Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Zayas.
Hi Phil, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Soccer Journey
I started playing soccer when I was six years old in a local recreation league in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In my very first game, I scored a goal — and from that moment, I fell in love with the sport.
When I was twelve, my mother sent me to a camp at Clemson University. It was my first time away from home, and at the end of the week, she asked, “How was the camp?” I told her, “I’m going to do this for the rest of my life.” From that day on, I never looked back.
Between the ages of 13 and 18, I was completely focused on becoming a professional player. I trained relentlessly and eventually caught the attention of a professional scout who wanted to send me for trials in Europe. At 18, I was in the best shape of my life and just two weeks away from my trial in Germany when I attended a college ID camp — and tore my ACL.
That injury was devastating. I had worked so hard, and it felt like everything I dreamed of was slipping away. The setback forced me to reconsider my path, and I decided to pursue college soccer instead. I played for two years, but after two ACL tears and ongoing knee pain, I knew I couldn’t continue playing at a high level. That’s when I decided to focus fully on coaching.
I started coaching at 19 and worked my way up from the grassroots level. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors who poured into me early in my career. I fell in love with coaching because it allowed me to stay connected to the game — and more importantly, to help players chase and achieve their own dreams.
Over the years, I’ve coached at the club, high school, and college levels, and served as a Director of Coaching for multiple clubs. As a head coach, I led Johnson & Wales University to the Sun Conference Final, and at the high school level, I won two state championships. I currently hold a U.S. Soccer Federation “A” Coaching License, one of the highest credentials in American soccer.
Beyond that, I’ve worked with three national teams, including the U.S. National Team. During my time with the U.S., I scouted players who went on to play professionally and represent their country in World Cups — including one who recently won the Golden Boot at the U-20 World Cup.
I’ve also served as a scout for three MLS clubs, contributing to millions of dollars in player transfer fees and helping professional teams identify and develop top talent.
The best part about what I do is that I get to help people turn their dreams into reality while continuing to live mine. Soccer has always been my calling — it’s given me purpose, direction, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on others through the game I love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obviously injuries got in the way of my dream playing professional. Now, I have other obstacles as someone who dreams of coaching at the highest level. It’s a very competitive line of work. The challenge with coaching is that getting a professional coaching job is more about who you know, and less about what you know or how good you are. it’s not easy, even if you produce. I continue to remain positive and always explore strategies of how to get into coaching at a professional level. I’m currently seeking investors to buy a pro team in which myself and my network would run. Naturally, I’d take a lead role in coaching , scouting, and player development.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work as a scout for Nashville SC in MLS. I also own my own consulting business called ” Zayas Football Consulting”
For Nashville SC I identify top youth talent around the country in hopes of recruiting them to come and play for the club.
With “Zayas Football Consulting” I help players map out their career and help them with the college process.
I’m most proud of the players I have coached and scouted. Many of them have gone on to play at the highest levels. Some are even coaching at the highest levels. My influence on their career has impacted their pathway. To see my former players, or guys that I have scouted playing in World Cups, well, I can honestly say it has brought tears of joy to my eyes.
What were you like growing up?
I was a kid with an outgoing personality who fell in love with a soccer ball. I wanted to play all the time. I remember other kids making fun of me because I always wore my soccer clothes everywhere. I just wanted to play soccer. I’m a very passionate person. I love hard, work hard, and dream big!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachphil.net
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@futbolphil
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AZXJUXrHF3cJZXsj3xfJy?si=pk4ExSlAQH2HL3GDmdaTAw&nd=1&dlsi=e4ec67393fff4363
