
The level of experience the other coaches already had. It made me realise that, while I had built up plenty of coaching hours, many coaches had also gained a wide range of experiences across different ages and levels in the United States. Rather than feeling intimidated, it excited me. I looked forward to challenging myself, learning from others, and gaining those kinds of experiences during my own time there.
Coaching Abroad:
Reality vs. Expectations
“The biggest challenges at the start were off the pitch”
How does coaching abroad differ from coaching in your home country?
What stood out more was the language used, the different viewpoints, and how people valued long-term development. What really surprised me were the expectations around coaching. Many families were paying hundreds, and sometimes thousands, each year for their child to play football. That sometimes came with a sense of entitlement. Overall, though, families were incredibly supportive.
What were the biggest challenges you faced early on?
The biggest challenges at the start were off the pitch. Adjusting to life in a new country was tough. I had to manage finances, open a bank account, get a mobile phone, and travel between new locations. The summer heat was also a challenge, as well as trying to manage relationships back home. All of this added up and made the early period quite difficult away from football.
What has been your most rewarding moment abroad?
One of the most rewarding moments in the early days came after each camp. Children and families genuinely valued the time, effort, and commitment you put in throughout the week. Feeling appreciated while still adjusting and learning meant a great deal to me. The support from the families played a big part in helping me settle into life and coaching in a new country.
Advice for Coaches Wanting to Work Abroad
“Prepare to have an open mind”
What skills or qualifications helped you secure opportunities overseas?
By this point, I had completed my FAW Level 1 and Level 2, a BTEC, and an Honours degree in Sports Coaching. I had built up a wide range of coaching experiences that helped strengthen my overall skill set. Being able to communicate in both Welsh and English was important, as well as being adaptable and flexible in different environments. One of the biggest skills I developed was listening as it helped me grow as a coach and work better with others.
What would you recommend coaches prepare before moving abroad?
I would definitely recommend doing your research on the company you are going with. Understand the contract, the setup, the location, and the finances involved, including how much money you may need at the start before you are fully settled.
What mistakes should coaches avoid when seeking jobs abroad
One of the biggest mistakes is not doing enough research. I first looked at a large company that offered opportunities in America through Cardiff Met. However, when I looked closer at the structure, the multi-sport approach, and living on site, I realised it was not the right fit for me. I later found a company that focused fully on football, combining camps with club work. I also lived with host families, which helped me feel part of the community. That experience turned out to be more than I ever expected, and it showed me how important it is to find the right environment, not just an opportunity abroad.
Life Beyond the Pitch
“Living abroad had the biggest impact on me.”
How did living abroad change you as a person?
Living abroad had the biggest impact on me. Coming from a small village in North Wales, it pushed me to grow in ways I had never experienced before. It helped me build confidence, especially in how I communicate and interact with others. I became more open, more independent, and more willing to say yes to new experiences..
What does a typical day look like in your current role?
My current role is a voluntary one. Because of work, university, and commitments with The Sporting Resource, I am unable to take on extra coaching roles at the moment. As a volunteer, my role usually involves coaching once per week and helping with games once per month, depending on how the schedule works out.
How do you balance football with life in a new country?
Now that I am back home in Wales and reflecting on my time abroad, it is hard to believe it was nearly 10 years ago. At the time, there was not much balance. Coaching and club commitments happened almost every day. Because of that, I really valued any time off I had. Those breaks often came because of the weather, and they became important moments to rest, reset, and take care of life away from football.
What cultural experiences have shaped you the most?
The biggest cultural experience for me was being part of a strong community. Living with host families, working closely with parents, and coaching in local towns showed me how important relationships are in football. The experience helped me become more open, better at listening, and more confident working with people from different backgrounds.
Would you encourage other coaches to take the leap abroad?
Yes, I would encourage other coaches to take the leap abroad. It is a challenging experience, but it helps you grow both as a coach and as a person. Being in a new country pushes you out of your comfort zone, builds confidence, and exposes you to different ways of thinking about coaching and development.
Final Inspiration
“Stay open, listen more than you speak, and say yes to new experiences”
What legacy do you hope to leave in the USA?
At the time, I did not really think about legacy. Looking back now, I hope the children I coached enjoyed their sporting experiences and grew into good people. I also hope I played a small, positive part in their lives during that time. For me, the biggest legacy is the relationships that still exist. Nearly 10 years on, I am still in contact with families from America. Those friendships, the mutual respect, and the sense of community lasting over time mean more to me than anything else.
What’s next for your coaching journey?
A few years ago, I completed my UEFA B license as part of my coaching journey, alongside finishing my teacher training. Looking ahead, my focus is on sharing my knowledge and experiences with others, knowing that I do not have all the answers. Through The Sporting Resource, I want to support and help other coaches learn and reflect. In the future, when other commitments ease, I would like to return to academy football.
What message would you give to a young coach dreaming of working overseas?
Do your research, be patient, and be honest with yourself about why you want to go. Build experience first and focus on learning, not status. Be ready for challenges, especially away from the pitch, and understand that it might feel uncomfortable at the start. Stay open, listen more than you speak, and say yes to new experiences. If you do that, the experience will shape you as a coach and as a person in ways that last far beyond the time you spend abroad.
Richard is the founder of The Sporting Resource. A supportive platform for coaches across the world, in the discovery and sharing of valuable resources. Rooted in community-driven ideals, committed to compiling materials that address a spectrum of coaching needs
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