From Newark to Paris and Beyond: Coach Kevin’s Mission to Transform Soccer Development

Written & Interviewed by Ernesto Escobar, Master in International Sports Management Student at ESBS.

Jersey-born and raised, yet with a vision that extends far beyond the state, Coach Kevin Elias is no stranger to hard work. From his high school varsity days to studying abroad in Spain — one of the true homes of the sport — his journey has always been driven by passion for the game.

His mission to build a high-quality soccer training organization comes from a deep personal commitment to player development. Today, as the Founder and CEO of Pathway2Pro, Kevin is combining international experience, innovative coaching strategies, and a global mindset to give young players access to world-class training opportunities right in their own communities.

With plans for international expansion and collaborations across different countries, Pathway2Pro aims to go beyond traditional training and create real opportunities for players to grow both on and off the field.

“The goal is to give players the opportunity to play anywhere in the world, regardless of their financial or social background.”
— Kevin Elias, Founder & CEO of Pathway2Pro

⚽ Pathway2Pro: Creating a Global Pathway for Soccer Players

Where did the name Pathway2Pro come from?

Kevin:
The name came to me while I was doing a summer internship at a local soccer club in New Jersey. I kept hearing the same phrase over and over again: “Here’s your pathway to college,” “Here’s your pathway to professional soccer,” or “Here’s your pathway to high school soccer.”

That word — pathway — really stuck with me.

When I decided to take this project seriously, I wanted to create something that would give kids the opportunity not only to play professionally, but simply to progress to the next level. The idea is that players improve, develop their skills, and grow their understanding of the game.

As for who it’s for — it’s really open to everyone. Soccer is a global sport, and you don’t need much to play it. All you really need is a ball — or something that resembles one. Our role as coaches is to teach players what to do with that ball and help them learn how to work both as a team and individually. So in that sense, it truly is open to anyone.

So the focus isn’t necessarily an elite academy model?

Kevin:
Exactly. I see Pathway2Pro as a bridge that sits just below the traditional academy system.

We want to create an environment where kids can play without pressure — where they don’t feel overwhelmed by costs or expectations. Players can come, train, improve, and enjoy the game. From there, if they want to move into academies or clubs, we can help guide them through that pathway within the soccer pyramid.

The first step is always the same: fall in love with the game.

You want them to fall in love with the sport, just as you did. Given your own background and experiences, has that shaped your coaching philosophy?

Kevin:
Definitely. My own experiences growing up playing the sport had a big impact on how I coach today.

When I was younger, I just loved playing with friends at the park while also competing at a higher level. But I often thought about what I could have done better, or what coaches could have done differently to help me improve. I imagined what a truly supportive environment for young players might look like.

Everything changed when I was about 15 or 16 years old. I joined a local academy in Newark called JJV Academy, without fully realizing how serious the level of play would be.

There, I had the opportunity to train with one of the best coaches I’ve ever had — José Jacinto. He had his own unique coaching style, but it was incredibly effective in getting the best out of every player.

That experience shaped my philosophy. When the right player is placed in the right environment with the right coach, their potential can grow tremendously. That’s when I truly understood the impact a great coach can have.

Kevin Elias’ journey with Pathway2Pro is only just beginning. What started as a passion for coaching and player development is gradually evolving into an international project aimed at creating opportunities for young players beyond traditional pathways. With a growing vision, global ambitions, and the strategic perspective gained through his studies at ESBS, Kevin continues working toward one clear goal: helping players discover their potential and giving them the opportunity to take their game anywhere in the world.