Rush Wisconsin’s Jess Nash Represents U.S. Soccer at Global FIFA Coaching Course

Rush Wisconsin Executive Director and U.S. Soccer Coach Educator, Jess Nash, was nominated by U.S. Soccer to take part in FIFA’s Female Coach Educators’ Development Pathway Course, joining 14 other educators from federations around the world in Lisbon, Portugal.

The course brought together FIFA Technical Experts and coach educators from 17 federations, all working toward one shared goal: to grow the women’s game and empower the next generation of coaches worldwide.

“The environment the FIFA staff created was incredible,” said Nash. “Throughout the week, we facilitated and participated in field sessions, classroom discussions, and feedback sessions that pushed us to elevate our delivery. We also explored adult learning and teaching principles that will strengthen how we educate and support coaches back home.”

The program combined online collaboration in September with a hands-on week in October at the Portugal Football Federation, focusing on facilitation, leadership, and learning design. Each session challenged participants to rethink how they guide coaches and create positive learning environments.

Nash, who also serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator for Grassroots and D License courses, described the experience as “transformative both personally and professionally.”

“It was an enriching space where each of us could be authentic, take risks, and learn from one another,” Nash shared. “I left feeling inspired and grateful to have connected with such remarkable women, from those leading federations for decades to those breaking new ground as their country’s first female coach educators.”

Her participation reflects Rush Wisconsin’s commitment to continual growth and coach development. The knowledge and insight Nash brings back will only strengthen the club’s mission to provide exceptional learning experiences for both coaches and players across the Rush community.