SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 13, 2024) - Cal North has named Casey Clark as Director of Goalkeeping for the Cal North Olympic Development Program.
The Cal North ODP Director of Goalkeeping will be tasked with overseeing and enhancing the development of goalkeepers within the Olympic Development Program (ODP). This role involves creating a structured framework for goalkeeper development, refining the tryout process, integrating gameplay evaluation, implementing pregame warm-up routines, designing structured training modules, and providing mentorship for goalkeepers.
"We are pleased to announce that Casey Clark will be joining the Cal North ODP Leadership team as the New Director of ODP Goalkeeping. Casey embarked on this new role with Cal North ODP beginning in August for the first ODP try-out and will take this specialized role and will bring to ODP a comprehensive approach to goalkeeper development that encompasses both technical skill refinement and holistic player growth," said Joyce Bordley, Managing Director for Cal North ODP. "Casey comes to us with an extensive background from being a professional Goalkeeper to founding a national program and platform for Goalkeepers to compete and receive support."
Clark grew up in Denair, California and went on to play collegiate soccer at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, where he served as team captain, named G-PAC Conference Player of the Week in five different occasions, was a thee-time Honorable Mention All-Conference Goalkeeper and became the first soccer player in Doane University Men's soccer program to receive NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"I look forward to implementing a framework in the goalkeeper department that I wish I had as a young keeper. As we establish this new position, I aim to create an environment that fosters growth and excellence, along with additional resources for off-pitch education through online workshops and a mentorship program," said Clark. "This will help guide players towards achieving their personal goals while mastering, in my opinion, the toughest position on the pitch."
Clark continued his playing career after college and signed semi-professional contracts in the Premier Developmental League (USL2) with Lane United FC and Saint Louis Lions. He then signed for St. Louis Ambush, a professional indoor soccer team based in St. Charles, Missouri playing in the Major Arena Soccer League, where he played for four seasons. In 2019 Clark went on to sign for Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League (USL Championship).
"I have had the privilege of playing and coaching around the U.S. and learning from so many quality players and coaches along the way. Biggest thing I've learned is there are many ways to play & coach this position," he said. "It is our job as coaches to give the players the tools to be successful and let them decide how they want to use them. My hope is to leave each and every keeper better than I found them."
During his time in Missouri, Clark also worked for Missouri Youth Soccer Association as an ODP Goalkeeper Coach for three years before making his way back to Northern California. During this tenure, Clark founded a successful national program and platform for Goalkeepers to compete and receive support.
"Growing up in the Cal North system, furthering my career around the U.S. and then making my way back to lead the goalkeeper development side of Cal North ODP is truly full circle for me," said Clark. "The ability to work with a great organization in my home state, to give back to the next generation, is an honor."
Clark currently holds the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Level I & II certification and a B.A. from Doane University in Psychology and Business Administration.
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