Jim Sheldon, the executive director of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America since 1992, has announced that he will retire from the position, effective May 1.

“Jim Sheldon was the NSCAA’s first full-time employee,” said NSCAA President Randy Waldrum, the women’s coach at the University of Notre Dame. “His leadership has grown the Association into one of the recognized leaders on the soccer landscape, both nationally and internationally. We are extremely grateful for his dedication to the NSCAA and wish him the best in this new chapter in his life.”

“The past 17 years as the NSCAA’s executive director have given me a lifetime of memories and friendships,” said Sheldon. “It has been an honor to work for the NSCAA. Along the way, I hope I did a small part to advance the Association and our wonderful game.”

Sheldon became the NSCAA’s first full-time executive director in June 1992. During his tenure, the NSCAA membership has grown nearly fourfold, from approximately 8,000 to more than 29,000 in 2008. The Association has expanded its key areas of service, with its coaching education and awards and recognition programs growing to meet the needs of soccer’s expanding impact on the American sports landscape.

In that time, the annual NSCAA Convention has grown into the single largest annual soccer coaches event, featuring a full range of educational sessions for more than 4,000 attending coaches and the largest soccer-specific trade show, hosting more than 300 companies who showcase the latest in soccer equipment, products and services. To meet the expanded duties and responsibilities of the Association’s growth, the NSCAA national office has grown from the one-man operation Sheldon established to a staff of 16 full-time employees and from an annual budget of $800,000 to more than $5 million. The purchase of a building in 2007 to house the NSCAA national office also was a highlight of his administration.

A 1975 graduate of the University of Kansas, Sheldon worked briefly in the newspaper field before returning to KU as assistant sports information director. He then joined the staff at the NCAA, where he served six and a half years in the publications and championships departments. He was a vice president for the 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games Organizing Committee before accepting the position with the NSCAA.

NSCAA Associate Executive Director Steve Veal, who has been a staff member since 1993, will serve as interim executive director until a successor has been identified through a nationwide search, which will begin immediately.

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