I was born and raised in a busy town about 20 minutes outside central London in England. Naturally I grew up living and breathing the beautiful game of football. Stayed local through my years of school at Corpus Christi primary School and Richard Challoner secondary school where I stayed on and attended the 6th form college program. I played football for both my school's and college teams, with a short spell at a semi pro club. Right out of secondary school I knew I wanted to focus on coaching where I started my career at my unconditionally loved football club Chelsea FC.

 

Craig started his professional coaching career at Chelsea Football Club in London, England. He spent 4 years at the club developing his coaching abilities working with players of all ages and levels. From starting with grassroots level players working up to coaching the elite levels. During his time at Chelsea FC, Craig spent some time branching out and specializing in goalkeeping working with Chelsea’s Elite Training Center. In 2012 Craig brought his experience over to America where he spent 3 years coaching with UK International Soccer Company. During these 3 years, Craig coached and trained local club teams in Connecticut & NY, developing their club programs and players. Craig was named UKI Regional Director of Goalkeeping for UK International. His job was to produce Goalkeeping Academy’s and write program curriculums for local clubs to develop young goalkeepers, and perform goalkeeping training to not only players but to his peers and local coaches. In furthering his career Coach Hollis took up a role as Director of Soccer in Central NY newest 48,000 square foot multiple story indoor sports facility Accelerate Sports. During his 2 year spell with the facility before taking up the role at Impact FC, Hollis was able to produce Accelerate with a youth soccer development program complete with Goalkeeping Academy, winter leagues and tournaments. One of his greatest achievement whilst at the facility, is the Accelerate High School Preseason Summer soccer league. Starting with just 10 teams participating, now unites over 40 local boys and girls high schools from across the north section of the state. Coach Hollis also spent some time whilst in the Central NY area building and coaching within the Adirondack High School men's soccer program, coaching at both modified and varsity levels. Before heading down south, Coach Craig headed the Syracuse Development Academy (SDA) 12U Boys & 14U Girls programs, taking his teams to multiple league titles and tournament championships.

Now Impact FC very own Executive Director, Coach Craig strives to bring Iredell County the very best experience, player & team development and soccer culture the beautiful game has to offer, through both youth and adult programs. Over the past 7+ years, Coach Craig has also served as Combine Academy Associate Head Coach under College Soccer legend and NCAA Hall of Famer Bob Reasso, 3 years as Varsity Head Coach at Statesville Christian School. Coach continues to serve within NC Olympic Development Program and Assistant Coach at Catawba College Woman's Soccer under 4 time NCAA DII Coach the Year Nick Brown.

 

We are delighted to have Coach Craig Hollis heading the direction of our wonderful club and thankful for the amount of experience and qualifications he brings to our community. 

 

BTEC Diploma in Sport level 2, BTEC National Level 3 in Sports Development & Coaching, English FA coaching License level 1 and 2, CJSA coaching License E, NY State High School Coaching License, U.S. Soccer National C Coaching License, U.S Soccer National B License, Education First Aid qualified, American Heart Association First Aid, CPR & AED, CDC Concussion certificate, & US Youth Soccer Risk Management and Background checked.

 

Not only do I love to cook up a storm in the kitchen, I'm also certified gymnastics instructor.