Alan Gooch, www.alangooch.com, is the CEO of the Orlando Sports Foundation (OSF) a non-profit organization, founded in 2008, to raise funds for cancer research through the development and operation of sporting and social events. The Orlando Sports Foundation’s signature event is the Cure Bowl, an NCAA college football game televised nationally on ESPN/ ABC. Through his role as Executive Director of the Cure Bowl, Alan leads the development of strategic partnerships for an event, that since its 2015 inception, has raised $4.1 million dollars to support cancer research. $1.59 million of the funds have directly benefited the UCF College of Medicine’s Cancer research center and researcher Dr. Annette Khaled.
Since 1981, Alan has served the University of Central Florida for over 30 years at his alma mater both as a student-athlete, member of the football coaching staff, athletic administration, and an adjunct professor teaching coaching method classes. Alan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. The American Football Coaches Association named Alan the inaugural NCAA division 1A/ FBS assistant coach of the year award winner in 1997. Alan was also recognized at ESPN’s annual ESPY award show and by the National Consortium of Academic/Sport by President Bill Clinton in a White House Ceremony. Coach Gooch was inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006, named Educator of the Decade by UCF College of Education in 2007, and then found himself back in football, this time leading the AFL’s two-time world champion Orlando Predators as President and General Manager in 2007.
Alan also founded TIZON Commercial, a commercial real estate group representing clients in investor acquisitions and tenant services. Alan is a favorite on the speaking circuit with his E4S Competitive Greatness Program.
Alan is married to Linda Gooch, University of Central Florida’s four-time National Champion cheerleading coach. Linda was also inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.