Executive & Coaching Staff

Having held several positions from Sporting Director to that of Head Coach in many of the professional soccer leagues in the USA, he has achieved an incredible track record of success. He currently holds the highest win percentage in several of these leagues such as, but not limited to, most winningest Head Coach in the USL between 1996- 2002 winning 4 Regional Championships, 1 Regular National Championship and 1 appearance in the National Championship.

This led to joining Steve Nicol as his First Assistant Coach and taking the New England Revolution from last place to first place that season as interim coaches. We then went on to the final of the MLS Cup only to lose out on a golden goal in overtime to the LA Galaxy. The coaching staff were recognized by their peers and awarded the MLS Coaching Staff of the year in 2002.

This success continued over the coming years for Matt, with various leagues awarding him with several other coach of the year and team operator of the year awards. Such as, but not limited to, USASA National Finalist and Region 1 Coach of the Year, WPSL Team Owner of the Year, and, Most Winningest Coach of the American Soccer League winning 4 out of the 5 American Soccer League Championships with the Philadelphia Fury.

After a short hiatus from coaching within the professional game in 2005 to 2007, Matt turned his attention to owning and operating several professional teams within the professional minor league systems in the USA. He quickly developed a reputation for building successful teams on the field and, more importantly, a solid reputation as a successful team owner and operator.

He is a serial entrepreneur having owned and operated over ten (10) Professional & Semi Professional teams within the USL, NPSL, WPSL, WPS, WPSL Elite and the American Soccer League and current owner of Philadelphia Fury, New Jersey Americans, and the Philadelphia Atoms FC.

Matt holds an A License from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). In addition, he carries a Brazilian A License, a Scottish Football Association A-1 License, a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier Diploma, and Advanced National Coaching Diploma. As well as being a former Director of Coaching at the State level and former National Staff Coach at the Adult level, Matt has influenced many coaches as a best selling author of books and several DVD’s. 

More recently Matt founded Soccer Universities creating a truly unique opportunity for young players and athletes to continue on their pathway onto the professional ranks in their sport of choice without giving up a university education.

Some of Dr. Wahlstrom’s previous roles include serving as the Provost at United States Sports Academy, Executive Director at State University of New York, and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Argosy University. He has also served as Professor at many prestigious institutions including University of Maryland, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and Colorado State University. In addition, Dr. Wahlstrom has owned and operated three management consulting firms and worked as a Clinician in ten different human services organizations. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degrees in human resource management and instructional design. In addition, he has earned professional certificates in quality management and clinical depth psychology. He completed his doctoral degree in management and his dissertation in leadership has been sold internationally for decades. Dr. Wahlstrom has published numerous articles and other publications on a large variety of topics in sports, management, and leadership. He has also presented widely in reputable academic conferences and professional events.

This is Mike’s 32nd season being involved in some capacity with professional soccer.

He was with the Blast modern era franchise since its existence in 1992. Conway played for the team in 1992-93 and was a mainstay in the front office from October of 1993 to his departure to the Fury in August of 2019. Arguably no one has worked as many years in a front office capacity in the history of indoor soccer. His hard work and dedication to the franchise and soccer helped make Baltimore the flagship of the MASL winning the MASL Earl Foreman Award in 2016-17 for Best Sales Team and the MASL Earl Forman Award in 2017-18 for Organization of the Year. In 2018 -2019 Conway served as Vice President of Soccer Operations. Prior to 2018 Conway served as Assistant General Manager from 2002 until September of 2018. During that time the team has won 9 titles and appeared in 12 Championships. Prior to 2002 Mike held titles of Director of Groups Sales, Director of Sponsorships and Sales, as well as Director of Community Development. Conway has a storied career in Baltimore soccer scene. He was born and raised in South Baltimore and playing his youth soccer on the legendary fields of Latrobe Park coached by the late Mike “Wibs” Woodard and Steve Zerhusen (formerly of the Tampa Bay Rowdies -NASL). He attended Cardinal Gibbons High School where he was guided by Roch DeFrances, where he held goal scoring records and was an All-Metro selection. He attended CCBC under legendary coach Pete Caringi where he was an All-JUCO, All Region and All American Finalist in 1988. He was discovered by iconic Blast Coach Kenny Cooper playing in the local indoor leagues in Baltimore and signed by the team in 1992. After his playing days with the franchise were over, Conway went on to win a National Indoor Championship with Baltimore Casa Mia’s in 1995. Until recently Conway was still involved at the youth level as the Assistant Coach of the Baltimore Bays 03 team which has achieved Regional and National recognition. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Bays. The family shares his love of the game – his wife Rebecca along with sons Caiden and Gavin can be found at most home games. Caiden formerly played for nationally renowned coach Kevin Healey with the highly touted Bays ’03 team. Conway and his family recently relocated to Middletown, DE.

Former Irish International, English Premier League player

UEFA Pro License (Welsh FA)

UEFA A License (Northern Irish FA)

A former professional football player who possesses more than 20-years’ experience within the game and has made the transition into management and coaching. Warren is currently the First Team Manager of Welling united after joining the club for the past 10 games of the 2021 season in which the club was fighting against relegation, Warren was successful in doing so.

Prior that Warren was the Manager OFC Pirin in Bulgaria and had successfully guided them to the Premier League in their country having secured the Championship title and have previously amassed a wealth of experience through holding the positions of First Team Manager and Assistant Manager of Newport County AFC, First Team Manager of Linfield FC and Ards FC, Assistant Manager at Salisbury City FC, Crawley Town FC and Notts County FC

As a former Northern Irish international gaining 46 caps, I have demonstrated a passionate and proactive approach to my coaching development – working in both a youth and senior coaching capacity for Plymouth Argyle FC, Salisbury City FC and Linfield FC while still playing professionally.

Warren possess a well-rounded perspective on the game having been at clubs from Premier League to non-league level in England, managing abroad and also playing and managing in the Irish League, as well as having an extensive network of contacts across the UK, Ireland, Europe, the USA and Australia that can be utilized for both the short and long term benefits. I am passionate about the future of football and the development of players and staff.

After a successful stretch as a pro footballer, Russell began his scouting career with La Nucia CF in the Second Division in Spain, where he served as Director of Football. After several seasons, he moved on to become the head scout at Benidorm CD. In his four-season tenure there, he recruited over 40 players for their new premier team and Academy fellowship program, which offered a pathway of progression for the team. Engaging players from grass roots level onwards, he then went on to sell these players to the nation's top teams at six-figure prices, allowing the club to plough back these funds into their youth system and premier team. His player acquisition strategy at each club varies depending on the club's identity. Factors such as budget and the league or competitions the club is involved in all contribute to forming a holistic acquisition strategy. This aligns strategically with S.U.P.A. pathway of vertical integration.

Laim played at Brighton Hove Albion, Hastings United, Dover Athletic in England, Veendam in the Dutch 2nd Division, and back to England at Kingstonian FC before finishing his playing career in the United States with the South Jersey Barons. He also has extensive coaching and managing experience.