Terry Nelson
Terry Nelson is a retired elite-level soccer player and longtime Harlem resident whose passion for the game and dedication to youth development shine through his work with All-City Soccer NYC. This community-based program operates in partnership with the Global Artists Coalition (GACNY.org), a youth nonprofit organization he founded in 2004. Learn more about sponsorship.
Driven by the belief, “if a kid growing up playing basketball in New York City can see a path to a D1 college or the pros, why can’t a city kid who loves soccer?”
Terry has made it his mission to tear down the financial and structural barriers that limit access to top-tier soccer training. Through All-City Soccer, he ensures that aspiring players from all backgrounds receive elite-level coaching, mentorship, and pathways to college and professional opportunities—without the prohibitive costs of traditional “pay-to-play” systems, including scholarships for those who qualify.
After an accomplished playing career—winning two high school state championships, the U16 North American title, the U19 McGuire Cup, and reaching the NCAA Division I Final Four with the UNC Tarheels—Terry moved to New York City to pursue a career in marketing, launching several major brands. Yet his lifelong passion for soccer remained, inspiring him to create an inclusive environment where talent and dedication, not financial means, determine opportunity.
At All-City Soccer, Terry and his staff of former elite players and coaches deliver a curriculum rooted in fundamentals, creativity, and fun—emphasizing dribbling, passing, positioning, possession, and mental strength. Drawing from the Dutch “total football” philosophy and inspired by Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, Terry promotes a style of play defined by intelligence, teamwork, and joy.
Major Accomplishments
- High School: Two-time state champion; All-County, All-State, and All-Region selection.
- U16 U.S Regional Camp Selection – National Team talent identification
- Club Soccer: U16 North American Champion; U19 McGuire Cup Champion.
- College (UNC Tarheels): ACC Tournament championship, NCAA Division I Final Four appearance; four goals (two game-winners) and one assist as a freshman; started 12 of 17 matches.
- Family Legacy: Sister Stacy Nelson, NCAA Champion with UNC Women’s Soccer dynasty.t
Don Cogsville
Donald P. Cogsville, a longtime resident of Harlem, New York, is a former U.S. national team soccer player who has successfully transitioned into a distinguished career in law, investment banking, and real estate development.
Cogsville attended Princeton Day School before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played for the UNC Tar Heels soccer team from 1984 to 1988. During his collegiate career, he demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions, including defender in 1987 and forward in 1988. Among his teammates at UNC-Chapel Hill was Terry Nelson, who would later found All-City Soccer in New York City.
Following his graduation from UNC in 1988, Cogsville earned his first cap with the U.S. National Team on January 10, 1988, in a match against Guatemala. Over the next six months, he earned five additional caps, playing as either a defender or defensive midfielder. His final international appearance came on June 14, 1988, in a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica, bringing his total to six caps for the national team.
After his international debut, Cogsville entered the professional ranks with the San Diego Sockers of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in 1988. However, his professional playing career was cut short after only two seasons when knee injuries forced him to retire in 1990.
Following his retirement from soccer, Cogsville pursued a law degree at Rutgers University and launched a successful Wall Street career. He worked as a corporate attorney at Skadden Arps and later as an investment banker with the Global Leveraged Finance Group at Merrill Lynch. In 2002, he founded RCM Saratoga Capital, LLC, a boutique investment banking firm focused on creating value in the urban marketplace. Under his leadership, RCM Saratoga Capital supported the growth of several notable companies and incubated MatchPoint Trading, Inc.
Cogsville is the son of Donald J. Cogsville, former president of the Harlem Urban Development Corporation, reflecting a family legacy of leadership in urban development and community investment.
Major Accomplishments:
- Six CAPs with the U.S. National Team (1988)
- Final international appearance in 1-0 victory over Costa Rica (June 14, 1988)
- UNC Tar Heels teammate of Terry Nelson, including an ACC Tournament championship and a NCAA Division I Final Four appearance
- Professional player with San Diego Sockers, Major Indoor Soccer League (1988-1990)
- Inducted into Princeton Day School Hall of Fame (1997)
- Corporate attorney at Skadden Arps
- Investment banker, Global Leveraged Finance Group at Merrill Lynch
- Founder of RCM Saratoga Capital, LLC (2002), boutique investment banking firm
- Incubated MatchPoint Trading, Inc. through RCM Saratoga Capital
Bill Stara
Bill Stara is one of the most accomplished high school soccer coaches in American history and a respected technical director who has shaped soccer development at local, state, and national levels.
With a coaching career spanning over three decades, Stara holds the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) record as the all-time winningest coach, amassing 343 victories and 14 state championships across 25 seasons at Centennial High School and River Hill High School.
Stara began his coaching career in Columbia, Maryland, where he built dynasty programs at both Centennial and River Hill high schools, winning seven state titles at each institution. His teams were known for their consistent excellence, appearing in 16 state championship games and capturing 18 regional championships during his 25-season high school tenure. In 1995, his final season at Centennial High School, Stara’s team finished ranked #4 nationally.
