Mike Clayton started his soccer journey in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he grew up playing soccer for Classic FC and La Cueva High-School before being presented the chance to play collegiately at Colorado State University along with PASL appearances where he excelled in learning the game from both a competitive standpoint and equally for entertainment.

Clayton would continue his career into coaching as he coached for Arsenal Colorado, Fossil Ridge High School, Colorado Select (ODP), before also getting into administration as a leading member of St. Vrain FC for 17 years. After 22 years of coaching, 18 years as a full-time soccer professional, Clayton would proudly join the ALBION family as our Technical Director while still getting his boots muddy on the sideline of the pitch.

Since coming to Colorado to successfully earn his B.A. in Business with Organizational and Structural Management in 2000, Clayton would also be awarded his USSF A License, USC Premier Diploma, USC DOC Diploma, and the ‘Triple Impact Competitor’ through the Positive Coaching Alliance. He has also been a multiple time recipient of Colorado Soccer’s Coach of the Year award, earned both State Cup and President’s Cup titles as well as helping Colorado Teams to multiple Region West Finals.

Mike Clayton champions in his players the mindset that the game is bigger than us, so we must be a good steward of it. When we invest in good people we will never go broke, and there is no such thing as a soccer emergency. He lives with his wife Rachel, and two daughters, Colette and Claire and enjoys playing golf (poorly) and cooking (well).