Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Koss
Hi Robert, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A 30 year retired Navy Vet and a coach of soccer for over 15 years in the recreational level and have seen a lot of talent in the sport over the years. Both of my sons played soccer both recreationally and in High School. During their journey I noticed there was not an organization that was established to develop them to the next level that did not also want the player do pay a lot of money. I met a coach that was willing to help establish the connections and take on the task of establishing an organization that can develop and promote players at no to low cost to them. That is were First Coast Athletic FC came from. Our mission statement is:
“Quality Semi-Pro Soccer for the First Coast
We are embarking on a new adventure representing the First Coast in the national semi-pro league, the United Premier Soccer League. As we do so we want to focus on creating development opportunities for local talent.
Our goal is to compete against programs in our region, as well as other states and potentially internationally.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One major struggle that we have not totally overcome is finding a field to hold practice that would meet all of the needs of the team. The second struggle to this point is getting our name and our mission to the public in order to have the fans required in order to continue the investment in the future of the players.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
First Coast Athletic FC is a low cost to no cost soccer team for skilled players in order to develop their skills and be a bridge to the professional soccer world. I have found a skilled staff of coaches that have volunteered their time in order to make the players dreams of becoming a professional player come true. We are a team that is about the players and the community and not about the bottom line. I would rather the players get recognized for their accomplishments than the organization get recognized for the amount of money that we make.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would like to recognize Culhane’s Irish Pub for all of the support that they have given during the establishment of the team. They have been a vital role in the progress that we have made to this point, and we are glad to have found them as a partner. I would like to also recognize @eyepetizing for the photographs that he has taken for our team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstcoastathletic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstcoastathletic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fcafcgameday
