TULSA, OK – Michael Nsien has been appointed the U.S. Under-16 Men’s Youth National Team Head Coach. 

 

“I am truly honored to be in the position of head coach for the under 16 USMNT. Any time you get to represent your country in any aspect you have to feel a great sense of pride. I’m thankful for all of the highs and lows that have gotten me to this point. The USSF is an organization of the top minds of soccer in our country and I’m glad to be a part of it” says Nsien. 

 

Michael Nsien holds a USSF Pro and a UEFA “A” Licenses. Nsien became the first African American male to graduate with a professional coaching license within the United States Soccer Federation. The USSF pro license is the highest level of license a soccer coach can earn in the U.S. and, only 75 coaches have earned the license since it was created. 

 

Nsien will join the U.S. soccer organization after serving as a consultant with Tulsa Soccer Club, in which he mentored Tulsa SC coaches as well as oversaw the development and implantation of our curriculum. Prior to this role he was the head coach of local USL Championship team FC Tulsa from 2018-2022. During his time with FC Tulsa, he oversaw the club's successful progression, which included a first in the organization's history: back-to-back playoff appearances. 

 

“We look forward to Michael’s continued guidance and leadership as he continues to progress in his coaching endeavors” said Tulsa SC President Barry Williams. 

 

A Tulsa native, Michael Nsien grew up in the Greenwood District of downtown Tulsa, where he attended high school at Booker T. Washington. Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in business communications from the University of Dayton. During his time at Dayton, Nsien was an acclaimed defender for the men’s soccer team where he was named to the Atlantic 10 all-tournament team and was a second-team selection on the Atlantic 10 all-conference team following his senior season. Following the completion of his soccer career, Nsien signed with MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy then later with USL’s Portland Timbers. Nsien was also a member of the Nigerian U-23 National team during the Olympic qualifiers for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. 

 

“Tulsa means a lot to me and my family, it’s still home. Working with TSC has been some of the highlights of my coaching. So many relationships built, working with amazing young players and staff. I’m also excited in the direction they’re going, and I will always continue to support them in any way possible” said Nsien.