East Penn Soccer Club is proud to announce the addition of John Abe as our new Director of Coaching. With an outstanding combination of professional playing experience, elite coaching certifications, and a lifelong commitment to the sport, John is poised to make an immediate and lasting impact on our players, coaches, and club culture.

Coaching Licenses and Professional Development

John Abe is a highly qualified coach with a strong focus on player development and coaching education. He holds a USSF National "B" License, one of the top coaching credentials in the country. In addition, he completed the intensive, three-week International "B" Level Coaching Course offered by the German Football Association (DFB) in 2013 — a prestigious program that further deepened his tactical and technical expertise.

Beyond coaching, John is also a US Soccer Licensed Referee, staying actively involved in the game by officiating matches across Central Pennsylvania. His well-rounded experience as both a coach and referee gives him a unique perspective on player development and the overall game environment.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Before stepping into coaching, John enjoyed an impressive professional soccer career. Born in Germany to an American military father and a German mother, John moved to Baltimore, Maryland at age thirteen. After graduating from Northern High School, he played at Essex Community College, where he earned two-time Junior College All-American honors.

In 1981, John was drafted by the Baltimore Blast in the 2nd round of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Draft. His professional journey continued with the Maryland Bays of the American Soccer League (ASL), where he played a key role through the 1991 season. In one of the standout moments of his career, John scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 1990 APSL Championship against the San Francisco Blackhawks.

John’s career also included stints with the Hershey Impact in the American Indoor Soccer Association (AISA) and the Harrisburg Heat, where he was honored as the franchise’s first-ever captain. Later, he returned to Baltimore to play for the Baltimore Spirit and finished his professional career with the Albany Alleycats in 1995.

In recognition of his contributions to the game, John was inducted into the Maryland Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also named to the Harrisburg Heat All-Decade Team (1991–2001).

Leading the Future at East Penn

John Abe’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for East Penn Soccer Club. His rich background as a player, coach, and referee, combined with his passion for the sport and player development, will elevate our programs to new heights.

We are thrilled to have John leading our coaching staff and look forward to the positive impact he will have across all levels of the club.

Please join us in giving a warm East Penn welcome to Coach John Abe!

#EastPennSoccer #WelcomeCoachJohn #PlayerDevelopment #NextLevel

TRYOUTS

Tryouts begin April 11, 2025. Register today by clicking on the link below.

https://www.eastpennrush.com/tryouts