Cummings to head coaches association

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 23, 2009

[NSCAA] Longtime soccer executive Joe Cummings is leaving his post as president and general manager of WPS's Boston Breakers to become the new CEO and executive director of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Cummings, a former president of the NSCAA, will assume his new duties in early September after the conclusion of the WPS season.

"What Joe Cummings offers to the role of NSCAA CEO and executive director is unique in its tremendous diversity, its depth of experience and the passion that he has for the Association," said NSCAA President Randy Waldrum. "We couldn't ask for someone more qualified to assume the responsibilities of leading the world's largest coaches association."

Cummings has worked in MLS (assistant general manager of the New England Revolution, 1996-99), the WUSA (president and general manager of the Breakers, 2000-03), MLS again (technical director of the New England Revolution, 2004-05) and WPS (first as its chief operating officer).

He also worked as the director of operations for the Birmingham venue of the 1996 Olympic Games soccer tournament and the 1999 Women's World Cup and as venue manager for the Boston and Philadelphia venues for the 2003 Women's World Cup.

Cummings, who has also coached high school and college soccer, replaces longtime NSCAA executive director Jim Sheldon, who retired.