Masters Academy International Names Former Professional Player Nick Burke Director of Girls Soccer

Irish native who coached 10+ U.S. Youth National Team players and won three National Championships brings championship pedigree to groundbreaking academy

STOW, MA. – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced Nick Burke as Director of Girls Soccer, bringing nearly two decades of elite coaching experience and a decade of professional playing credentials to the academy’s comprehensive athletics program. Burke, who competed in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League as a player and has since guided teams to three National Championships as a coach, will lead MAI’s girls soccer program when the academy opens in September 2026.

“Nick combines the rare perspective of someone who has competed at the highest levels of professional soccer with a proven track record of developing young women into national team players and collegiate stars,” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder and Director of Athletics at MAI. “His commitment to building confident, intelligent, and resilient athletes who excel both on and off the field embodies everything we stand for at Masters Academy.”

Originally from Waterford, Ireland, Burke’s professional playing career included stints with Leeds United FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Swindon Town FC, and Barry Town FC, where he earned four Welsh Premier League titles, three Welsh Cup victories, and competed in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Since moving to the United States in 2006, he has served as Girls Director of Coaching at NEFC, developing over 10 U.S. Youth National Team players and mentoring hundreds of collegiate athletes across all NCAA divisions.

“Success is not just about trophies—it’s about growth, resilience, and character,” said Burke. “My goal is to help athletes reach their potential while learning life skills such as discipline, accountability, and leadership that extend beyond soccer.”

Burke’s coaching accolades include the Positive Coaching Alliance’s NATIONAL DOUBLE-GOAL COACH® Award (2017) and the United Soccer Coaches Presidential Recognition Award (2022). His teams have captured three National Championships and made multiple National Finals appearances, establishing him as one of the leading voices in youth development.

“Every training session is designed to foster technical mastery, tactical awareness, and mental toughness in a positive, player-driven environment,” Burke explained. “Teamwork is about creating a culture of trust, respect, and shared responsibility. Every player contributes to the team’s identity, and success is built on unity, communication, and collective commitment to improvement.”

The girls soccer program at MAI will feature dynamic, high-energy sessions that challenge players to think critically and compete with purpose. Teams will compete in top regional opposition and national showcases, using every training session and match as a learning opportunity to prepare players for collegiate and national-level play.

“The emphasis is on purposeful competition—using every opportunity to prepare players for the next level,” Burke noted. “Our program connects players with college and national team opportunities, supported by mentorship and recruiting guidance throughout their journey.”

Masters Academy International, part of Cognita’s global network of 100 schools, is pioneering a new model for student-athlete development. Located in Stow, MA, the academy combines rigorous academics with elite athletic training, providing 360-degree support to help students reach their full potential in all areas.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International is a groundbreaking boarding school opening in Fall 2026 that reimagines the student-athlete experience. Offering comprehensive academic programs alongside elite training in multiple sports, MAI provides students with the tools and support to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Mackenzie Weeden, Director of Marketing, Masters Academy International, media@mastersacademyinternational.com.