STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team’s summer season is right around the corner, and the coaching staff guided by Head Coach Jordan Melia is set to take a huge step forward this summer. After being elevated to promote the young elite talent around the area, Melia and his coaching staff will now look to have a successful summer against strong opposition. The club maintained the talented and experienced group of coaches together, while adding a new member to the coaching staff to solidify the group. The coaching staff is looking to continue Tormenta FC’s winning tradition and take the team to new heights in 2023.
Pioneering the way will be Head Coach Jordan Melia. Melia is set to return for the team’s second USL Academy season this summer. Melia comes into 2023 with another year of experience after a successful summer with the USL Academy team in 2022. Melia now looks to lead a new team with a strong set of returners to more success in 2023. Melia also serves as an assistant coach for Tormenta FC’s USL League One team, working day in and day out with the defensive unit. Melia is responsible for analyzing the talent pool around South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina and recommends players that have the potential to be on a USL Academy contract.
Drew DeJohn joins the USL Academy coaching staff as an assistant coach, where he will assist Melia with the day-to-day physical preparation to help the team reach optimal performance in every game. DeJohn also serves as an Sports Performance Coach for Tormenta FC, as well as an Assistant of Team Operations in the Front Office and the TFC Academy’s Director of High Performance. DeJohn will also serve as the Head Coach for the U17 & U19 MLS NEXT teams heading into next season.
“Drew brings a great level of knowledge and expertise to our staff this year. His attention to detail and desire to improve individuals will be evident throughout, and our players will enjoy being coached by him. Our squad will gain a tremendous amount of understanding of what’s required in day-to-day physical preparation, and the details needed to reach optimal performance.”
Jordan Melia, Tormenta FC USL Academy Head Coach, Tormenta FC USL League One Assistant Coach
Amin Qasim will also serve as a Tormenta FC USL Academy assistant coach. Qasim has seen success as a Head Coach, guiding Salvo Soccer Club and Minnesota ODP 2006B. Qaim has also spent time with Minnesota United FC and arrived in Statesboro nearly a year ago. Qasim is also the U16 & U15 MLS Next Head coach.
“Since joining the club, Amin has shown he has a natural ability to build great relationships with players. Adding that onto his continued drive to improve players will see Amin become a key part of our USLA program. We are excited to add Amin to our staff this year.”
Jordan Melia, Tormenta FC USL Academy Head Coach, Tormenta FC USL League One Assistant Coach
Rounding out the coaching staff is goalkeeper coach Sam Jones. Jones serves as the goalkeeper coach for Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team and Tormenta FC’s USL W League team and, is a part of the USL League One practice squad. The Tormenta FC Academy alum is looking to help the next generation of talent succeed on the field while practicing with the professional team daily. Jones has featured with Tormenta FC 2 and is a Winthrop University alum.
“We are very proud to have Sam join our USL Academy staff this year. He came through our Academy, went on to play at the collegiate level, and is now with our USL League One group. He will add a high level of knowledge and leadership to our staff, and our goalkeeper unit will thrive under his guidance.”
Jordan Melia, Tormenta FC USL Academy Head Coach, Tormenta FC USL League One Assistant Coach
Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium, with tickets available for purchase. The USL Academy team is set to kick off its first game of the season at home on June 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium against Southern Soccer Academy.
For Tormenta FC, it is crucial to always be at the forefront of the growth of soccer in this part of the world. From being the first USL team to be announced in League One and W League to being the first club in modern U.S. Soccer history to win a women’s (USL W League) and men’s (USL League One) title in the same season (2022), Tormenta FC now aims to have its USL Academy team be competitive and develop high-level talent year in, year out.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.
