Naples Elite Soccer Club is proud to announce our New Executive Director, Stephen Basso.
My name is Stephen Basso, and I recently accepted the position as Executive Director here at Naples Elite Soccer Club. I wanted to reach out to introduce myself, let you all know a little bit about me, why I chose to come to Naples Elite, and how excited I am to be a part of this club.
I am an Italian/American dual citizen and grew up in Columbia, Maryland. Ever since I could remember soccer has been a huge part of my life, and I am extremely passionate about the game/sport. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to play professionally for 15 years, as well as coach and work as a director at some of the biggest clubs in the country. Most recently, the last three years I was the Executive Director of 6x USYS National Champions, Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club, a founding club member of Boy’s ECNL & the Girl’s Academy League, two of the top leagues in the nation. Prior to my role at Baltimore Celtic, I was a director at Wake Futbol Club in North Carolina, a member of MLS Next and the Girl’s Academy League. I believe this experience will greatly benefit the growth & development of Naples Elite players, teams, and the club as a whole.
The decision to accept this position, was an easy one, and I’m not just talking because of the location! I have known club president, Vincenzo Bernardo since 2011 when we became teammates playing professionally in Harrisburg, PA for the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL. We have kept in touch since then, and I watched the growth of Morris Elite from day one and admired the work that has he has done in a short time. This led to following the start and growth of Naples Elite and I immediately touched based with Vincenzo and expressed my interest in helping him build the top elite club in Southwest Florida.
In my very short time interacting with Vincenzo & the ownership group, it is clear that we share the same vision and mentality to create the best youth soccer club in Southwest Florida! The facilities are top notch, and the other directors & coaching are even better! I have been working with the staff remotely the last month and have participated in all leadership calls that way I am informed on operations prior to my first day.