Meet Our Team
Dedicated professionals committed to your success
Andy Thompson
Director of Player Development
Andy Thompson is a self motivated and versatile soccer professional with 20 years of experience in coaching, leadership, and program development. After moving from Durham, England, he built and led two successful youth soccer organizations in North Carolina—Premier UK and Carolina Velocity FC—each focused on elite player development and a strong, community-driven culture. Now at Carolina Core IDP and the MLS NEXT Academy, Andy continues to create high-performance environments that develop top-tier talent and guide players along a clear pathway to the professional level.
Vuyo Ndebele
Head of Scouting & IDPs
Vuyo Ndebele joins Core IDP as Head of Scouting and Individual Development Planning, bringing nearly a decade of coaching and player development experience. He has coached with Cincinnati United Premier and Kings Hammer Academy, served as a Performance Analyst for FC Cincinnati’s academy, and most recently worked in San Diego as a coach with City SC Carlsbad. In addition to his club roles, Vuyo has built a strong reputation as a private trainer, working with players across all levels — including U.S. Women’s National Team star Rose Lavelle during her offseason. His expertise in talent identification and individual development will be instrumental in elevating Core IDP’s impact and performance standards.
Josh Coupar
Director of Individual Training
Growing up in England, Coach Josh has been exposed to some of the highest levels of youth soccer. Some of the academies he was involved with growing up are: Southampton FC, Cardiff City FC, Cheltenham Town FC and Bath City FC. At age 18, Josh took the collegiate route and attended John Wesley University (Carolina University) before transferring to NAIA program, Grace College where he played an integral part in their historic Conference Championship while helping them reach the semi final of the NCCAA National Championship. Upon graduating, Coach Josh returned to England to play in the non-league ranks for Lancing FC. In his time at Lancing he helped secure a promotion to a higher division while also playing in the FA Vase and world renowned FA Cup. Since returning to the US to pursue a career in coaching, he joined the staff at Carolina University before obtaining an assistant coach role at Division 1 program High Point University. During his time at HPU, they won back to back Big South Championships as well as back to back trips to the NCAA Tournament and a notable 2-0 win vs UNC in the first round. With 8 years of Individual training experience, Coach Josh has created “The Futbol Factory” where he aims to help each player reach their potential and be a positive impact in the ever-growing Triad Soccer community.
Owen Vaughan
Staff Coach
Owen Vaughan joins Core IDP after serving as Carolina University Men’s Soccer Captain and being a staff coach at The Futbol Factory coaching staff. Owen has an impressive background, spending time with Sunderland AFC and Carlisle United FC as a youngster before taking the step into the collegiate game with Carolina University. In his first 4 years at Carolina University, Owen has appeared in 4 NCCAA National Championships, 2 of which he has been the team captain.
