Come join me in the USA, Kurtis shares American dream

A former local footballer-turned-coach who has carved out an impressive career in the USA is encouraging aspiring coaches in the area to follow in his footsteps.

Kurtis Smith is originally from Newtown, but will be holding a coach recruitment event at Maesydre, Welshpool, on November 30 (from 11am-1pm) to provide opportunities next summer to coach across the Atlantic.

Kurtis came through the Newtown Academy and took on several roles at the club, earning a Football Coaching and Performance degree at the University of South Wales from 2012-2015. During that time, he worked in performance analysis and coaching roles with Cardiff City FC Academy.

In 2016, he returned to Newtown and spent time coaching with Shrewsbury Town Academy before moving to Albany, New York, in 2017, where he has been based ever since, becoming a Director of Club Development at Beestera Soccer Training, an organisation that partners with clubs to develop their programmes, provide small-group and private training, and run camps and clinics across the US, coaching over 3,000 players last summer alone.

“Mid Wales is a small community, and sometimes opportunities in football can feel limited compared to larger areas,” said Kurtis.

“That’s why it’s important for me to give aspiring local coaches the same kinds of opportunities I was fortunate to have. I’ve been working closely with Gareth Watkins, a lecturer at Newtown College and a key figure in Welshpool FC’s junior programme, as we both share a passion for creating pathways that help aspiring coaches and young people in our area grow and succeed.”

Kurtis is also the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Hudson Valley Community College and recently completed three seasons as Head Coach of the New York Shockers in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

“We’ll be hosting a Coach Recruitment Day at Welshpool Town Football Club, providing information and selecting coaches to work on our summer camps in the US in 2026. We’re looking for enthusiastic, passionate coaches who love the game and want to share that passion with young players.”

Those interested can contact Kurtis Smith at kurtis@beestera.com for more information about registering for the event.