Youth, adult directors who shape club soccer in New England

John Barata, left. (Courtesy photo)

From its earliest days as MAPLE, the Northeast Soccer League always cast a wide net to ensure clubs and players had a league to call their own. The roots are in Massachusetts, but the branches extend throughout New England.

The decision to have Barata — a seasoned coach with interests and experiences across all levels — lead those efforts constitutes a nod to that expansive approach.

The former All-New England player at Assumption College operates from his base at one of the top high school soccer programs in Massachusetts, Oliver Ames (Easton, Mass.) His successes there include a state title in 2015 and Coach of the Year honors from the Boston Globe in 2014.