Dutch Development Program

Jan van Loon – St. John’s Football Club

Jan van Loon brings more than three decades of elite football experience across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America to St. John’s Football Club. A proven leader in youth development, talent identification, and coach education, Jan has held senior roles at some of the world’s most respected clubs and federations.

Career Highlights

 • Bengaluru FC (India) – Head of Youth Development / Academy Director (2022–2024)
 • FC Utrecht (Netherlands) – Head of Coaching Academy (2018–2022)
 • VfL Wolfsburg (Germany) – First Team Assistant, Head of Game Analysis & Scouting (2017–2018)
 • Arsenal FC (England) – Academy Phase Coach (U9–U23) & Head of Individual Development (2014–2017)
 • KNVB – Royal Dutch Football Association (Netherlands) – National Youth Team Coach, Tutor for Coaches and Academy Directors, Football Research & Development (2011–2014)
 • Willem II / RKC (Netherlands) – Academy Director (2001–2011), developing future stars such as Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong
 • PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) – Youth Coach & Coordinator (1985–2001)

Expertise & Contributions

Jan is widely recognized as a pioneer in youth development and coach education, having served as a UEFA course instructor, teacher for Academy Manager PRO programs, and consultant to national associations worldwide. His contributions include:
 • Leading UEFA exchange workshops, national coach conferences, and technical programs with Louis van Gaal’s KNVB Masterplan for Youth Football.
 • Serving as a technical consultant and speaker at international events such as the Football Innovation Summit (London), Barcelona FC Innovation Hub, and elite coach conferences in the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Indonesia, and China.
 • Direct involvement in global talent programs such as Nike’s The Chance and advisory roles with professional academies around the world.

Education & Specializations

Jan’s academic and applied expertise spans tactical periodisation, performance psychology, motivational drivers, and safeguarding in football, with advanced study through UEFA, KNVB, and universities across the Netherlands. His qualifications include:
 • UEFA-A Youth License (KNVB/CIOS)
 • Tactical Periodisation (Chelsea FC, Raymond Verheijen)
 • Performance Psychology (Start2Move)
 • MBTI & Action Type Certifications
 • Director in Professional Football (KNVB)

Impact at SJFC

At SJFC, Jan leads the club’s Dutch Development Program, ensuring that players and coaches benefit from the same methodology, standards, and professional pathways seen at top European academies. His track record of developing world-class talent, combined with his passion for education and innovation, makes him a cornerstone in building SJFC into one of the most forward-thinking youth football clubs in the United States.