CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, - November 21, 2022, The region’s premier soccer club, FC DELCO, is excited to announce the appointment of Ashley Thomas to Girls Pre-Academy Coordinator in order to continue to deliver upon the club’s goal to become one of the best in the country.

“We are excited to announce Ashley Thomas as our girls Pre-Academy Coordinator” says Zac Tassone, Girls ECNL Director.  Ashley is a forward thinking, innovative leader who strives for success on and off the field. Her ability to lead and impact those around her in a meaningful manner will help build our future," Tassone adds

“I am grateful to the Club for the opportunity and excited to assist in the growth and development of our USYS teams”  adds Thomas.

Thomas had an early start to her coaching career when she was sidelined from the sport in high school with an ACL tear. In order to “stay in the game” she began volunteer coaching at a local club in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association. Through her recovery, she attended her first coaching course at 17 years old one-week post-op. Throughout that fall, she coached three boys and girls Rec teams. 

Upon return to the sport, Thomas played for Millburn Magic WPSL and shortly after walked on to the University of Missouri women’s soccer team. Unfortunately, Thomas tore her ACL a second time which limited her return to the sport as a player. 

As she continued her studies, she coached for local teams and later took her first step towards professional coaching with the New York Red Bulls Youth Training Program in 2014. Passionate about player development, Ashley was heavily involved in the NJYS ODP Young Olympian program through the NJYS and NYRB partnership, and NYRB Pre-Academy program (RDS). In 2016 she was promoted to Regional Coordinator / Coach, where she managed and developed relations with partner clubs and provided coaching education for staff members. 

As the Girls DA emerged Ashley joined the Cedar Stars Academy staff in 2017 as an Age Group Coordinator and Coach. 

In 2018, she joined the Players Development Academy (PDA) and coached the U19G 2000 Revolution and U18G 2001 Fusion. While at PDA, Thomas graduated three classes within the club: the 2000 Revolution, 2001 Fusion, and 2002/03 Wave. Ashley also worked with Rutger’s Women's Soccer program in 2018 as a Student Manager assisting with day-to-day operations and game day support.

Throughout her journey, she has obtained her US Soccer National C License, NCSAA Advanced National Diploma, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, and US Youth National License. 

Joining FC Delco in 2021, Thomas coached the 2014G Black Conshy, 2009G ECNLR, and 2006 ECNLR. Excited to assist with the growth of the club’s USYS teams, she was promoted in 2022 to Pre-Academy Coordinator and currently coaches the 2014G Black Conshy, 2010G ECNLR, and 2009G ECNLR.