LUIS

RIOS JR

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MENS HEAD COACH

In 2020, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Central Raleigh FC (now under the new ownership of OBR Ownership Group) came to a agreement on a 2 year coaching contract with Coach Rios. By that time the then 24 year old had achieved a state championship as a player with Carolina Soccer Club's "95' Olympic", and with DC United Academy (US division II). He also had various cup wins such as a NC State Cup with Carolina Soccer Club 95' Gold, and the National Futsal Cup with Sport HQ Futsal U-23.

During his first two years, Rios' contract entailed serving as manager of the club. This included scheduling, coaching, recruiting, and development of the U-23 Men's Team, Men's First Team, and Women's Team. Following a successful 2 seasons of back-to-back promotions (Eastern Coast Conference III, UPSL II) as well as a Florence Regional Cup championship, Rios and the franchise agreed to an additional 5 year contract as solely head coach of the Men's Pro Team which will expire in June 2027. As of Fall 2026, Luis Rios Jr is also coach for North Carolina FC's U-19 Gold North team (NCYSA/USYS).

Luis Rios Jr got his start in coaching in 2009 as assistant coach to both Englishman Graeme Burluraux and to German Ollie Rupp. Although both are most credited most for his coaching philosophy, love of defending, and style of play, Rios has also credited mentors such as Kevin Burke (coach of 95 XLS Elite and now at Wake Futbol Club), and Diego Giustozzi (United Soccer Coaches 2017 instructor and 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup Champion). Luis Rios Jr retired from playing in 2018 when on loan to Peruvian side Alianza Lima's second team. Coach Rios is most recognized by his motivational speeches, obsessive tactical analysis, penalty shootout methodology, high intensity defensive trainings, and touchline passion. Coach Rios also serves as an advocate in the franchise for mental health screenings/therapy availability to players, referee training included in player development, and financial aid/scholarship guarantees to all youth academy families regardless of background.

Other Notable Credits:

2010 & 2011 Indoor Regional Championship - XL Soccerworld Raleigh

2012 Eastern US Region Cup - Arlington United 92'

2012 Indoor National Premier Cup- XL Soccerworld (Assistant Coach)

2013 & 2014 Neuse River Conference Champions - Garner Magnet High

Wake Tech Community College Men's Soccer Player

Wake Tech Community College Interim Women's Coach

Alianza Lima II - Reserva (Player)

NC State University Men's Soccer (Player)

2016 US National Indoor Soccer Championship - Warriors Elite Soccer Club

2017 Florence Regional Cup - Wake Futbol Club (Coach)

Appalachian State Men's Soccer (Analytics Coach)