09/27/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Franklin Soccer Association Welcomes Joe Brefczynski as first Soccer Operations Technical Director
Franklin, Ohio — Franklin Soccer Association (FYSA) is proud to announce Joe Brefczynski as the organization’s first Soccer Operations Technical Director. He brings nearly 30 years of coaching, player development and soccer administration experience to the Franklin community.
Most recently, Joe served as head boys soccer coach at Howland High School in Warren, Ohio, leading the Tigers to an impressive 18-1-2 record, the third-best record in school history, and a district championship. He was also named Trumbull County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.
Joe has also served as head coach of the men’s and women’s semiprofessional Youngstown Nighthawks of the MASL and has worked with pre-academy programs affiliated with MLS organizations, including the Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew.
Throughout his career, Joe has led academies and club programs across Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. He has earned 14 coaching licenses and certifications and has worked with players at nearly every level of the game, from recreational youth soccer to professional indoor and outdoor programs.
His experience extends beyond coaching. Joe enjoyed a highly competitive club and high school playing career in Illinois, continued at the collegiate level and went on to play professionally for a combined eight years.
Building the Future of Soccer in Franklin
In his new role, Joe will work alongside the FYSA board, coaches, players and families to develop a program-wide soccer curriculum designed to create greater consistency in player development throughout the organization.
The goal is to provide Franklin players and coaches with a clear developmental pathway while helping FYSA continue to grow alongside the evolving youth soccer landscape throughout Ohio South.
Joe’s responsibilities will include:
• Developing and implementing a program-wide player development curriculum
• Creating consistent training expectations across age groups and programs
• Evaluating and educating coaches
• Expanding coach development and mentorship opportunities
• Developing new soccer programs and training opportunities
• Strengthening and expanding Franklin’s Select Soccer program
• Creating a stronger pathway between recreational and competitive soccer
• Building a positive and recognizable soccer culture throughout the organization
• Supporting fundraising initiatives and community partnerships
• Helping guide the continued expansion and long-term growth of Franklin Soccer Association
> “Bringing Joe on as our technical director is an important step forward for Franklin Youth Soccer Association. Our goal is to create a program where every player, from their first season in recreational soccer through our Select program, has a clear path to grow and develop. Joe brings the experience, knowledge and vision to help us build consistency across our programs, support and educate our coaches, and create more opportunities for our players. We’re excited about what this means not only for FYSA today, but for the future of soccer in the Franklin community.”
>
> — **Karen, FYSA president**
Families should watch FYSA’s social media pages in the coming weeks for announcements about new programs, training opportunities, events and activities led by Joe and the FYSA Board.
A Member of the Franklin Community
Joe and his family call Franklin home, making this appointment about more than developing a soccer program—it is also an investment in the community where he is raising his family.
Joe is the father of four, with soccer already playing a major role in the Brefczynski family.
His daughter, Kendall, was a freshman standout at Grace Christian University and has since transferred to Ferris State University. His son, Aydien, will begin his freshman collegiate soccer career at Indiana University Northwest. His youngest children, Bay and Levi, continue the family tradition by playing recreational soccer in their hometown.
Franklin Youth Soccer Association is excited to welcome Joe into this new leadership role and looks forward to the impact his experience, knowledge and passion for the game will have on players, coaches, families and the future of soccer in Franklin.
If you see Joe around the fields, please take a moment to introduce yourself and help us welcome him to his new role with Franklin Soccer Association!
