Jamie Smith | Academy Director

Jamie Smith serves as the Director of the Nashville SC Academy. He brings a wealth of experience both as a professional player for 14 years and a coach, having served as Academy Director and launched several Academy programs throughout the United States. As Nashville SC Academy Director, Smith oversees the technical aspects of the Academy including player identification, curriculum, staff development, leadership and more.

Smith has established himself as an educator, having gained the personal confidence and professional respect of many players and coaches within the soccer community both domestically and abroad. Prior to joining Nashville SC Academy, Smith was the Technical Director and Academy Director at FC Delco, one of the most prestigious youth clubs in the country.

The Pennsylvania organization has developed a number of Major League Soccer and U.S. Men’s National Team players including Ben Olsen, current D.C. United Head Coach; Jeff Larentowicz, midfielder/defender for the current MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United; and Zack Steffen, current starting keeper for the Bundesliga’s Fortuna Düsseldorf and U.S. Men’s National Team. The Club has also won eight Youth National Championships. In this role, Smith managed all technical parts of the club including methodology, culture and leadership.

Prior to joining FC Delco, Smith joined FC United Soccer Club in Chicago, IL, as the Boys Development Academy Director and club Technical Director. He started the FC United Academy program from ground up, growing it into one of the top premier Academy programs in the Mid-West.

Smith started his professional playing career with Celtic FC as a product of their youth system. During his tenure with the club, they won the Scottish championship in 2001/02 and 2003/04, as well as the Scottish League Cup in 2001. Celtic was also the UEFA Cup runner up in 2002/03. Smith then joined ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands before returning to Scotland to play for Aberdeen FC.

Smith retired from professional play with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer after a distinguished career both in the U.S. and in Europe, having helped lead the Rapids to their 2010 MLS Cup with current Nashville SC Head Coach Gary Smith at the helm. It was with Colorado that Smith began his youth coaching career by joining the Rapids Youth Academy after his retirement.

Smith holds a USSF “A” License and USSF Academy Director License. He is married with three children.