Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce the additions of David Proctor and Stewart Flaherty as head coaches for the boys’ soccer program. With decades of combined experience in professional, collegiate, and academy soccer, Proctor and Flaherty bring elite expertise to DME’s student-athletes.
Proctor most recently served as head coach of the Savannah Clovers in the NISA league, guiding the club to the 2023 NISA Independent Cup (Southern Region) championship. His U.S. coaching career has included academy positions with MLS franchises Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew, where he helped develop players such as U.S. Men’s National Team star Sam Vines. Proctor also worked as an assistant with Nashville SC during their inaugural USL Championship season, which was highlighted by an upset win over MLS side Colorado Rapids in U.S. Open Cup play.
A product of the Aston Villa academy, Proctor played professionally in various levels of English Football with Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Halifax Town before finishing his career in the U.S. with Indiana Blast and Richmond Kickers.
“David’s experience in both youth academies and the professional ranks is an excellent fit for our program,” said Thomas Baudinet, Athletic Director, DME Academy. “He understands player development at every level and what it takes to succeed at the highest stages of the game.”
Flaherty brings 17 years of NCAA coaching experience across Divisions I, II, and III, as well as a NISA national championship with the Michigan Stars. After taking over midseason, he led the Stars to clean sheets in 12 of 13 games and a flawless playoff run. His collegiate coaching career included posts at Felician University, Bates College, and Dartmouth College, where he developed numerous players who went on to professional careers.
Beyond the college game, Flaherty spent eight summers with USL League 2’s Portland Phoenix, helping develop more than 60 future professionals, including MLS veteran Wyatt Omsberg. Most recently, he coached in Texas, leading an expansion team to a 7-4-1 record and moving striker Pato Botello-Faz into the professional ranks with Union Omaha (USL 1). A qualified Sport Psychologist, Flaherty also consults with athletes across 17 sports, including UFC fighters and world-class boxers.
“Stewart was one of the first calls I made after taking over the DME program,” said Coach Proctor. “We coached in NISA at the same time, and his teams were always among the most organized in the league. We share similar values, and I am confident he will help us achieve our goals.”
With the addition of Proctor and Flaherty, DME Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in soccer development, preparing athletes to excel at the collegiate and professional levels.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
