The Nor’Easters Academy:
where passion meets purpose on the pitch.
THE elite youth soccer academy OF one of the most successful prE-PROFESSIONAL clubs in America - the Ocean City Nor’Easters
The Nor’easters Academy provides a broader pathway to success for players across South Jersey. As part of the USL system of leagues, the Academy starts players on a direct line of development from elite youth soccer to college and beyond.
The Nor'easters Academy is proud to share our ambitious plan to revolutionize player development in South Jersey through the introduction of Nor’easters Training Centers. Our vision: a training center within a 45-minute commute for every player in South Jersey. It’s ambitious - but our commitment to excellence, accessibility, and inclusivity is unwavering.
TRANSFORMING SOCCER IN SOUTH JERSEY
Developing better soccer players requires a system that is more open, accessible, and interconnected. Kids continue playing the sport when they are fans of the sport.
PLAYER PATHWAY
HISTORY
The next step in a continued tradition of winning.
Establishing its youth academy in 2024, the Ocean City Nor’easters extended their influence after nearly three decades of positive contributions to the national soccer scene. Since 2005, the club has consistently ranked among the most successful in USL League Two (formerly the PDL). With four Mid-Atlantic Division titles under their belt, including consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023, the Nor’easters have solidified their reputation as a powerhouse in American soccer.
The Nor’easters Academy represents a natural progression for the club, furthering its legacy of success throughout South Jersey. By nurturing young talent and providing top-tier training and development opportunities, the academy aims to cultivate the next generation of soccer players in South Jersey while upholding the Nor’easters' commitment to excellence on and off the field.
The Ocean City Nor’easters have embarked on a transformative journey marked by significant achievements and historical success. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tim Oswald (2012-2016), the team soared to new heights, clinching the club’s first division and conference titles, and making a memorable run in the US Open Cup (2013) culminating in an extra-time loss to the Philadelphia Union of the MLS.
Kevin Nuss, a staple of the Nor’easters for over a decade, transitioned from assistant coach under Oswald to the lead role as Sporting Director. Taking over as Head Coach in 2019, Nuss led the club to another winning season before returning in 2022 to guide the Nor’easters to an undefeated regular season and a Mid-Atlantic Division title. After compiling an impressive 21-game unbeaten streak, Nuss stepped down as head coach to join USL League One side, Union Omaha, where he played a significant role in securing the 2023 league championship.
Assuming the head coach role after serving as Nuss’ assistant, Matt Perrella was tasked with continuing the Nor’easters' legacy of excellence in 2023. Despite a heartbreaking loss in the US Open Cup early in the season, Perrella's leadership instilled a sense of resilience in the team, resulting in a back-to-back division title and reaching the quarterfinals of the USL League Two playoffs. Under Perrella's guidance, the Nor’easters continued to uphold their standard of success on the field, showcasing their determination and skill in every match.
In conclusion, the Nor’easters stand as a beacon of excellence in American soccer, exemplifying resilience, dedication, and a commitment to nurturing talent both on and off the field. With the establishment of the youth academy and a storied history of success spanning nearly three decades, the Nor’easters continue to shape the future of the sport in South Jersey. Under the guidance of visionary leaders like Kevin Nuss and Matt Perrella, the club has experienced great success, leaving an indelible mark on the national soccer landscape. As they embark on the next chapter of their journey, the Nor’easters remain steadfast in their pursuit of greatness, inspiring fans, players, and communities with their passion for the beautiful game.