MONROE, La. – Antony Blackburn, who spent several seasons coaching at Valencia C.F. and LSU, has been named the seventh head coach of ULM soccer, Director of Athletics SJ Tuohy announced on Saturday (January 17).
 
The press conference to announce Coach Blackburn is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. in team meeting room in Malone Stadium.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Blackburn to the bayou," said director of athletics SJ Tuohy. "His experience coaching in Europe at some of the best clubs in the world, combined with his success in the college ranks in our own state, is cause for enough excitement. However, his vision and commitment to our student-athletes on and off the field is what made him the obvious choice to lead our program forward."
 
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the ULM women's soccer program," said Blackburn. "I can't wait to get started. ULM has a strong identity, great people and an incredible community, and I'm excited to begin working with our student-athletes and staff as we move the program forward together."
 
Blackburn spent three seasons with LSU Soccer from 2023 to 2025. Blackburn, a native of Derby, England, served as an analyst for the team in 2023 before being hired as a full-time coach for the Tigers in the Spring 2024. Blackburn assisted with international and domestic recruitingm session planning and delivery, individual development plans and opposition preparation for the soccer program.
 
Before him time in Baton Rouge, Blackburn served as head coach of Valencia C.F. U14, one of the most prestigious academies in the world of professional soccer. He led the team to a successful 2023 season both in the league and cup, reaching the final of the Madrid Cup against Atletico Madrid and winning the Crevillent Cup beating Villarreal CF. Along the way, Blackburn's U14 team beat Spanish powerhouses such as FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC, and Levante UD. 
 
While in Spain, Blackburn also served as the Assistant Coach of UD Vall D'Uxo. He played a key role in opposition analysis and game preparation that helped lead the team to the league title for the first time in 28 years.
 
Upon Blackburn's move to Spain in 2019, he became the head coach of the U19s at the International Development Academy. In only his second season, Blackburn became the Technical Director and led a team of staff including the coaching staff, education staff, medical, S&C and analysis. He also led the U23 age group, oversaw the strategic direction of the academy and managed worldwide recruitment. In 2019, Blackburn was instrumental in the recruitment and development of Jeremy De Leon, who competes for Hercules CF, on loan from Real Madrid CF. 
 
From 2015 to 2019, Blackburn was an Academy Coach at Sunderland AFC, a Category 1 Football Academy in the United Kingdom. Blackburn coached the Academy U9, U10 and U13 boys and U16 girls. Additionally, Blackburn served as the Premier League Coordinator of Physical Education at Sunderland AFC. 
 
Blackburn also played at the collegiate level with the St. Scholastica Saints, in Duluth, Minnesota. As a team captain for the Saints, Blackburn won the UMAC Conference regular season title four times, the conference tournament three times and made three NCAA tournament appearances in four years.
Blackburn earned his bachelor's degree in business marketing and management from The College of St. Scholastica in 2014, completing both his master's in professional practice in sport coaching from Northumbria University in 2016 and his master's in sport psychology from Esneca Business School in 2022. He currently holds his UEFA B License with both the English and Spanish Football Associations.
 
Blackburn's hire is pending the approval of the UL System Board.
 
THE BLACKBURN FILE
 
PERSONAL

• Hometown: Derby, England
• College: The College of St. Scholastica (2014)

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

• 2010-13: The College of St. Scholastica 

COACHING CAREER

• 2015-19: Sunderland AFC (Academy Head Coach)
• 2019-22: International Development Academy U19 (Head Coach)
• 2020-23: International Development Academy Technical Director and U23 Head Coach
• 2021-22: UD Vall d'Uxo (Assistant Coach)
• 2022-23: Valencia CF (Head Coach, Academy)
• 2023: LSU (Analyst)
• 2024-25: LSU (Assistant Coach)

 
What They're Saying About Antony Blackburn
Sian Hudson, LSU Head Soccer Coach
"I am thrilled for Antony to be taking this step in his coaching career and getting the chance to lead his own program. ULM has hired a very talented coach, who prides himself on preparation and executing a game model at the highest level. I have no doubt, that his eye for talent on the recruiting front, the diversity in his coaching journey and his relationships with the players will lead to continued success for the Warhawk program."
 
Jane Alukonis, USC Head Soccer Coach
"Antony brings some of the most impressive experience in college soccer. He has worked within professional club environments in both England and Spain, with a diverse background that includes head and assistant coaching roles, player development, scouting, and performance analysis. Beyond his extensive soccer knowledge, Antony is an outstanding human being who is deeply committed to the growth and well-being of his student-athletes. ULM is gaining not only a highly knowledgeable soccer leader, but someone who will go above and beyond to ensure his players have a positive and meaningful experience."