Daniel Clitnovici
Director of Soccer Focus

Coach Clitnovici brings Soccer Focus more than 20 years of professional coaching and leadership experience.

Coach Clitnovici is one of the most respected coaches in the country with a reputable coaching and Leadership background in the elite level youth game, college game, professional game, and International game. Clitnovici boasts professional coaching licensing of the United States Soccer Federation and European UEFA Association.

Clitnovici is the current Scotland National Team North American Chief Scout; He is a United States Soccer Federation Coaching Education Instructor; He is the Ursinus College Men’s Soccer Team Head Coach and is WestMont United Soccer Club Director.

Coaching Education:

• UEFA “A” License
• U.S. Soccer Federation “A” License
• U.S. Soccer Federation “Director of Coaching” License
• U.S. Soccer Federation National Coaching Education Instructor

Professional Coaching Experience:

• Colorado Rapids (MLS)
• Colorado Pride (W-LEAGUE)
• Western New York Flash (NWSL)
• North American Chief Scout (Scotland National Team)
• Ohio State University Assistant Coach (NCAA)
• Villanova University Associate Head Coach (NCAA)
• Atlantic City FC Head Coach (NPSL)
• Ursinus College Head Coach (NCAA)

Elite Youth Director Experience:

• Northern Colorado Rush – Technical Director
• Western New York Flash – Director of Coaching
• Lower Merion Soccer Club – Director of Coaching
• FC Bucks – Director of Coaching
• WestMont United - Director of Coaching

Before getting in to coaching, Clitnovici embarked on 10 year plus professional playing career with spells at top leagues around the world, including time with Gold Coast United FC in Australian “A” League, Universitatea Craiova in the Romanian “A” Division, Barnsley FC in England’s second Division and Apollon Athinon in Greece’s second Division. In his final professional season Clitnovici played in Spain’s Segunda Division for Elche CF and CF Illicitano.

Getting to know Coach Clitnovici:

Most Memorable Competitive Coaching Moment – “Head Coaching the Colorado Rapids U20 Team to a National Championship Win over DC United in 2012. We had the hardest working team, the most resilient team and the most focused team; then we started playing soccer”.

Team You Support –  “Tottenham Hotspur & Philadelphia Union”

Most Memorable Competitive Playing Moment –  “Playing and competing with and against some of the best players in the world during my time; too many to name but very grateful for the opportunity”.

Fav. Quote – “You can’t negotiate the standard. You can’t negotiate the process. It takes what it takes. Do the Work”

What they say about Coach Clitnovici:

Abby Dahlkemper- Current United States Women’s National Team Player:
"I am very fortunate to have been able to work with Daniel during my career. His knowledge of the game, positive motivation, and passionate drive to help his players succeed have all personally helped me develop throughout my journey as a professional soccer player. I will forever cherish my time getting to work with Daniel on and off the pitch. Coach Daniel’s knowledge of the game and coaching style is one of the best I have ever worked with and I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be coached by him. Daniel made me a better player”.

Tom Sermanni – Former United States Women’s National Team Head Coach:
 "I've known Daniel for several years and always been impressed with his quality of coaching and the care he displays for his athletes. He creates a positive, yet demanding high performance environment that encourages athletes to achieve their best. He is greatly respected within the soccer community by both youth and senior professional coaches and players. He is an outstanding coach".

Alex Balog– Technical Director Atlantic City F.C.:
Where Daniel stands out is that he genuinely cares about his players. As a family man he understands the dynamics needed to create an atmosphere in which all his players feel at home. Because of this he has the ability to get the best out of everyone, which, when coupled with his outstanding understanding of the game, are some of the most important ingredients to create successful environments. Daniel has been in the game at the highest level, the level of professionalism he will bring to the players and teams as a result of that, coupled with his human qualities will help propel the experience to a new level.

Lynn Williams- Current United States Women’s National Team Player:
"As a coach Daniel always instilled confidence and belief in me. Having a coach that believes in you and is willing to help you improve is half the battle, and Daniel was exactly that type of coach for me in becoming a better player and professional. Daniel drafted me in 2015 and I will always thank him for taking a chance on me. Daniel always puts the person first before anything else and I always knew Daniel was working hard to make me better on and off the field."

Sabrina D'Angelo- Current Canadian National Team Player:
"Daniel is a very passionate and dedicated coach and an even better person off the field. I was fortunate enough to have him coach me my first year in the NWSL. Coming into a new team and environment I immediately felt the support and belief from him. He pushed me and the other teammates each day to test our limits. With Daniel’s knowledge of all soccer positions including goalkeepers and his ability to get the best out of me have made me who I am today."

The different areas of the game I improved with his help in my first year are still assets that help me perform to the best of my abilities now.

The main thing I will always be grateful for is the trust from Daniel. As a player it means a lot to know I am trusted, and I always felt that way with him. To have someone so passionate about the game believe in you and your abilities does more for a player than anyone will ever know. Even though I don’t have the opportunity to work with Daniel anymore he still supports my dreams and me and I’m fortunate to still keep in contact. The players he coaches and mentors will not only have a great coach who will push them every day to be better on the field but also to be better people off the field."

Graeme Jaap – Head Coach Men’s Soccer, California State University – Monterey Bay:
"I’ve been fortunate enough to know Daniel for over 20 years and have always been impressed with his passion for the game, both as a player and as a top soccer coach. He sets high standards for himself and his players and he creates an atmosphere where student athletes excel in the classroom, on the field and more importantly in life."