Adam Godwin brings over 17 years of playing and coaching experience to the Academy. He has played at the highest level of youth soccer in England, competed at the NCAA Division I level in the US, and already has a coaching career that includes the high school, elite travel, and NCAA Division I levels.
Prior to opening the Academy, Godwin spent almost three years as the assistant coach of the Liberty Flames Women’s Soccer program. During his time with Liberty, he helped lead the Lady Flames to a Big South Conference Championship Game, and took in opposition such as University of Virginia, Clemson, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and other national level programs, developing several All-Conference and All-State performers. His 2008 recruiting class was also ranked as the #1 recruiting class in the Big South Conference, proving that Godwin knows how to both evaluate and develop NCAA Division I talent.
In the Fall of 2005, Godwin was a Head Coach within the prestigious Atlanta Fire Soccer Club in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Fire has several national championships to it’s name and is widely regarded as one of the top clubs in the nation. Godwin began his coaching career prior to that in the Spring of 2005 when he served as the Head Coach of Jefferson Forest High School’s Boys JV team in Lynchburg, VA. He led the team to a 17-1 record.
In 2006, Godwin was invited to spend a week as a guest coach of Aston Villa Football Club of England’s Premier League. During his time with the club, he was able to work closely with the youth academy directors Gordon Cowans and Tony McAndrew, as well as observe practice sessions from the first team head coach Martin O’Neill. “This was definately the highlight of my career from a development standpoint,” commented Godwin. “To be able to spend time around some of the best coaches in England, to see some of the top players practicing day-in-day-out was an exceptional experience, and one that helped me to take great strides as a coach”.
As a player, Godwin has also competed at some of the highest levels. He played his collegiate career as a member of the Liberty Flames Men’s Soccer program at the NCAA Division I level. During his time with the Flames, Godwin made 70 appearances, scoring once. During his senior year, he was named team captain and earned First Team All-Conference, All-Tournament, and Second Team All-State (VA) honors. His outstanding senior year did not go unnoticed, and Godwin was invited to tryout for Great Britain’s U23 National Team, which went on to compete at the 2006 World University Games, and Cheltenham Town Football Club of England’s Football League One. Upon returning to the US, he played with Augusta United of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League before beginning his coaching career.
Prior to coming to the United States, Godwin was a standout youth soccer player in England. He played for Westfields Football Club where he made 65 senior appearances. He was named the club’s Young Player of the Year in both 2000 and 2001. He was also the captain of the Herefordshire County Football Association’s U18 team. His performances for Westfields led to him being recognized by Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League, and Notts County of the Football League One. He spent several weeks trying out with these teams before opting to continue his playing career in America with the Liberty Flames.
Godwin, who graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in 2005, currently resides in the Wyndhurst area of Lynchburg, VA. He has been married to his wife, Morgaine, for two years.
