The staff at the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association (RYSA) was already loaded with a talented core of employees, but there’s always room for improvement and this upgrade comes in the form of Fields Brown.

Brown is the latest solid link in the chain of RYSA workers, serving as the organization’s newly appointed assistant director of coaching and academy program.

"When you get a new job, you’re always going to be excited about it because it’s a new opportunity," said Brown. "I had the chance to get down to Conyers and see what RYSA has to offer. It’s really an exciting opportunity to further myself as a coach. This gives me an opportunity to get in a community and give back in a way I’ve become accustomed to in the game of soccer."

Among the several goals and challenges Brown hopes to meet with his new role is to maintain the credible legacy RYSA has established throughout the years. He knows the importance of soccer in Rockdale County and wants to ensure that development of the players will continue to thrive from a competitive and personal aspect.

Brown brings a boatload of experience to his new position that will benefit all those associated with RYSA. Prior to taking this job, Brown worked as an assistant coach for four seasons at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

In 2006, this defensive tactician helped lead the Terriers to a school-record 1.03 goals against average. Wofford College yielded only 19 goals in 17 games and notched four shutouts during the season.

Brown, who is a native of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., attended and played club soccer at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington after transferring from Pfeiffer University.

His first stint in coaching came in 2003 and 2004 with teams in the Cape Fear Soccer Association.

In 2007, he received his national coaching license from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He also plans to pursue his advanced national diploma this summer.

With so much soccer knowledge on his resume and future goals of diving deeper into his coaching career, the staff at RYSA is full of excitement with the new hire and the potential of enhanced greatness within the association.

"I am thrilled that Fields (Brown) is joining us here at RYSA. He brings an energy and passion for the game that is contagious," said RYSA director of coaching Rafe Mauran and Brown’s long-time friend. "He is a great teacher and can relate his message to kids of all ages. He is going to do a great job as the director of our academy program."

Currently, Brown still lives in Spartanburg working with his alma matter and various soccer camps in the city.

Brown will assume his full-time duties as a resident and employee in the county in July.