July 28, 2025, Columbia, SC – South Carolina United FC is proud to announce the promotion of Navid Azizzadeh to Assistant Director of the SCUFC Junior Academy. Navid will assume a leadership role within one of the fastest-growing areas of the club and will report directly to Jamie McClendon, Director of the Junior Academy. A former standout player and coach for SCUFC, Navid brings deep club knowledge, passion for youth development, and a proven commitment to nurturing young talent. His experience and dedication make him a natural fit to support the continued growth and excellence of our Junior Academy programs. “We are excited to welcome Navid into this leadership role,” said Rob Strickland, Executive Director of SCUFC. “He embodies what SCUFC is all about — homegrown passion, professionalism, and a heart for player development. His journey from player to coach to now Assistant Director is a testament to his commitment and talent, and we’re confident he’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our Junior Academy.” Jamie McClendon, Director of the Junior Academy, added: “Navid has been an incredible asset to our Junior Academy coaching staff. He leads with both passion and purpose, and he truly understands the developmental needs of our youngest players. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to raise the standard of our programs and create the best possible environment for our kids.” Navid Azizzadeh shared his excitement about the new role: “I’m excited for this opportunity. Having come through the club as both a player and a coach, I’m grateful for the journey so far and now look forward to contributing as part of the club’s leadership team.” Navid’s appointment reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to developing both players and staff from within, ensuring continuity and shared values across every level of the organization. About South Carolina United FC South Carolina United FC is the premier youth soccer organization in the Midlands region, offering programs for players of all ages and abilities. The club is committed to excellence in player development, coaching education, and community engagement.
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July 28, 2025, Columbia, SC – South Carolina United FC is proud to announce the promotion of Navid Azizzadeh to Assistant Director of the SCUFC Junior Academy. Navid will assume a leadership role within one of the fastest-growing areas of the club and will report directly to Jamie McClendon, Director of the Junior Academy. A former standout player and coach for SCUFC, Navid brings deep club knowledge, passion for youth development, and a proven commitment to nurturing young talent. His experience and dedication make him a natural fit to support the continued growth and excellence of our Junior Academy programs. “We are excited to welcome Navid into this leadership role,” said Rob Strickland, Executive Director of SCUFC. “He embodies what SCUFC is all about — homegrown passion, professionalism, and a heart for player development. His journey from player to coach to now Assistant Director is a testament to his commitment and talent, and we’re confident he’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our Junior Academy.” Jamie McClendon, Director of the Junior Academy, added: “Navid has been an incredible asset to our Junior Academy coaching staff. He leads with both passion and purpose, and he truly understands the developmental needs of our youngest players. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to raise the standard of our programs and create the best possible environment for our kids.” Navid Azizzadeh shared his excitement about the new role: “I’m excited for this opportunity. Having come through the club as both a player and a coach, I’m grateful for the journey so far and now look forward to contributing as part of the club’s leadership team.” Navid’s appointment reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to developing both players and staff from within, ensuring continuity and shared values across every level of the organization. About South Carolina United FC South Carolina United FC is the premier youth soccer organization in the Midlands region, offering programs for players of all ages and abilities. The club is committed to excellence in player development, coaching education, and community engagement.
Have you ever thought about becoming a referee? Now is your chance! SCUFC is excited to host two in-person one-day Referee Clinics on August 9 & 10 at the Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Complex. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the game and make extra cash. Important Requirements: -You must be at least 13 years old to attend. -Completion of online training modules is mandatory before participating in the in-person clinic. - Participants only need to attend one in-person clinic Register today and secure your spot! https://screferees.com/clinic-schedule/ (select Columbia, SC and the date you can attend)
Register now for our Girls College ID Combine on April 26, 2025!
2024 YEAR-END REVIEW
South Carolina United FC and the Soccer Parenting Association today announce a partnership agreement by which all families associated with SCUFC will now receive free access to the educational content on the Soccer Parent Resource Center platform – SoccerParentResourceCenter.com. The Soccer Parent Resource Center seeks to improve and enhance the experience for youth soccer players by engaging and supporting the players’ parents on topics related to the Body, Mind, Coach, Parent, Next Level, and the Game as well as providing coach education related to establishing positive relationships with players and parents. Providing a positive youth sporting experience where all children feel inspired, develop important life skills, and establish healthy habits they will take with them for life must be a top priority for all youth sport organizations. “The investment South Carolina United FC is making towards positively affecting the lives of the players and families associated with their club is commendable. We are proud to work with SCUFC and are encouraged by their commitment to make a positive impact in their community through sport,” said Skye Eddy, Founder of the Soccer Parenting Association. To activate your free membership, simply copy this link into your browser: https://soccerparentresourcecenter.com/register/club-membership/south-carolina-united-fc/
October 17, 2024
Register now for our Girls College ID Combine on April 27, 2024!
In an effort to combat the ongoing nationwide shortage of referees, South Carolina United FC recently organized and hosted two one-day referee clinics. These clinics were a huge success, with 60 people attending and becoming certified referees. Prior to attending the clinic, all participants were required to complete online training modules to ensure they were well-prepared for the in-person clinics. The in-person clinics were broken into 2 parts: a classroom session and an on-field training session held at South Carolina United FC facilities. To encourage registration and maximize participation, South Carolina United FC offered an exciting incentive to the first 50 individuals who signed up. These individuals received a complimentary referee uniform starter kit, equipping them with everything they need to start their refereeing journey. “As the demand for referees continues to rise, we feel it is our responsibility to address the shortage and provide opportunities for interested individuals to become certified referees,” commented Rob Strickland, SCUFC Executive Director. “We are proud to have organized these successful clinics and remain committed to supporting the growth of soccer in our community.” For more information about how to become a referee and future clinics, please visit screferees.com. You must be 13 years or older to register for a referee clinic.
South Carolina United FC soccer club is pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Jermstad as the new Safeguarding and Support Officer. In this role, Emily will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, coaches, and staff within the club, as well as providing support and resources for any individuals in need. Executive Director, Rob Strickland, expressed his excitement for Emily's appointment, stating, "The role of Safeguarding and Support Officer is crucial to our club's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved. Emily's experience and dedication make her the perfect fit for this important position, and we are confident that she will make a positive impact on our community." With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Lander University, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and having served as an elementary school social worker, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in safeguarding practices and support services. Emily has also been a dedicated player for South Carolina United FC from the age of 3 to 18 years old. Her experience and commitment to the club make her an ideal fit for her new role, and we look forward to the positive contributions she will make.
