
Meet Ross Atkinson
FC Storm is excited to also appoint Ross as the newest Director of Coaching. He will assume responsibility for the U13 to 15 age group. In addition, Ross will also be responsible for the planning and coordination of all of the supplemental training across the select and recreational programs.
Ross recently received a visa allowing FC Storm to officially hire him as an employee. This will allow Ross to remain in the US for a number of years vs the seasonal visa he had.
Hi, I’m Ross, a 27-year-old from Sunderland, England. I have grown up in a city where football is far more than just a game, it’s been a defining part of my life. Sunderland has a rich footballing heritage, and from the earliest memories of my childhood, I was immersed in it. The roar of the crowd at the Stadium of Light, the streets alive with fans on match day, and the buzz of anticipation before every kick-off;these are the things that shaped my upbringing. Football wasn’t just something I watched; it was something we all lived and breathed. In a city where the highs of victory and the lows of defeat are shared by every person, football became a language we all spoke. It was in the conversations at the pub, the debates with friends about tactics, and the excitement of playing with a ball at every opportunity.
The deep connection to the game here isn’t just about supporting your local team; it’s a bond that ties the entire community together. For me, that passion is engrained in who I am, and it’s something I carry with me every day here in the US on my coaching journey.

I grew up in a small, tight-knit family, with just me, my mam Christine, my dad Fred, and my older brother Neil. Though we were a small unit, the bond we shared was incredibly strong, and their support has been a constant throughout my life. My parents were always there for me, whether I was playing football as a kid, dreaming of making it as a professional, or navigating the tough moments when things didn’t go the way I hoped—like when I was released from teams. They’ve been my rock, offering encouragement and perspective, never letting me lose sight of what I loved. My brother Neil, despite being older, was always there to push me to be better and share in my wins and losses. Their belief in me extended beyond my playing days and into my coaching career. When I decided to pursue coaching and eventually make the leap to the USA, I knew they would have my back, even though it meant a huge change for all of us. That unwavering family support has been vital, shaping my journey and helping me grow both as a person and a coach.

From the moment I could walk, I had a football at my feet. It was clear from an early age that the sport was more than just a passing interest; it was my passion. I was obsessed with it, spending every spare moment kicking a ball around, whether it was in the park or on the streets with friends. My early days in youth football were spent playing for local teams, where I quickly developed my skills and love for the game. Eventually, I got the chance to trial for Sunderland Academy, a dream come true. Training with top-level coaches and playing alongside some of the best young talent in the area was a defining experience. It gave me a taste of what it was like to be at the pinnacle of the game. However, being released from the Academy later down the line was one of the hardest moments of my life. It felt like a huge setback, but it also sparked something in me; a determination to stay within the game and keep pushing forward. That experience fueled my desire to coach, to help others avoid the same mistakes I made, and to give them the guidance and support that I wish I had when I was in their shoes. It taught me resilience, and I knew that if I couldn’t play at the highest level, I would find another way to stay connected to the game I love.

After leaving the football scene and seeking education, I decided to explore a different creative path and attended Northumbria University in Newcastle, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film and TV Production, with a focus on Cinematography. During my time there, I was fortunate enough to gain hands-on experience working on high-profile projects, including Netflix shows like Peaky Blinders and Sunderland ‘Til I Die. These opportunities allowed me to develop a keen eye for visual storytelling, and my passion for photography continues to thrive. I’m still an avid photographer today, and as I transition into my new role, I’m excited to bring more professional and visually engaging content to the club. Recently, I also completed a Master’s degree in Leadership in Sport at the University of South Wales. This program has been instrumental in enhancing my coaching skills, providing me with a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics, and setting the foundation for long-term employment opportunities in the US. The combination of my creative background and sport leadership knowledge is paving the way for a unique and fulfilling career within football here in America.

The bulk of my time in the US over the past 3 years has been spent in Loveland, where I began my coaching career with Indian Hill Soccer Club in my first year. Except for a brief 4 month period in San Jose, California this area is somewhere I’ve always called home. I’ve been lucky that over the course of the time here I have lived with the same host family in “The Beys”. I could not have asked for a better host and I was even given the incredible opportunity to show them around my own home town Sunderland on their trip to the UK! After the merger with Storm, I’ve been with the club for the past two years, and it’s been an incredible journey. I’m currently the head coach of both the B12 Premier and B10 Premier teams, roles that have allowed me to develop players at a high level, instilling technical skills and a strong understanding of the game. However, my work extends well beyond these two teams. I’m deeply involved in coaching players of various ages and skill levels across the club, whether it’s running camps, leading specialized training sessions, or working with different age groups during regular practices.


In my spare time, you’ll usually find me down by the Little Miami River. I’m an avid fisherman, and from spring through fall, I’m out there pretty much every morning, soaking in the peace and quiet of the outdoors while trying to catch those smallmouth!. Nature is something I truly cherish, and fishing gives me the perfect excuse to be outside and relax. I’m also a big fan of country music, so on weekends when I’m off work, I often find myself heading to Nashville to enjoy the music scene and soak up the atmosphere. This year, I got lucky—while in Nashville, I met my amazing girlfriend, Kylie! Now, my next big mission is underway: convincing her to make the move to Cincinnati! I’m hoping she’ll fall in love with the city as much as I have, so we can continue building our future together here.
I’m really excited to get started in my new role and can’t wait to dive in! We’ve got some fantastic new initiatives lined up, particularly around supplemental training, that I think you’re all going to love. Stay tuned, because there will be some exciting announcements coming your way soon! It’s going to be a great journey ahead, and I’m looking forward to working with Storm families as we take things to the next level.

