Director – Suffern FC
Yan Garcia is the Director of Suffern FC, a community soccer club based in Suffern, New York. With a deep-rooted passion for soccer and a commitment to community development, Yan established Suffern FC to bring together residents through the beautiful game, fostering unity, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
Early Life and Education
Roots in Sloatsburg and Suffern
Yan grew up in Sloatsburg and is a product of the Suffern Central School District – attending Sloatsburg Elementary School, Suffern Middle School, and Suffern High School. Throughout his school years, Yan played soccer consistently, developing strong teamwork skills, discipline, and a lifelong love for the sport. Yan received an athletic scholarship and continued his soccer journey at the collegiate level.
Academic Achievements at SUNY Oneonta
Yan pursued higher education at SUNY Oneonta, where he earned a degree in Business Economics. His time at SUNY Oneonta was marked by significant leadership and athletic achievements. As the captain of the university’s soccer team, Yan demonstrated exceptional leadership by representing the athletics program at the NCAA National Leadership Convention held at the Epcot Center in Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Additionally, he hosted an ESPN segment for the college and was honored twice with the prestigious G. Hal Chase Memorial Award, recognizing his exemplary loyalty, leadership, dedication, and contributions to the overall success of Athletics and SUNY Oneonta.
Early Entrepreneurial Journey
Building a Professional Foundation
After earning his degree in Business Economics, Yan ventured into corporate America, gaining valuable experience across various industries. He worked with renowned companies such as LG Electronics and ADP, a leading payroll services provider. Yan’s most significant role was as an analyst at BMW Financial Services in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, where he spent three years refining his analytical and strategic planning skills.
Entrepreneurial Success
Towards the latter part of his corporate career, Yan founded a digital marketing agency that became the exclusive online marketing channel for LifeVac, a lifesaving apparatus. In just over a year, his agency generated more than $100,000 in revenue, demonstrating his ability to lead and grow a successful business venture.
Professional Involvement
Coaching with the New York Red Bulls
Yan was privileged to work with the New York Red Bulls as a staff and training development coach. In this role, he developed essential skills in coaching, team management, and player development at the grassroots to academy-level players, equipping him with the expertise needed to lead a community soccer organization effectively. To date, he has coached and trained several hundred players.
Transition to Education
Embracing a True Calling
Despite his success in the corporate world, Yan felt a strong calling to make a more direct impact on people’s lives. Influenced by his father, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and his mother, a retired assistant principal and adjunct ESL professor, Yan decided to pursue a career in education. This inspired him to obtain a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), enabling him to work with speakers of other languages and support diverse communities.
Educational Roles and Advanced Studies
Influenced by his mother, Yan developed a profound commitment to education and the empowerment of diverse communities. As an ENL (English as a New Language) teacher, Yan dedicates himself to helping students overcome language barriers and achieve their full potential.
Community Involvement and Suffern FC
Bringing the Community Together
With a solid foundation in soccer, corporate experience, and education, Yan Garcia is uniquely positioned to lead Suffern FC. His vision is to create a welcoming environment where community members of all ages and backgrounds can come together to enjoy soccer, build friendships, and foster a sense of unity.
Leadership and Vision
Yan’s diverse experiences have equipped him with the skills necessary to manage and grow a community soccer club. From strategic planning and marketing to coaching and education, he brings a comprehensive approach to ensuring Suffern FC thrives and positively impacts the Suffern community.
Our Mission
At Suffern FC, our mission is simple: to unite the community through the love of soccer. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the game, develop their skills, and build lasting relationships. Together, we can strengthen our community bonds and celebrate the beautiful game that brings us all together.