Devan Jessop

Full Name:
Devan Jessop

Coaching License(s) & Certification(s):
U.S. Soccer Grassroots License
Beginning U.S. Soccer D License, Fall 2025

Coaching experience by year, club, and role:
Oakwood Soccer Club, 2022–2025
Youth Training League Coach
Camps and Clinics Coach
Head Coach: 2016 Boys U9 Pre-MLS NEXT / Pre-NAL
Assistant Coach: 2017 Boys U8 Pre-MLS NEXT
Assistant Coach: 2014 Boys U11 Pre-MLS NEXT / Pre-NAL
Assistant Coach: 2013 Boys U12 Pre-MLS NEXT / Pre-NAL
Assisted with training sessions across all MLS NEXT age groups

Rhode Surf Soccer Club, 2025–2026
Head Coach: 2018 Boys, 2017 Boys, 2016 Boys, and 2009 Boys
Summer Camps, Clinics, and Junior Academy

Additional Coaching Experience:
Everson Soccer Academy
Cheshire United Soccer Club
Real Madrid Foundation Camps
Victory Soccer School

Notable achievements, records, or championships:
Team Captain at the University of Hartford from 2023–2025
Two-time Rhode Island All Division 2 First Team
Played all three NCAA divisions
Assisted the Oakwood 2013 Boys Pre-MLS NEXT team to a 3rd-place league finish with an 8-3-2 league record and 12-3-2 overall record
Member of the Hartford City FC NPSL squad that won the 2023 North Atlantic Conference Championship and advanced to the NPSL East Region Semifinals

Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is centered around player development, enjoyment, and creating a positive learning environment. I believe players improve the most when they are challenged, encouraged to be creative, and held to high standards. My goal is to help players develop technically, tactically, physically, and mentally while building confidence and a lifelong love for the game. Success is important, but I believe long-term player development and helping young athletes become great teammates and people is even more important. Soccer has given me everything in life. It has provided me with lifelong friendships, educational opportunities, leadership experiences, and a career path that I am passionate about pursuing. The game has helped shape who I am as a person, and coaching allows me to give back to a sport that has had such a positive impact on my life.

What message would you like to share with current and prospective Oakwood families?
Thank you for trusting Oakwood with your child’s development. My commitment is to create an environment where players are challenged, supported, and excited to come to training every day. I believe strong communication, hard work, and a positive culture are key to player growth. Oakwood provides incredible opportunities for players at every stage of their journey, and I look forward to helping each player develop as a soccer player, teammate, and person. My goal is to make every training session meaningful, enjoyable, and focused on helping players become the best version of themselves.