Antony Blackburn Season 2023

Antony Blackburn, a native of Derby, England, begins his first season as an Analyst with the Tigers in fall of 2023.

Prior to LSU, Blackburn served as Head Coach of Valencia CF U14’s (Valencia, Spain), the fourth most successful and productive Academy in European soccer as of 2023. Blackburn led a technical staff, served as the interim Academy Coordinator and successfully managed and oversaw multiple aspects of the Valencia CF Academy.

Whilst in Spain, Blackburn also served as the Assistant Coach of UD Vall D’Uxo Men. He played a key role in opposition analysis and game preparation that helped lead the team to the league title for the first time in 28 years.

Upon Blackburn’s move to Valencia in 2019, he became the head coach of the U19s at the International Development Academy. In only his second season, Blackburn became the Technical Director/Head of Football and led a team of staff including the coaching staff, education staff, medical, S&C and analysis. Whilst Blackburn’s primary responsibilities included developing new methodology for the academy, he also led the U23 age group, oversaw the strategic direction of the academy, and managed worldwide recruitment.

From 2015-19, Blackburn was an Academy Coach at Sunderland AFC, a Category 1 Football Academy in the United Kingdom. Blackburn coached the U9 and U10 age groups, as well as the U13’s and U16’s. Additionally, Blackburn served as the Premier League Coordinator of Physical Education at Sunderland AFC.

Blackburn’s experience with College Soccer in the United States stems from his own playing career. As a team captain with the St. Scholastica Saints, Blackburn won the UMAC Conference Regular Season four times, the Conference tournament three times, and made three NCAA tournament appearances in four years. Following his collegiate playing career, Blackburn transitioned into a coaching career with Asphalt Green Soccer Club in New York City.

Blackburn earned his B.A. in business marketing and management from St. Scholastica (Duluth, Minn.) in 2014, and completed his MSc. in professional practice in sport coaching from Northumbria University (2016).

Blackburn currently holds his UEFA B License with both the English and Spanish Football Associations.