Featured Coach: Jay Vega

At City SC, great coaches do more than teach the game. They help players build confidence, develop character, and learn lessons that extend far beyond the field.

This month, we’re proud to recognize Jay Vega of City SC El Paso, whose dedication to his players and community stands out both on and off the field.

Alongside coaching, Jay is a full-time PhD student, balancing the demands of his education with his commitment to developing young players. Despite a busy schedule, he consistently brings energy, patience, and a positive attitude to his team.

Jay’s commitment also provides an important example for his players—demonstrating the value of hard work, responsibility, perseverance, continuing your education, and giving back to your community.

We caught up with Jay to learn more about his journey into coaching, his philosophy, and what being part of City SC means to him.

Q: What inspired you to get into coaching, and what continues to drive your passion for developing players today?
A: My dad.

I kind of fell into coaching through him. He has been coaching much longer than I have, and I was always around, helping whenever I could. After playing in undergrad, I started coaching more and began to understand the kind of impact coaches can have on children.

We’re not just coaches—we’re teachers, and we’re doing more than teaching a sport. We teach character and help promote self-efficacy in kids.

My dad showed me through coaching what kind of positive impact you can have on people and the community, and it’s been great to continue having that impact myself.

Q: Who have been the biggest influences on your coaching journey, and what lessons from them still shape your approach?
A: The biggest influences have been the coaches I’ve worked with and the coaches who have coached me.

There’s always something you can learn from someone. Whether you allow yourself to learn and grow from those experiences is up to you. I try to take in as much as I can from everyone around me, and I’m still trying every day to become a better coach and person.

Q: How would you describe your coaching philosophy, and what do you hope players take away from their experience with you?
A: My coaching philosophy boils down to two main ideas: everyone can play, and everyone has something they can improve on—including myself.

Youth soccer is about player and personal development more than anything. Kids are going through so much physical, emotional, and cognitive development, especially during their teenage years. Soccer is a sport that can give kids a place to belong and be themselves.

Understanding that there is always something we can improve on also helps us recognize that we aren’t supposed to be perfect. Striving for improvement is much more important than striving for perfection.

Q: What does a great training environment look like, and how do you create a culture where players can thrive both on and off the field?
A: A great training environment needs a few things: trust, organization, and intensity.

I’m still working every day to make my training environment better. New players and coaches can constantly change the dynamics of a team, so there has to be a level of trust between coaches and players. That trust helps us stay organized, raise the intensity of training, and create an environment where everyone can continue to improve.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a City SC coach, and how does being part of the City SC network impact your work with players and families?
A: Being a City SC coach is great. The resources we have and the opportunities we can take advantage of are incredibly helpful.

The coaches within our network here in El Paso also really care about the community. El Paso has so much potential to be a great avenue for player development, and having a club that truly cares about the players and their development here is exciting.

Jay’s approach reflects what coaching at City SC is all about: creating an environment where players can grow as players and as people.

By continuing to pursue his own education while investing his time and energy into the next generation, Jay demonstrates the same mindset he encourages in his players—keep learning, keep improving, and make a positive impact on the people around you.

We’re proud to have Coach Jay Vega representing City SC El Paso and the City SC Network.