STATESBORO, Ga. – April 25, 2024 – The Tormenta FC Academy is excited to announce changes to its MLS NEXT program coaching staff and director position. The Tormenta FC Academy Director of Coaching, Kian Brownlee, will relieve Jay Peake of his duties as an MLS NEXT coach and director.
Brownlee, the new MLS NEXT director and ‘06/‘07 and ‘12 MLS NEXT coach, brings a wealth of experience and achievements to his new roles. Brownlee has a Master of Education degree in health and physical education from Augusta University and a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Liberty University. He previously coached the 2012 and 2014 Girls Ibis teams and has more than 25 years of coaching experience. His collegiate playing career at Liberty University was equally impressive, earning him numerous accolades, including the Ed Dobson Award for Exemplary Character 1997, 1st Team All-Big South 1999, 2000, the NCAA All-South Atlantic 3rd Team 2000, 1st Team All VA 2000, and All Time assists leader of Liberty University Men’s Soccer. Brownlee’s commitment to his players’ development is evident in his pursuit of coaching knowledge, earning his USSF B License, USC Director of Coaching Diploma, and USC Premier Diploma.
“We are thrilled to have Kian leading our MLS NEXT program for the Tormenta FC Academy,” Brad Nein, Tormenta FC Academy Vice President, said. “Kian brings a wealth of knowledge with 25 years of coaching experience. His ability to clearly communicate his understanding of the game sets him apart and will be extremely valuable to our MLS NEXT players’ development.”
Brian Okumu will coach the ‘10 and ‘11 MLS NEXT teams next season. He brings in a wealth of experience from his years playing professionally and his years mentoring the next generation of players. He currently coaches the MLS NEXT U13 and U14 teams, where he ties his passion and knowledge into his coaching practices. Okumu played for the Kenya National Team in his professional career and Gor Mahia FC in Nairobi, Kenya, and played for Milligan University at the collegiate level. Coach Okumu also holds his USSF A License.
Lastly, Philip Neiland will be coaching the ‘08 and ‘09 MLS NEXT teams. He has a deep history of coaching, working as the First Team Assistant Coach at Quang Nam FC and Binh Dinh FC in Vietnam, Maldives National Team Opposition Analyst during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Technical Advisor and Scout at Nadm FC in Ghana, Co-Head Coach at Cork Institute of Technology, First Team Assistant Coach at Douglas Hall AFC in Ireland and as the Academy Director, U15/U13 KFA League Head Coach in South Korea. The breadth of his experiences informs his coaching tactics. Neiland has the UEFA “A” License from the Scottish Football Association, UEFA “B” License from the Football Association of Ireland, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, Barca Sport Psychology Certificate, Asia Football Confederation Fitness L2, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
“We are grateful for the work Jay has done with our MLS NEXT program,” said Nein. “We extend our best wishes for his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication as our MLS NEXT coach and director.”
Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
