From Reading United AC
Reading United AC is proud to announce the appointment of Steve Small as Head Coach of the Women’s U23 Reserve Team (competing in the CASA Soccer League). This move strengthens the club’s commitment to elite player development in the region.
The Reading United Women’s Reserves program stands as the only local initiative truly designed to bridge the gap between high-level youth soccer, college soccer, and the pre-professional game. The program prepares graduating high school seniors for the rigorous demands of college soccer, elevates current college players during their offseason to ensure they return to campus stronger and more prepared, and provides a genuine, proven pathway to the club’s senior USL2 (men’s) and WPSL (women’s) first teams.
“Steve Small brings an exceptional track record of success at the collegiate and club levels, along with a deep passion for developing players,” said Thomas Gosselin, Reading United’s WPSL Head Coach. “His position with the first team and his experience aligns perfectly with our mission to identify and nurture top local talent in a professional training environment, helping them succeed at the next level — whether that’s college, WPSL, or beyond. We are thrilled to welcome him to lead our Women’s U23 Reserves.”
Coach Small joined the Reading United WPSL coaching staff in 2025 after serving as assistant coach with the Alvernia University Women’s Soccer team under Head Coach Amanda Bezner (also Assistant Coach for Reading United’s WPSL team). While taking over the reins of the reserve team, he will continue his role with the WPSL team. He brings 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, including his current role as Head Men’s Coach at Penn State Berks. Previous roles include assistant coach at Millersville University, Elizabethtown College, and Alvernia University, and a head coaching stint at Slippery Rock University.
Beyond college, Small also brings over 15 years of youth coaching experience, where he has led teams to state and regional championships, along with national qualifiers, and helped send over 100 players on to play at the collegiate level.
During his time at Millersville, the Marauders secured one PSAC title, made four conference final appearances, and earned five NCAA berths — including one trip to the NCAA Final Four. At Elizabethtown, the Blue Jays won two conference titles (with five finals appearances), made two NCAA appearances, and won their 900th game (3rd most in NCAA history). Most recently, in his first season at PSU Berks, Coach Small led the program to the postseason and their first playoff win in program history (NCAA era).
Coach Small holds a United Soccer Coaches National License and Director of Coaching License, as well as a USSF Grassroots License. He is a 2006 graduate of DeSales University with a degree in sport management.
The Women’s U23 Reserve Team complements Reading United AC’s broader structure, which includes the senior WPSL women’s team (one of the largest women’s leagues in the world) and men’s USL League Two squad. Together, these programs continue the club’s 30-year tradition of excellence, community pride, and producing players ready for higher levels.
For more information on Reading United AC, including tryouts, schedules, and ways to get involved, visit www.readingunitedac.com. Follow the club on social media for updates: #DefendThe610, #RUAC, #Path2Pro, and #WPSL.
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