Edward Rose

Hometown: Wolverhampton, England

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

Soccer has shaped my life for as long as I can remember. From my earliest years playing as a kid, I was surrounded by coaches, teammates, and families who invested their time and energy into helping me grow—not just as a player, but as a person.

Continuing my career through college deepened my appreciation for the sport. Competing at a higher level challenged me physically and mentally, but it also gave me perspective. I experienced firsthand how powerful strong leadership, positive mentorship, and a supportive community can be in shaping young athletes.

Those experiences ultimately led me to coaching. I felt a responsibility—and a genuine desire—to give back to the same community that supported me throughout my playing career. Coaching allows me to pass along the lessons, opportunities, and encouragement that were given to me.

Who or what has played a significant role in influencing or mentoring you?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be shaped by strong influences throughout my life. My parents taught me the importance of character, humility, and always finding the positive in any situation. My coaches modeled leadership, discipline, and the responsibility that comes with guiding others. My wife continues to challenge and support me daily, reminding me to lead with patience, empathy, and consistency. Because of them, I strive to be not only a better coach, but a better person—someone who creates a welcoming environment where players and families feel valued and know they can reach out for anything.

What accomplishments or contributions are you most proud of—professionally or personally?

I am proud of the contributions I’ve been able to make to the Springfield soccer community. The soccer culture in Springfield is rich with history, passion, and tradition, and I feel fortunate to play a small part in continuing to build it in a positive way. Being able to give back to a community that cares so deeply about the game is something I never take for granted.

I’m also proud of earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The education and experiences that came with those achievements have equipped me with tools that extend far beyond the classroom. They’ve helped me navigate work, leadership, and life with greater perspective and intention, allowing me to positively influence not only my own path but also the players, families, and colleagues around me.

What goals, projects, or aspirations are you excited about for the future?

SASA is proud to be in the process of moving to the brand-new Scheels Sports Park, and I could not be more excited about what this means for the future of soccer in Springfield. Having access to a state-of-the-art facility will elevate the experience for every player and family involved. The environment, the quality of the fields, and the overall atmosphere will raise the standard for training, competition, and community events.

At SASA, we are always striving to provide a positive, reliable, and first-class experience for our players. This move represents more than just new fields—it represents growth, opportunity, and a commitment to continued excellence. Our mission goes beyond developing strong soccer players. We are focused on developing well-rounded young people who carry confidence, discipline, and character into everything they do. Our goal is that one day, long after their playing days are over, they look back and recognize how the lessons learned through SASA helped shape their success in life.

What advice would you share with other emerging professionals who want to make an impact in their field or community?

The advice I would give to emerging professionals is simple: be consistent, be reliable, and be open.

Consistency builds trust. Show up every day with the same work ethic, attitude, and commitment to doing things the right way. People may not remember every result, but they will remember how dependable you were over time. Growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through steady, disciplined effort.

Reliability sets you apart. Do what you say you’re going to do. Meet deadlines. Follow through. Be someone others can count on without hesitation. In any profession—especially in leadership roles—your reputation is built on your ability to be trusted when it matters most.

And finally, be open. Be open to feedback, to learning, to new perspectives, and to change. The best leaders and professionals are lifelong learners. Stay humble enough to know you don’t have all the answers and confident enough to keep improving. When you combine consistency, reliability, and openness, you create a foundation not just for professional success, but for meaningful impact.

Outside of work, what activities, interests, or passions keep you inspired and grounded?

Outside of coaching, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife and daughter. We love being together, creating memories, and enjoying the simple moments that make life meaningful. Family time is something I truly value and prioritize.

Soccer continues to be a big part of my life beyond coaching. I still enjoy playing whenever I can, and I watch as much soccer as possible. The game has always been a passion of mine, and that hasn’t changed.

I also enjoy traveling to St. Louis to spend time with friends and family. Staying connected to the people who have supported me throughout my life is incredibly important to me.