Katie Quinlan joins Almaden FC after headhunt by Football Careers

Katie Quinlan joins Almaden FC as Girls Academy Director after headhunt by Football Careers

Football Careers is proud to have managed the recruitment process for the Girls Academy Director position at Almaden FC, one of Northern California’s most respected youth soccer organizations.

A thriving club in San Jose that is home to more than 3,500 players, Almaden FC delivers a holistic development experience that aims to nurture the next generation of soccer talent in a structured, inclusive learning environment.

Football Careers consulted with Almaden FC to learn more about the Girls Academy Director role, the ideal candidate profile, and the club’s values, vision, and culture. Our recruitment team was then tasked with finding a skilled leader to drive the continued development of the club’s female academy players: someone with both a strong technical background and the ability to foster a progressive, player-centered environment.

After a comprehensive headhunting campaign spanning the USA, Katie Quinlan was identified as an outstanding candidate for the role and has now joined Almaden FC.

Katie’s coaching success in England and the US

Katie brings a wealth of experience from the UK and US soccer landscapes. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Development, Katie began her coaching journey in England, working within academy setups at Everton and Chelsea Women.

In 2016, Katie joined Blackburn Rovers Women as U16 Assistant Coach — she was appointed head coach of the women’s first team just two years later. During her three years in charge, Blackburn clinched the FA Women’s National League title, as well as three other major domestic honors.

Then, in 2022, an exciting coaching opportunity brought Katie to the USA. Since then, the UEFA A and USSF A License holder has served as assistant coach to the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, helping guide the team to a second-place league finish in the 2023 season.

Katie also enjoyed a successful spell as head coach of STA WPSL in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), with the club making the top 18 in national rankings for the first time in its history.

At the international level, Katie was recently selected to work with the U20 U.S. women’s national team, supporting the players at a training camp.

Katie’s appointment at Almaden FC

Katie’s cross-continental experience, technical knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills make her the perfect fit for the Girls Academy Director role at Almaden FC. Commenting on the appointment, Katie said:

“I’m delighted to have made the move to Almaden FC at such a pivotal point in my career. It’s a place I’m excited to call home, where I look forward to making a meaningful impact within the community.

“From the outset, Piero [Director of Football Careers] made the entire process seamless — offering valuable insights, consistent support, and prompt communication throughout. It’s reassuring to know that Football Careers continues to offer support beyond the recruitment stage.”

Tom Brough, General Manager at Almaden FC, worked closely with Football Careers throughout the headhunt-led search. He stated:

“Working with Piero and Football Careers was seamless from start to finish. They took time to understand Almaden FC’s vision and our Girls Academy needs, then delivered a high-caliber slate culminating in the appointment of Katie Quinlan. Their professionalism, communication, and expertise in the game were first-class.”

We congratulate Katie on her appointment and look forward to seeing her impact at Almaden FC.

Find out more about our services

Interested in learning how Football Careers can help your club? Please contact us via [email protected] to arrange a call.

Candidates seeking career support or CV services can view our membership packages here or visit our CV shop to find out more.

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