Coaching Staff
Neil Cassidy
Director of Coaching
As a native of England, Coach Cassidy has made Rochester, MN home over the last ten years. Cassidy has a variety of experiences involving the game of soccer as both a player and a coach. Cassidy was a semi-professional player in England, and previously served as the head goalkeeping coach at St. Mary’s University (MN).
He is still involved in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program and has held head coaching positions within the program as a Region II coach. Holding an “A” license from the United State Soccer Federation (USSF), a “B” license from the European Football Association (UEFA) a Level 3 goalkeeping license from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), and a KNVB Advanced Tactical Diploma, Cassidy provides extensive soccer knowledge and expertise to RYSA.
Director of Coaching
As a native of England, Coach Cassidy has made Rochester, MN home over the last ten years. Cassidy has a variety of experiences involving the game of soccer as both a player and a coach. Cassidy was a semi-professional player in England, and previously served as the head goalkeeping coach at St. Mary’s University (MN).
He is still involved in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program and has held head coaching positions within the program as a Region II coach. Holding an “A” license from the United State Soccer Federation (USSF), a “B” license from the European Football Association (UEFA) a Level 3 goalkeeping license from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), and a KNVB Advanced Tactical Diploma, Cassidy provides extensive soccer knowledge and expertise to RYSA.
Chris Belcher
Director of Player Development
Also a native of England, Coach Belcher has been a full-time professional coach for twenty-two years. Belcher’s coaching credentials includes a USSF “A” license, a UEFA “B” license, a US National Youth License and a KNVB Advanced Tactical Diploma. Belcher is a member of the MYSA’s coaching and instructional staff, conducts license courses for MYSA, coaches for the MYSA Olympic Development Program, served as coach of the JV Women’s team at Carleton College, and was the assistant coach to Cassidy for the Rochester Thunder PDL team. Plus, Belcher has extensive camp and training program experience for a wide-range of ages.
Belcher’s experience in England includes being a coach and committee member for Bristol City Council Sport Development – coaching within schools, youth clubs, and for groups with disabilities. He coached both men and women for Bristol City Football Club’s “Center of Excellence” Academy, “Football in the Community” coach for three professional clubs, as well as Head Coach for Bristol City FC’s Development Center and head coach for Bristol University’s women’s team.
Director of Player Development
Also a native of England, Coach Belcher has been a full-time professional coach for twenty-two years. Belcher’s coaching credentials includes a USSF “A” license, a UEFA “B” license, a US National Youth License and a KNVB Advanced Tactical Diploma. Belcher is a member of the MYSA’s coaching and instructional staff, conducts license courses for MYSA, coaches for the MYSA Olympic Development Program, served as coach of the JV Women’s team at Carleton College, and was the assistant coach to Cassidy for the Rochester Thunder PDL team. Plus, Belcher has extensive camp and training program experience for a wide-range of ages.
Belcher’s experience in England includes being a coach and committee member for Bristol City Council Sport Development – coaching within schools, youth clubs, and for groups with disabilities. He coached both men and women for Bristol City Football Club’s “Center of Excellence” Academy, “Football in the Community” coach for three professional clubs, as well as Head Coach for Bristol City FC’s Development Center and head coach for Bristol University’s women’s team.