CFC Azul Names First Head Coach

January 8, 2012

HAMDEN, Conn. - Connecticut FC AZUL have announced David Kelly as the first Head Coach in CFC AZUL franchise history. Kelly is currently the assistant coach of the Southern Connecticut State mens program but has left his mark on different programs in Connecticut. He's had coaching stints at Trinity College, Quinnipiac University and the Univeristy of Hartford.

"Dave is a long time friend and colleague and I am excited to have him as our first ever Head Coach," President Steve Coxon said. "We go back a long way, we both played together for the Connecticut Wolves in the A-league (now USL PRO). Dave is certainly one of the most respected coaches in the state having worked with Dan Gaspar at Hartford and now with Tom Lang at Southern Connecticut State University."

In his 10-year professional soccer career, Kelly played nine season in the A-League (now USL PRO) and one season in the National Professional Soccer League. He also made reserve appearances for both Carlisle United and Burnley in England. Kelly was also a player-assistant coach for the Connecticut Wolves during his time in the A-League.

"I'm delighted to be involved in this new venture," Kelly said. "The state of Connecticut deserves to have a team at this level - it's been too long. CFC is a highly respected and professional organization and they have the infrastructure to do this right. I know that with the quality of players that this state produces, the foundation exists for CFC AZUL to be a role model organization."

Along with being the assistant coach at Southern Connecticut State University, Kelly is also a staff instructor for the Connecticut State Coaching Education Program and was a former head coach with the Olympic Development Program. Kelly holds A, Pro-B and National Youth coaching licenses from the United States Soccer Federation. He also holds the Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.