Beyond high school coaching, Stara compiled an impressive club coaching career, leading four different teams to national championship games. His Columbia KICK team won the US Youth Soccer U-16 Boys National Championship in 1982, and in 1985, his Columbia Jays captured the prestigious U-19 National Championship McGuire Cup. Among the players he developed was Terry Nelson, founder of All-City Soccer in New York City, who played as a central midfielder and forward on these championship teams, and later became a scholar-athlete playing for the UNC Tar Heels men’s soccer team.
After one season coaching at the professional level, Stara transitioned into technical leadership roles. He served as Technical Director for the Soccer Association of Columbia before being appointed Technical Director for Maryland State Youth Soccer in 2008, where he oversaw coaching education and the Olympic Development Program (ODP). His expertise has been recognized at the highest levels of the sport—he served as a member of the FIFA World Cup Technical Study Group and on the US Soccer Women’s Task Force Committee.
Currently, Stara works as an instructor for US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA), specializing in goalkeeper instruction. Through these roles, he continues to influence the development of coaches and players across the United States.
Major Accomplishments:
- MPSSAA all-time winningest high school coach: 343 career victories
- 14 Maryland State High School Championships (7 at Centennial H.S., 7 at River Hill H.S.)
- 18 regional championships over 25 high school seasons
- 16 state championship game appearances
- #4 national ranking for Centennial High School (1995)
- NSCAA/Umbro National High School Coach of the Year (1996)
- Three-time Baltimore Sun Coach of the Year
- US Youth Soccer U-16 Boys National Championship with Columbia KICK (1982)
- U-19 National Championship McGuire Cup with Columbia Jays (1985)
- Four national championship game appearances with club teams
- Member of FIFA World Cup Technical Study Group
- Member of US Soccer Women’s Task Force Committee
- Technical Director, Soccer Association of Columbia
- Technical Director, Maryland State Youth Soccer (2008-present), overseeing coaching education and ODP
- Youth team coach and mentor to Terry Nelson, founder of All-City Soccer, New York City
Licenses and Certifications:
- US Soccer “A” License
- NSCAA Premier Diploma
- US Soccer Grassroots Instructor License
- National Youth License
- TOPS Soccer Certification
- NSCAA Goalkeeping Certification
- Current instructor for US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and United Soccer Coaches (Goalkeeper Instructor)
Sheldon Phillips
Sheldon Phillips is a seasoned soccer administrator, educator, and safeguarding specialist with over 30 years of experience in the sport as a player, coach, and executive. His career has spanned international competitions, national federation leadership, and professional club administration, combining his expertise in sports management with a commitment to education and player welfare.
Phillips began his career working in competition management for major international events, serving as an executive for the FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympic soccer venues in Washington, D.C., and Birmingham, Alabama. In these roles, he designed and implemented community-based sporting programs in partnership with local government agencies and interest groups, creating lasting legacies for soccer in host communities.
After earning his law degree, Phillips pursued his passion for education while maintaining his connection to the sport. He spent eight years teaching American and World History while coaching both girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams, blending his academic expertise with his soccer knowledge to mentor young athletes.
In 2013, Phillips was recruited internationally to serve as General Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), where he led comprehensive organizational reforms. During his three-year tenure, he guided the federation through significant governance and policy changes, while also dramatically improving its competitive performance. Under his leadership, the men’s national team rose from 103rd to 47th in FIFA rankings, while the women’s team, previously unranked, climbed to 42nd globally.
Phillips returned to the United States in 2021 to join the Philadelphia Union organization. He initially served as a Humanities Instructor at YSC Academy, the club’s academic partner, before being promoted to his current position as Senior Director of Club Welfare and Compliance. In this role, he leads all safeguarding and player welfare initiatives across the organization, from the first team through the academy systems, ensuring the protection and well-being of players at all levels.
Major Accomplishments:
- Competition management executive for FIFA World Cup soccer venues (Washington, D.C.)
- Competition management executive for Summer Olympic soccer venues (Birmingham, AL)
- Designed and implemented community legacy programs for major international soccer events
- General Secretary, Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (2013-2016)
- Led Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team from FIFA ranking #103 to #47
- Elevated Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team from unranked to FIFA ranking #42
- Successfully initiated and implemented major governance and organizational policy reforms at TTFA
- Eight years teaching American and World History while coaching varsity soccer
- Senior Director of Club Welfare and Compliance, Philadelphia Union (current)
- Oversees safeguarding and player welfare for all Philadelphia Union teams, from first team to academy level
Education and Professional Background:
- Law degree
- Over 30 years of experience in soccer as a player, coach, and administrator
- Former Humanities Instructor, YSC Academy (Philadelphia Union’s academic partner)
- Varsity soccer coach (girls’ and boys’ teams)
Allen Goldstein
Alan Goldstein is a legendary American soccer coach and educator who has made significant contributions to youth soccer development in the United States. Known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the game, Goldstein has built a reputation for developing players through innovative training methods centered on ball control, possession-based play, and tactical sophistication.
