Veteran University of Florida coach joins head coach Stacy Balaam to lead new era for women’s soccer
Sporting JAX has announced the appointment of Alan Kirkup as associate head coach of its women’s Division One USL Super League team. He will assist newly appointed head coach Stacey Balaam in forming a powerhouse leadership team ahead of the club’s inaugural season, kicking off this August at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.
Kirkup brings over three decades of elite-level experience as both a player and coach, including a standout playing career with Manchester United from 1972-76, along with a decorated coaching tenure in NCAA and NWSL circles.
A stalwart of the University of Florida’s women’s program from 2006-2021, Kirkup served as assistant and associate head coach under legendary head coach and current Sporting JAX technical consultant Becky Burleigh, helping to guide the Gators to 12 SEC titles and multiple NCAA Tournament runs. He later joined Burleigh as an assistant at the NWSL’s Orlando Pride in 2021 before serving as a consultant for the Houston Dash in 2022. Most recently, he served as the technical director of girls’ youth soccer and W-League head coach with Lexington SC from 2022-2024.
Commenting on his latest appointment to the Sporting JAX coaching staff, Head of Soccer Mark Warburton, said: “I am delighted to add Alan to our coaching and performance staff. I have always sought a young, hungry, knowledgeable and driven set of staff members, but the value of experience and the importance of strong mentoring skills should never be underestimated.
“Alan has worked and delivered success in several elite environments, and his track record will prove invaluable for the club as we move into our inaugural season. I look forward to working closely with him in the months ahead.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Alan to our coaching team. His passion for the game and depth of experience are immediately evident, and I know he will be a trusted colleague and an inspiring mentor for our players,” said Sporting JAX’s women’s head coach Stacey Balaam. “We share a common philosophy in how we see the game and how we want to develop and support our players. I’m looking forward to building something meaningful together and set the foundation for a competitive, player-focused program in our first season.”
“From his sideline demeanor and experience to his ability to relate and manage players, Alan is the ultimate professional,” added Becky Burleigh. He is also the best teacher of the game I have ever encountered. He makes the complex simple, and his experience at every level will be a true game changer for Sporting JAX.”
During their time in Gainesville, Kirkup and Burleigh helped lead the Gators to consistent national prominence, reaching the NCAA Tournament in all but one season, including two Quarterfinal appearances (2014, 2017) and capturing 12 SEC regular season and tournament titles. With a collegiate head coaching career spanning 18 years, Kirkup amassed a 224-137-19 (.614) record across successful stints at the University of Arkansas, University of Maryland and Southern Methodist University, ranking him tied for 37th on the NCAA Division I all-time wins list.
“I am honored to be part of the inaugural coaching staff at Sporting JAX,” said Alan Kirkup. “To be able to put together a program from the ground up is a unique challenge and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead. I sincerely thank the club’s leadership team for putting their trust in me.”
Kirkup began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the men’s soccer team at Eastern Illinois University, helping them reach the 1981 NCAA semifinal round. He later joined Southern Methodist University as a men’s assistant coach in 1985. During that time, he simultaneously led the women’s program, guiding them to six NCAA appearances and a 1995 semifinal run. He was also honored as the Southwest Conference Coach of the Year in 1995. From 1996-99, he was the head coach of Maryland’s women’s team, setting school records and reaching the NCAA quarterfinals. He then joined Arkansas as their head coach from 1999-2004 before returning to England to teach and coach at the Buckingham School, Taunton’s College and Southampton FC Academy.
A native of England and a graduate of Loughborough University (BS) and Eastern Illinois University (M.Ed.), Kirkup began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Eastern Illinois, where he helped the team reach the 1981 NCAA semifinal. He later became one of the few who coached both men’s and women’s collegiate teams, gaining recognition for his tactical knowledge and ability to simplify the game for players at every level.
Alan Kirkup File
Position: Lexington SC – USL W-League Head coach and Technical Director Girls Youth Soccer (2022-2024); Houston Dash (NWSL) Coaching Consultant (2022); Orlando Pride (NWSL) Assistant Coach 2021; University of Florida Associate Head Women’s Coach (2017-2021); University of Florida Assistant Coach (2006-16)
Education: Physical Education and Sports Science bachelor’s degree – Loughborough University (1981)
Advanced: Physical Education master’s degree – Eastern Illinois University (1982)
Coaching License: UEFA B (2002)
Previous Experience: Arkansas (head coach, 1999-2003, 34-59-6 (.373)); Maryland (head coach, 1996-1999, 42-25-6 (.616)); Southern Methodist (head coach, 1986-1996, 148-53-7 (.728)); asst. men’s coach 1985-1988); Eastern Illinois (graduate assistant, 1981-1982)
Collegiate Head Coaching Record: 224-137-19 (.614), 18 years
Professional football player, Manchester United (1972-1976)
