JAMES VAN ARTSDALEN, GOALKEEPING DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, James joins Boulder Counted United after spending the past seven years working at the club, college, state, and semi-professional level(s) across Illinois. Most recently, James was the Director of Goalkeeping with Lyons Township Soccer Club while also serving as the assistant coach for Elmhurst University Women’s soccer as well as acting as the associate head coach and goalkeeper coach for the Chicago Dutch Lions (WPSL, USL-W, USL-2). James also earned his Master’s Degree in Sport Administration from Northwestern University in 2020.

A goalkeeper by trade, he played collegiately at Lake Forest College before transferring to Wittenberg University to obtain his BA in Sports Management in 2015. Over the course of his collegiate career, he amassed over 40 appearances and was credited with over 250 saves while earning recognition from both the university and conference for his accomplishments. At the conclusion of which, James spent 8 months in San Jose Costa Rica in the Segunda División de Costa Rica, training with Aserrí FC before joining Club Deportivo Barrio Mexico’s development squad before kicking off his transition into coaching. 

During his time coaching in Chicagoland, James was the Director of Goalkeeping for ELA SC (’21), Team Chicago (’19-’20), and Lombard Firebirds (’17-’19). He also served on the IL ODP staff for four successful seasons (’17-’20), winning the Puma Cup in 2018 with the ‘08B group. In 2019, he co-founded GK Factory and began organizing private goalkeeper training programs for players seeking to further develop their technical, tactical, physical, and mental capabilities. He also has extensive collegiate coaching experience and has assisted in the athletic and academic achievements of numerous collegiate athletes across every division level over the past five years. Last summer, James was added to the coaching staff for the newly formed WPSL Chicago Dutch Lions. The squad finished 2nd at the conclusion of their 2021 inaugural season behind the Chicago Red Stars which led to James assisting in the expansion and creation of the franchise’s USL-W and USL-2 initiative.

He has earned:

• USSF C
• USC GK Level 3
• USC College Coach Diploma & NCAA Recruiting Certification
• GK Nexus: Eric Steele GK Mentorship Diploma