Nick Fletcher

ALPENA — Alpena Community College’s newly launched men’s soccer program will be led by veteran coach Nick Fletcher, whose nearly 50 years of experience in the game — as a player, referee, and coach — span both sides of the Atlantic.

With professional playing experience in England and a coaching resume that includes the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Fletcher brings a wealth of tactical insight and leadership to ACC as the college prepares for its first-ever season of men’s soccer this fall.

Fletcher’s coaching philosophy is built on a foundation of tactical awareness, set-piece precision, physical fitness, and mutual accountability.

“I put a lot of work into set-piece preparation, both offensively and defensively,” Fletcher said. “Everyone needs to do their job to make sure the team functions properly. I like to think I’ve learned something from every coach I’ve played under and worked with.”

What drew Fletcher to ACC was the rare opportunity to build a collegiate soccer program from the ground up.

“It was the fact that it was a new program and I would be responsible for starting and building it,” he said. “Also, having an AD who has a genuine interest in soccer is something I haven’t come across very often since I’ve been in the U.S.”

He added his appreciation for ACC Athletic Director Allen Day and the rest of the athletic department staff for their support in this endeavor.

Holding coaching licenses from both the English FA and UEFA, Fletcher plans to implement a blend of modern techniques with classic fitness training to prepare his team. While he has a preferred system in mind, he emphasized that tactical decisions will ultimately depend on the final roster.

“Until our roster is finalized, I will not be able to make that decision,” he said.

Fletcher’s immediate focus is on establishing a strong foundation.

“We’ve had limited time to recruit players, so this first year is really about getting the program up and running,” he said. “Our teams will play the first soccer games in ACC history, and it would be nice if we got to record the first wins for each program too.”

Describing his coaching style as calm and communicative, Fletcher values collaboration but maintains final authority.

“I’ve never been a coach who yells and screams,” he explained. “I’d rather try and explain why I’m telling them something. I also like to give the players a voice — if they have an opinion about something tactical, I’m happy to listen.”

When it comes to recruiting, Fletcher is seeking athletes who are athletic, intelligent in the game, and ready to embrace a culture built on hard work, teamwork, and accountability. Though he aimed to build the roster with a strong base of local talent, he’s still looking to connect with interested athletes in the area.

“If anyone is interested in playing this fall, or just wants any information, they can reach out,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher can be contacted at fletchern@alpenacc.edu or nf4726@gmail.com, or by phone at 218-350-7298. The team can also be found on Instagram, X, or through Fletcher’s personal Facebook page.

Fletcher will work alongside Glenn Campbell, who will be leading ACC’s first-ever women’s soccer team.