Began: 2008 season
Season: 2022 will be his 15th season at Webber
Overall Record At Webber Entering 2022 Season: 100-117-14 overall record (15 seasons; .463 winning percentage)
Accolades: 2013 Sun Conference Coach of the Year; Six Sun Conference Tournament appearances (2010, 2012, 2013 2020, 2021, 2022)
Neil Cockburn served as Head Men's Soccer Coach at Webber International University for 15 years, building a distinguished legacy within the program and conference. During his tenure at Webber, he also held positions as Head Women's Coach, Director of Soccer Operations, and Chairman of The Sun Conference. His accomplishments include being named TSC Coach of the Year in 2013 and achieving over 100 career victories. Coach Cockburn holds the NSCAA Premier Diploma and USSF B License.
As a dedicated fundraiser, Coach Cockburn spearheaded significant facility improvements at Webber, including a new soccer field, locker rooms, press box, canopy system for spectators, and home and away dugouts. These enhancements established Webber's soccer facilities as among the finest in the conference.
Playing Career
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Coach Cockburn began his soccer career as an apprentice with East Stirlingshire FC under Manager Hugh McCann in the Scottish Third Division. He continued his playing career in the United States, competing collegiately at Iowa Central Community College and Cardinal Stritch University.
Coaching Experience
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Cockburn began his career as an Assistant Men's and Women's Soccer Coach at Iowa Central Community College (2001-2002). From 2005-2007, he served as Graduate Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Siena Heights University, where he earned his Master's degree in Organizational Leadership. During this time, he had the privilege of serving as a Camp Instructor at the University of Notre Dame under the mentorship of renowned coach Bobby Clark.
Following his resignation as Director of Soccer Operations at Webber in November 2022, Coach Cockburn transitioned to education. He currently serves as a Weightlifting teacher at Lake Wales High School and an Assistant Boys' Soccer Coach. He maintains his connection to the Webber family as part-time Women's Soccer Coach and volunteer with the men's soccer program.
Personal
Coach Cockburn resides in Babson Park, Florida, with his wife, Amanda, and son Ethan.
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Cockburn at Webber
|
| Year |
Season at WIU |
Record |
Conference Finish |
| 2008 |
1st |
4-10-1 |
6th TSC |
| 2009 |
2nd |
9-8* |
*Coach's Record for Wins
6th TSC |
| 2010 |
3rd |
6-10-1 |
TSC Tournament Quarterfinals
T-6th TSC |
| 2011 |
4th |
5-9-1 |
6th TSC |
| 2012 |
5th |
8-7-2 |
TSC Tournament Quarterfinals
5th TSC |
| 2013 |
6th |
9-4-1* |
TSC Coach of the Year
*Tied Coach's Record for Wins
TSC Tournament Quarterfinals
3rd TSC |
| 2014 |
7th |
7-8 |
T-8th TSC |
| 2015 |
8th |
6-7-1 |
T-7th TSC |
| 2016 |
9th |
4-9-1 |
8th TSC |
| 2017 |
10th |
2-10-1 |
10th TSC |
| 2018 |
11th |
4-9-2 |
9th TSC |
| 2019 |
12th |
9-7* |
*Tied Coach's Record for Wins
8th TSC |
| 2020 |
13th |
8-9 |
TSC Tournament Semifinals
4th TSC |
| 2021 |
14th |
9-6-2* |
*Tied Coach's Record for Wins
SUN Tournament Semifinals
T-5th SUN |
| 2022 |
15th |
10-4-1 |
New Record for Wins
SUN Tournament Semifinals
5th SUN |
| Overall |
100-117-14 (.463 winning percentage) |