
Welcome to Colin Chesters – New Director of Strategic Initiatives
Tennessee United is thrilled to have a modern soccer legend join our leadership. Colin Chesters has been appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives. With his extensive experience and accomplishments, Chesters will build the Elite Player Pathway, advocate for college-bound players, develop strategic partnerships critical to the soccer environment, assist in tournament growth and aid in coach recruitment.
“In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve been warmly welcomed by everyone, and I’ve only encountered sincere handshakes and smiling faces. There is an incredible energy around the club, from the board to the families, staff, and players. It reminds me of Surf in its early days before I helped them become a national powerhouse. The club exudes a positive vibe and is driven by great leadership and enthusiastic volunteers, with endless potential and fantastic facilities. Currently, the club is building momentum, and on a soccer field, momentum can lead to great things very quickly. I’m thrilled to contribute to the club’s continued growth and believe I can help it become a force not only in Nashville and Tennessee, but also regionally and nationally. With my extensive soccer experience, I’m confident there is no better environment for kids to develop in the Northern Nashville area.”
In 1993, Chesters became the Director of Coaching for San Diego Surf Soccer Club where an unprecedented run of building nationally ranked youth soccer teams began. Surf was named #1 club in the country in 1999 and #1 girls club in the country in 2004 by Soccer America.
Surf was given the 2016 IMG title for “Producing the Best Female Players in the Country”
Accomplishments at San Diego Surf:
- Total of 78 State/National Cup Championships
- Total of 19 USYS Regional Championships
- Total of 6 USYS National Championships
- 2 ECNL National Championships
- 1 Red Bull league champion 2008/09
- Surf was voted #2 ECNL club in the nation 2011 and 2014
- Surf has always been ranked in the top 10 in ECNL since joining the league in 2010
- 24 Years as Director of Coaching
- 1000+ College Scholarship Recipients
- Coached 16 National Team Athletes
Chesters played professionally for Derby County in the English Premier League from 1975-1979. He made his debut when he was 18 years old vs. Aston Villa and was voted man of the match. He went on to play for Crewe Alexandra from 1979-1985 and Northwich Victoria 1982-1985. Chesters was an FA trophy finalist and a winner in back to back seasons, scoring at Wembley Stadium. After his playing career ended, he moved to the United States to begin his coaching career.
In addition to being at the helm of San Diego surf for over two decades, Chesters served as SoCal State Cup Commissioner and oversaw the merging of several clubs to create one of the largest and most successful clubs in Houston, Texas: Rise SC. In 2019 Surf dedicated their training facility to Colin.
Please join us in welcoming Colin to the Tennessee United Family!