Currently, Goldstein serves as a Coach-Educator for the USSF, teaching licensing classes to aspiring youth coaches.
He is also the author of “Concept Soccer: A Step by Step Method to Score Goals and Develop Players” (2019), in which he shares the training strategies and philosophies that led to his sustained success.
Goldstein began his coaching career as a high school teacher, establishing the soccer program at Laurel Senior High School before moving to Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, Maryland, where he would cement his legacy. His coaching philosophy emphasizes “all-ball” training—eliminating purely physical conditioning in favor of technical work—combined with small-sided directed scrimmages and positive reinforcement to develop players.
Throughout his career, Goldstein has been instrumental in the Soccer Association of Columbia (Maryland) youth program from its inception and has coached at multiple levels, from local youth travel teams to high school and Olympic Development Program squads. His extensive European travels with teams allowed him to study international coaching methods firsthand and gain insights from world-class players and coaches, including Johan Cruyff and Pelé.
Goldstein resides in Las Vegas with his wife Lynn, where he continues to influence American soccer development while enjoying time with his extended family of three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Major Accomplishments:
- Four Maryland State High School Championships at Oakland Mills High School
- #2 national ranking for Oakland Mills High School team
- Three-time Baltimore Coach of the Year
- Two Maryland State Cup championships with youth travel teams
- Eastern USA Boys Regional U-14 Championship
- Coached eight players who went on to represent the United States at various youth national team levels
- Developed over 100 players who competed at the college level
- Olympic Development Program coach at the U-14 boys level
- Author of “Concept Soccer: A Step-by-Step Method to Score Goals and Develop Players” (2019)
- Mentored numerous coaches now working at levels ranging from youth to Division 1 college and U.S. National Team staff
- Coached player Darryl Gee, who played professionally for the New York Cosmos (NASL), providing access to legends including Pelé, Johan Cruyff, and Giorgio Chinaglia
Jose Coirolo
Jose Coirolo
Paul Chung
Paul Chung
Paul Chung, a longtime resident of Manhattan’s upper west side, played college soccer at the University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College. He played three seasons in the semi-professional United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. Paul has coached scholastically at the Collegiate School, the Spence School and St. Davids. He holds a United States Soccer Federation B coaching license.
Accomplishments & Awards:
- Competed at the collegiate level at two prestigious institutions: University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College
- Three seasons of semi-professional experience in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
- Coached at elite Manhattan independent schools including Collegiate School and Spence School
- Earned United States Soccer Federation B coaching license, demonstrating advanced coaching expertise
Grayle Howlett
Grayle Howlett’s love affair with soccer began when he moved to England at age 10 and took up the game. He became a Chelsea FC supporter early on and has remained a diehard supporter ever since.
Upon returning to the United States in 1975 after five years living in England, Howlett starred for the Greenwich High School Cardinals in ’75-76. As a standout striker, he led the state of Connecticut in scoring his senior year with 20 goals and 8 assists in 14 matches. Howlett earned All-County (FCIAC) First Team honors and was highly recruited by colleges and universities along the Eastern Seaboard.
Howlett attended Middlebury College and was a four year starter (1977-80) for renowned coach Ron McEachen, who promptly converted him from striker to center half. Howlett earned All New England honors three times, was an All New England All-Star two times, was Team MVP twice, and was team captain his senior year. In the Fall 1981, he served as Assistant Coach to McEachen.
Upon graduating from Middlebury, Howlett tried out for Queens Park Rangers in England’s top flight Division 1. He also tried out for the Montreal Manic of the NASL. Alas, he didn’t earn a spot with either team but continued playing amateur soccer in the Cosmopolitan League with the Manhattan Kickers and New York Athletic Club between 1984-2014. He also coached Travel Soccer in Pelham, NY for several years.
Professionally, Howlett has held several senior sales executive positions, including a 16-year run at Sports Illustrated where he rose to Associate Publisher. Howlett was a major advocate for soccer coverage in the pages of SI and it grew substantially during his tenure. Additionally, he spearheaded the sales initiatives for the 1994, 1998 and 2002 Men’s World Cups, as well as the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
From 2015-22, Howlett co-hosted the Over The Ball soccer podcast which appeared on SiriusXM initially, then ESPN.
Howlett continues playing futbol in a spirited Sunday morning pick-up match and enjoys the competition as much as ever.
Major Accomplishments:
- Greenwich HS 1976-All County (FCIAC) First Team
- Middlebury College:
- 1978-1980 All New England
- 1979-1980 All New England All-Star
- 1979-1980 Team MVP
- 1980 Team Captain
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