Josh Nelson's first coaching opportunity came at age 17, hired as a professional skills coach locally here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After returning from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, coach Nelson began coaching for Albuquerque United FC at the age of 20. He began working as a skills and staff trainer, then team head coach by the end of the that season. Coach Nelson was promoted to the Assistant Director of Coaching in 2003 along with the clubs' Young Dragons Developmental Program Director. Coach Nelson has been a Director for three years, and is now heading into his 7th year over all with AUFC. Nelson holds the United States Soccer Federation “C” and “B” National coaching licenses, and the National 'D'  License from the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association.

Coach Nelson has also trained teams and players at the Olympic Development Program through the State of New Mexico, and attended camps for Region IV's Olympic Development Program.

Nelson has been the head coach of nine different teams in his time spent with AUFC, teaching and promoting skills development to our youth soccer players, on both the girls and boys side of the club.

Coach Nelson was promoted to AUFC's Head Director of Coaching in the summer of 2010.