ALLENTOWN, N.J. & CHESTER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jim Curtin, one of the best known and most successful coaches in Major League Soccer (MLS), has been named “National Sports Ambassador” for L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), the organization announced today.
“Jim’s track record speaks for itself as both a leader and role model,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D. “An amazing family man, Jim’s children are exactly the ages of the students we reach.
“His ability to both work with children and his respect for law enforcement make him the perfect person to lend support to our program,” added Mr. DeMauro. “We look forward to hitting the ground running with Jim.”
L.E.A.D. provides services “On The Street” and “In The Classroom” as it brings law enforcement and communities closer together. The “In The Classroom” program is taught by more than 5000 trained instructors in 45 states. L.E.A.D. has a proven effective, law enforcement-focused anti–drug, anti–violence curriculum for K-12 students in the U.S. The L.E.A.D. curriculum is taught over the course of a 10-week program to educate youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs or violence.
Curtin, a Philadelphia native and resident, has had an illustrious career as a player and coach. His soccer career began to take shape during his college years at Villanova University, where he played for the Villanova Wildcats from 1997 to 2000, and he was later inducted into the Villanova University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
In 2001, Curtin was drafted by the Chicago Fire of MLS. During his ten-year playing career, he played in more than 200 games and was named to the MLS All-Star Team in 2004. Curtin became known for his consistent performances and strong leadership qualities.
Following his retirement as a player in 2010, Curtin transitioned into coaching and took on various roles within the Union's coaching staff. In 2014, he was appointed head coach, becoming the youngest head coach in the history of the franchise.
Under Curtin's guidance, the Philadelphia Union experienced a significant transformation. His meticulous approach to coaching, emphasis on teamwork, and commitment to developing young talent led the team to achieve unprecedented success. In 2020, Curtin guided the Union to their first-ever major trophy, winning the Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record. Curtin is one of the most respected coaches in North America and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2022, becoming the youngest two-time recipient of the honor and fifth coach overall in league history to win the award multiple times.
Curtin says that he was thrilled to lend his support to L.E.A.D. when he learned about the program.
“You can’t argue with the benefits of teaching young children about the dangers of drugs and violence, and I look forward to using my platform in the MLS to spread the word,” said Curtin. “Every team in our league works with young students, and we can all learn from the curriculum that L.E.A.D. employs.”
About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information, visit https://www.leadrugs.org/.
