January 24th, 2025

VSA Appoints New Technical Director ­

Jimmy Tharpe promoted into new role as technical lead for Virginia Soccer Alliance.

The Virginia Soccer Alliance has promoted Jimmy Tharpe into the role of Technical Director.  In this newly created position Jimmy will serve as the head of soccer development for the greater organization including 7 existing member clubs.  He will be working with the technical leads of all the VSA member clubs to unify the soccer curriculum organization-wide and ensure VSA’s many player development platforms are aligned.  As part of his job Jimmy will also be taking an active role leading the zone 1 (U11/12) SOCA Travel Program.

Tharpe has been a part of the Virginia Soccer Alliance for nearly a decade, first joining the organization in 2016 after previously serving as a director at Central Virginia United in Lynchburg.  He played collegiately at Lynchburg College and coached both at Lynchburg College and Rhodes College before turning his focus to the youth game.  During his tenure with VSA, Tharpe has served in a variety of capacities as SOCA’s Premier Travel Program Coordinator (now ECNL RL), Director of Business Sponsorships and most recently the Technical Director for Skyline Elite Soccer Club.  His varied experience will serve him well in his new role coordinating VSA’s many programs.  Jimmy holds a USSF A License and USC Premier Diploma.

The Virginia Soccer Alliance is an organization of merged soccer clubs.  A 501c3 organization, the VSA operates in central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley and includes 7 member clubs.  Current members include Augusta United, Nelson Express, Rockbridge United, Scottsville Organization for Kid’s Soccer, Shenandoah Valley United, Skyline Elite and SOCA.  All clubs operate with a shared philosophy and integrated platforms to grow the game and enhance player development opportunities in central Virginia and the valley.

Jimmy will be completing his duties with Skyline Elite this spring as he transitions into his new role.  VSA will conduct a national search for a new Boys ECNL Director for Skyline Elite Soccer Club.  You may welcome Jimmy to his new position at his email address:  Jimmy.Tharpe@VirginiaSoccerAlliance.org.

VSA Technical Director, Jimmy Tharpe said:

“I’m excited for my new role as the Technical Director for the Virginia Soccer Alliance.  This organization has grown and evolved tremendously, and this role has the unique challenge of threading similar soccer standards across the VSA, while also maintaining a distinct identity for each club.  I’m looking forward to collaborating with each director and all of our coaches to continue to improve youth soccer in our region.”

Executive Director of the Virginia Soccer Alliance, Matt Wilson said:

“Having a soccer leader for our organization will be a tremendous asset.  As our Alliance grows its regional footprint, we know it is important to unify our membership while also charting a course in the broader youth soccer landscape.  Jimmy has a bright soccer mind and is well versed in both our local setup and its context regionally and nationally.  VSA will benefit greatly from his leadership.”