JCSU's Nicholas Mata Invited to AFCA Future Football Coaches Academy
JCSU's Nicholas Mata Invited to AFCA Future Football Coaches Academy
Charlotte, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2015) – Johnson C. Smith University assistant football coach Nicholas Mata has been selected to attend the 2015 NCAA and AFCA Future Football Coaches Academy (FFCA). The 2015 FFCA will take place January 11-13, 2015 in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mata, a Tampa, Florida native, played wide receiver for JCSU and graduated in 2011 with a degree in accounting. During his playing days as a Golden Bull, Mata helped lead JCSU to a Pioneer Bowl victory over Miles College in 2011.
Mata has been involved in professional development experiences at Duke, Clemson, the AFCA Convention and the Carolina Panthers. When he is not coaching, Mata gives back to his community by serving as a mentor, tutor and reading buddy at an elementary school. He enjoys golf and fishing in his spare time.
The FFCA is an educational event for student-athletes who recently completed their collegiate eligibility and select individuals who have shown a desire to enter the college football coaching profession; who want to learn about the industry; and who want to explore coaching careers with the primary focus on intercollegiate athletics. For many, their passion for the game remains as their playing days reach an end, and they have turned to coaching to stay involved
with the sport they love.
The Future Football Coaches Academy is one of three football-centric programs offered annually by NCAA leadership development tailored to the specific points in a football coach's career: The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy in February provides an opportunity for current full-time position and assistant coaches at NCAA member institutions and current and former NFL athletes to expand their knowledge and insight into the world of college football coaching. In June, the NCAA Champion Forum kicks off a unique, yearlong professional development opportunity for current coordinators, assistant and associate coaches to grasp a realistic view of the role of a head football coach and the preparation necessary to build a successful program.
NCAA leadership development and members from the Association selected the participants for the 2015 Future Football Coaches Academy. The group, which is located at the NCAA national office, coordinates and facilitates cutting-edge education and customized training for student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators from NCAA membership institutions, conference offices and the national office. The staff annually hosts more than 20 programs at little or no cost to the membership, with expert curriculum designed to enhance the well-being and personal development of NCAA student-athletes, and provides ongoing education and topical training to athletics professionals who identify and serve student-athlete needs. For more information, visit ncaa.org/leadershipdevelopment.