James Bell is the co-founder of the Electric City Shock, the Head Coach, scheduler, and acting President of the newest club in Northeastern PA, and is definitely no stranger to the World’s Game. James, 26 years of age, a former student athlete at both PSU Worthington Scranton, and Keystone College, brings a wealth of knowledge and playing experience beginning his inaugural season as the Head Coach of the Electric City Shock. James has had several years of coaching at both the intramural and club team levels. Coaching for the club team, Black Thunder, was one of the top youth club teams participating in numerous indoor and outdoor leagues in the area, along with various state cups and college show case tournaments.
James has a very extensive playing career which begins at the intramural level, and stems all the way up to the professional level. Playing for high level club teams in three different states as a youth development player, working his way up through the ranks. His most recent accomplishment was participating in the National Premier Soccer League as a member of the Pocono Snow Soccer Club team, based out of Stroudsburg PA, for the last three years. His professional playing experience ranges from participating in the Toronto FC open tryouts, in the MLS in 2006, to training with the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL in 2007, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds also of the USL in 2011.
Graduating from Pittston Area High School, he was a four year letter winner, and was named to the First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention lists. James was also a member of the 2006-2008 PSU Worthington soccer team, as well as the 2009-2011 men’s soccer team at Keystone College. At Worthington, he was the leading scorer his freshman year, and was the leading point holder during his sophomore year at the center midfield position. During his tenure at Keystone College, he earned a Bachelors of Science in Sport and Recreation Management focusing on Business and Marketing. While on the field he started every game, played nearly every minute, and helped lead his team to two consecutive playoff appearances, in 2010 and 2011, for the first time since 2005.
James was also recently named the Men’s Head Soccer Coach at Penn State Wilkes Barre.