Highlights & Accolades
Professional career with Leeds United FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Swindon Town FC & Barry Town FC
4x Welsh Premier League Champion & 3x Welsh Cup Winner
Competed in the UEFA Champions League & Europa League
Girls Director of Coaching at NEFC, developing 10+ U.S. Youth National Team players & hundreds of NCAA athletes
Recipient of the PCA National Double-Goal Coach® Award (2017) & United Soccer Coaches Presidential Recognition Award (2022)
Led teams to 3 National Championships with multiple National Finals appearances
Nick Burke
Director of Girls’ Soccer
Originally from Waterford, Ireland, Nick Burke brings nearly two decades of elite coaching experience and over a decade of professional playing experience to his role as Director of Girls Soccer at Masters Academy. Since moving to the United States in 2006, he has established himself as one of the leading voices in youth development, known for building successful, player-centered programs that emphasize excellence on and off the field.
Nick’s professional playing career included time with renowned clubs such as Leeds United FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Swindon Town FC, and Barry Town FC, where he earned multiple league titles and cup victories, as well as UEFA Champions League and Europa League appearances.
As a coach, Nick holds a U.S. Soccer A License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, and FA C License. He has coached at collegiate, academy, and national levels, guiding numerous players to collegiate and U.S. Youth National Team programs. His coaching philosophy centers on developing confident, intelligent, and resilient young women who strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
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.
Success is not just about trophies — it’s about growth, resilience, and character. My goal is to help athletes reach their potential while learning life skills such as discipline, accountability, and leadership that extend beyond soccer.
Players can expect dynamic, high-energy sessions that challenge them to think critically and compete with purpose. Every training session is designed to foster technical mastery, tactical awareness, and mental toughness in a positive, player-driven environment.
Masters Academy teams compete week in and week out in training, play top regional opposition, and compete in national showcases and tournaments. The emphasis is on purposeful competition — using every training session and match as a learning opportunity to prepare players for collegiate and national-level play.
The pathway begins with developing foundational technical and cognitive skills, progressing through advanced competitive environments that emphasize tactical growth and leadership. Our program connects players with college and national team opportunities, supported by mentorship and recruiting guidance.
“Success is not just about trophies – it’s about growth, resilience, and character.”
– Nick Burke, Director of Girls Soccer
COLLEGE PLACEMENT & PATHWAYS
Athletes under Nick’s mentorship have gone on to compete at top NCAA Division I, II, and III programs across the country, including Power Five and Ivy League schools.
Players have represented U.S. Youth National Teams, earned collegiate scholarships, and progressed to professional and semi-professional environments both domestically and abroad.
Masters Academy integrates high-level athletic development with academic and character growth. Through individualized support, college advising, and a culture of excellence, the program ensures each athlete is prepared for success at the next level — both in soccer and in life.
START YOUR JOURNEY
We’re building something special in New England, and we’d love to tell you more about it. To connect with our founding team at Masters Academy International, please fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.