Director of Football

Karl Byrne brings a wealth of experience in both football and athletics to St. John’s Football Club, combining a deep playing background with an impressive coaching resume. As the club’s Director of Football, Karl is committed to developing players through a high-level training methodology that emphasizes technical proficiency, tactical awareness, and competitive excellence.

Football Career
Karl’s football journey began at one of the most prestigious academies in the world—Tottenham Hotspur Youth Academy, where he honed his skills in a highly competitive environment. He later played professionally for Bray Wanderers Football Club in the Irish Premier League, gaining valuable experience at the senior level.

Coaching Career
Karl has successfully transitioned his playing career into coaching, where he has helped multiple teams achieve success in competitive tournaments:

JFC – Led the 2015 Boys to a Bracket B Finalist finish at the 2022 US Showcase (Clay County).
Florida Elite Soccer Academy – Coached the 2013 Boys to a Bracket B Championship and the 2015 Boys to a Bracket C Finalist finish at the 2023 Boys Invitational (Florida Elite).
St. John's Football Club – Guided the 2014 Boys to a Bracket B Championship at the 2024 Prime Cup.
Karl’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that players must be developed holistically—not just to win games but to prepare them for opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels. His experience as both a player and coach allows him to provide unique insights and mentorship to young athletes striving for success.

Track & Field Accomplishments
Beyond his football expertise, Karl is an accomplished track athlete. His elite-level running background has given him a deep understanding of speed, endurance, and conditioning—critical elements in football development. His accomplishments include:

Irish Junior 800m Champion
British Junior 800m Bronze Medalist
European Cross-Country Finalist (Irish Team)
Track Scholarship to Manhattan University, later transferring to Coastal Carolina University (USC at Conway)
Coastal Carolina University 800m Record Holder
Penn Relay DMR 800m Bronze Medalist
Sun Belt Conference 800m Champion, 1500m Silver Medalist, and XC Silver Medalist
South Carolina State Cross-Country Champion

Track Coaching Success
Karl has also had a highly decorated coaching career in track and field, guiding athletes to major national and international achievements:

Coached multiple Irish National Champions and Silver Medalists in the 800m, 1500m, 5000m, and cross-country events.
Developed elite athletes who became 5000m World Track Bronze Medalists, 1500m European Finalists, XC World and European Finalists, and XC European Bronze Medalists.
Helped guide runners to the 10,000m European Cup Final and the 10k World Road Championship Final.
Served as Head Coach for JU Women’s Cross-Country, leading the team to an ASUN Conference Championship.

A Vision for St. John’s Football Club
With his unique blend of professional football experience, elite track & field knowledge, and a proven track record in coaching, Karl Byrne is dedicated to shaping St. John’s Football Club into a powerhouse for player development. His ability to blend high-performance training with a deep understanding of athletic conditioning ensures that SJFC players are equipped to compete at the highest levels—whether that’s in college, professional soccer, or beyond.

Under Karl’s leadership, St. John’s Football Club continues to redefine player development in Northeast Florida.