Testimonials

I worked under directly under Jim Conroy’s mentorship for a year in 2007. Jim changed my life; his ability to manage different personalities, and get the most out of his players really stuck out to me. Moreover, Jim cared about us as individuals, and instilled a work ethic in us, that I attribute a lot of my success in the states to. Jim really cares about his players, as athletes and as people. He will do everything in his ability to try and bring the best out in people and see them succeed. Jim successfully helped me obtain a scholarship to the states, where I played four years, while earning a degree in Kinesiology. I have since gone on to obtain a masters degree, and remain in the states while I complete my Doctorate, where I am also part of the Strength and Conditioning staff for the Columbus Crew MLS team.
The opportunity to work under Jim, potentially obtain a scholarship to the states, where there are endless possibilities for football and education is second to none and one I highly recommend.
I have nothing but fond memories from working under Jim’s guidance and his former players all over the world who have played at high levels and earned degrees is a testament to his patience, passion and work ethic.
Thanks Jim for everything you’ve done for me.

Ciaran Freeman , Columbus Crew

Jim Conroy has helped so many young men and women follow their dream and receive a soccer scholarship to the U.S.A. I know personally I would not be where I am without Jim’s help. Here is my story and how Jim helped me:
In 2002-03 I attended Colaiste Ide, throughout the whole year Jim was preparing students to showcase their ability and receive scholarship. Not just on the soccer side but then academic side also. I received numerous soccer scholarship offers after going to a showcase in Memphis Tennessee in March 2003. I decided to go with Martin Methodist College (MMC) offer after the advice with Jim.
I attended MMC from 2003-2007, in that time we won the conference championship. I received a double Degree in Business and Sports Management.
After that I took a Graduate Assistant position at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) from 2007-2009, as an assistant soccer coach. I received a M.B.A in 2009.
I am now the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the University of West Alabama, a NCAA Division 2 program. We are currently the Gulf South Conference Champions.
Here it is plain and simple, without Jim Conroy’s guidance I would not be in the position I am in today. I would have never of received a degree back in Ireland, but because of the soccer scholarship and opportunity made through Jim I now have my masters and I coach full time in the USA, and now I have settled over here started my young family.
I only have positive things to say about Jim, he will give you every possible opportunity to receive a soccer scholarship.

Matthew Throne , Head Coach University of West Alabama

One of the biggest influences in sports is that great coach every athlete may experience along their athletic journey. I was lucky enough to encounter Jim Conroy on the Colaiste Ide Association Football course in 2000. Going in I was a shadow of what would emerge a year later and go on to a soccer scholarship in the USA.
The coaching that enables you to fully believe you are the best, the desire to get better and live up to the standards that Jim sets for you is something I never experienced with another coach since playing for Jim all those years ago. The preparation was second to none for each and every game. Not only were we physically ready but also mentally. Every player that Jim coach’s leaves with a new found belief that they can achieve whatever they want. After playing for Jim I went on to play for Thomas University in Georgia. I had the honour of captaining my team as well as gaining All-American honours in my junior and senior years. I went on to be a graduate assistant at my Alma Mater. Seeking a larger role in Strength and Conditioning I moved to Boston and now train athletes in all sports year round.
The year I spent with Jim changed my life for the better. I was struggling to find what I wanted to do. Playing soccer in the USA allowed me to see the many other options out there, get a great and free education and eventually end up in an industry where I thoroughly enjoy going to “work”. If I could I would do it all over again just so I could go through one of the greatest experiences in my life a second time.

Jonathan Carroll , Strength & Conditioning Coach / Author

As a young lad coming out of secondary school I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for a career and wasn’t sure what my next step should be. As a last minute panic choice I decided to enrol with Jim’s course. Best decision I ever made!
Over the next year I received quality coaching from Jim Conroy and got to feel what it was like to be a student-athlete, balancing academics, athletics and other aspects one’s life- the perfect introduction to what my next 4 years would look like in America. Upon starting the course I was not sure if I even wanted to go on the annual trip to the USA in March, but by the time that rolled around there was no question that I would be on that plane. That was a testament to the bond that was established between the players and coaching staff. Despite playing on the first team for the whole tournament the offers were not exactly flooding in. In stepped Jim…
After roughly 2 months of dialogue with various coaches that amounted to nothing, I got a call from Jim saying that a coach had called looking for a keeper and he had given him my name and a recommendation. The name of the college was Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, TN. The head coach at the time actually played under Jim. The connection didn’t stop there as myself and 2 teammates, which Jim helped place, got on the plane to Tennessee only to be greeted by another 3 lads that had come through the system and were now playing at MMC. During my 4 years at Martin Methodist I made friends with people from all walks of life, got to play in some incredible facilities, won some games along the way, and most importantly I walked away with a degree in Physical Education. This allowed me to move on and pursue my master’s degree at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. I started my MBA in August 2015, while also acting as a Graduate Assistant coach for Lipscomb University, a Division I men’s soccer program.
By sending me to play college soccer in America, Jim helped me realize the unlimited possibilities that lay in front of me. I played at an NAIA school, but during that time we regularly competed against schools from NCAA DI, II, III and obviously the NAIA itself. Without a doubt the greatest achievement of my career was captaining our side to a National Championship in 2013. This was just the highlight of 4 years filled with unforgettable memories.

5 years ago I got my foot in the door at a small college in Tennessee called Martin Methodist College on the back of Jim’s recommendation and it is my distinct privilege to give anyone out there that may be considering heading to college in America my recommendation that Jim is the man to get you to the school that is the best fit for you.

Stephen Lunney , Assistant Coach Lipscomb University

I worked with Jim in 2008-2009, from there I attended Flagler College which is located in Florida. I went to four national tournaments, won multiple awards and flourished as a student athlete. I became the assistant coach at Flagler when I graduated which was my dream job. I’m living my dream, not dreaming it.

I wanted to state all those things because without the help and guidance of Jim Conroy, none of this would be possible. Jim is not only a great mentor, he is gentleman and as honest a person can be. These day’s it’s hard to find honesty. Jim knows the American college system inside and out, what it takes to become a student athlete, what regulations you must follow, but most importantly he has more contacts than anyone I know in Ireland. I’m a college soccer coach and if Jim Conroy rings you with a prospect player, you pay attention because his word holds great weight.

Jim knows the game inside and out, he will get the best out of you and is a fantastic mentor in the game of soccer.

Kevin J Keenan , Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach, Flagler

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Conroy 15 years ago when I was a student on his Association Football course. Jim’s expert knowledge of the American collegiate scholarship process and his relentless work ethic to his students was something that struck a chord with me.

From working with Jim and listening to his professional advice, I was very fortunate to receive a full athletic soccer scholarship to Mercy College, NY. Thanks to Jim’s guidance, preparation and support he gave me during my transition, I was way ahead of the game in terms of fitness and academics when I arrived on campus in New York.

During my time at Mercy College, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and a Master of Business Administration Degree. Not only do I owe my educational accomplishments to Jim, I also owe my professional endeavours to him too. I would without reservation recommend Jim Conroy’s professional services to any person looking to pursue an academic or athletic scholarship in the United States.

Brian Walsh, B.S., M.B.A, New York Cosmos