LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mark Gillon
A native of Northumberland, United Kingdom, Gillon came to the U.S. in 2005 when he joined Soccer Domain Academy, New Jersey. During his time in NJ, he served as Director of Operations for Soccer Domain Football Club (SDFC). Working with elite players of all ages, Gillon helped male and female players obtain college placement and national team recognition. In addition to his role at SDFC, Gillon was also a member of the Technical Staff at the Montclair Kimberley Academy. Moving to Berkshire County in 2013 when forming Stateline Football Club, Gillon has an extensive background in working with youth and high school level players within the region. Gillon served as Regional Director at FC Boston Bolts and was Head Coach of Girls Varsity Soccer at Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA from 2017-2024 where he led to the team to four post season appearances and finished with a record of 44-8-27.
Rich Powell
A native of Nuneaton, United Kingdom, Powell came to the U.S in 2006, when he joined Soccer Domain Academy, New Jersey. In 2007, Powell transferred to the Berkshires to become Academy Director of Soccer Domain Academy Massachusetts. Powell was also named as Director of Coaching at Pittsfield Soccer Club and has consistently provided the Berkshire region with elite level coaching and leadership. He has been integral in giving local players the opportunity to follow their pathways to collegiate soccer. Powell served as Head Coach of Boys Varsity Soccer at Salisbury School, Salisbury, CT from 2017-2023 and competed in the Class A division of the NEPSAC league. Powell accepted the Head Coach position at Darrow School ahead of the 2024 season. In his first season the Ducks went 12-4, clinched the HVAL Championship and qualified for NEPSAC Playoffs for the first time in over 30 years!
DARROW SCHOOL SOCCER
Darrow School is located between the Berkshire Mountains and the Hudson Valley in upstate New York and is one of only a handful of schools in the country to have its campus designated a National Historic Landmark. We prioritize academic success, athletic excellence, and personal growth in a supportive and safe environment to foster the best versions of our students, both on and off the field.
Our partnership with USG will bring a wealth of resources and expertise to our soccer program, allowing us to provide our student-athletes with a well-rounded and comprehensive experience. With their extensive knowledge of the sport and experience in college placement, USG will help our players develop their skills and reach their full potential both on and off the field. This collaboration will also provide our team with a competitive schedule that will challenge and prepare them for collegiate-level play, giving our student-athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents to college coaches and potentially earn scholarships. We are confident that this partnership with USG will not only elevate our soccer program but also provide our student-athletes with valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that will serve them well beyond their time at Darrow.
UNITED SOCCER GROUP
Our partnership with USG will bring a wealth of resources and expertise to our soccer program, allowing us to provide our student-athletes with a well-rounded and comprehensive experience. With their extensive knowledge of the sport and experience in college placement, USG will help our players develop their skills and reach their full potential both on and off the field. This collaboration will also provide our team with a competitive schedule that will challenge and prepare them for collegiate-level play, giving our student-athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents to college coaches and potentially earn scholarships. We are confident that this partnership with USG will not only elevate our soccer program but also provide our student-athletes with valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that will serve them well beyond their time at Darrow.
USG, under the guidance of UEFA-licensed coaches Mark Gillon and Rich Powell, stands as a beacon of experience and expertise in the soccer world. The club's commitment to providing enriching opportunities and its player development and education model for all ages, backed by their extensive background in Preparatory School Soccer and Premier Soccer, will revolutionize the Darrow School Soccer Program. The partnership with USG will not only provide high-level training, competitive play, and showcasing opportunities, but also a custom-built training and competitive schedule. This schedule is designed to seamlessly integrate with traditional academic calendars, ensuring that student-athletes can excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Why darrow?
Coaching & Leadership
Coaching & LeadershipElite coaches qualified to deliver all aspects of high-level player and team development. A qualified leadership team with sports management background and extensive contacts all over the world to help support recruitment of athletes with specific academic and athletic profiles.
Club Infrastructure (USG)
USG is a Premier Soccer Club providing accessibility to position-specific training, strength and agility training; individual and team videography, internal club showcases, open college training sessions; recruitment seminars and leadership training.
Development Platform
10-Month Training and Competition Schedule: August-November: Traditional NEPSAC soccer season. November-June: USG Prep Program.
Individual Support
Independent tutoring, NCAA Eligibility and guidance with college placement, film footage review and editing support.
SEASONAL SCHEDULE
Fall - Darrow School (Powered by USG), NEPSAC Season
Winter & Spring - USG Darrow School Academy
FALL
August - November
4 x pw Soccer Training
15 Games (Wed & Sat)
1 on 1 Evaluation & Training
Team Videography Sessions
Next Level Showcase
NEFC Fall Showcase
WINTER
December - February
2 x pw Soccer Training
2 x pw SAQ Training
1 on 1 Evaluation & Training
Team Videography Sessions
USG Winter Showcase
SPRING
March - May
3 x pw Soccer Training
10 Game Schedule
1x pw SAQ Training
1 on 1 Evaluation & Training
Team Videography Sessions
College Visit Day
NEFC Spring Showcase
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice,
and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do".
Pele - Brazilian Soccer Legend
FACILITIES
ARTIFICIAL TURF GAME FIELD
FIELDHOUSE CANAAN
FITNESS CENTER
TRAINING FIELD
