Jay Charles Needham (born September 30, 1984) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a central defender or defensive midfielder for teams in Norway, Puerto Rico and the United States.

After graduating from Arlington Heights High School, Needham played college soccer at Southern Methodist University.

The Mustangs participated in the NCAA Soccer Tournament all four years that Needham played advancing to the College Cup (final four) in 2005.

[3] Needham was also a Finalist for the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy (given to that year's best college soccer player) in 2006.

[4] During his time at SMU, Needham played summer soccer in the USL Premier Development League with the DFW Tornados.

At the end of the season, Needham was named the 2007 USL Division 1 Rookie of the Year.

He made his debut on April 13 and retained a starting central defender position throughout the remainder of the season.

During the 2008 season, Needham appeared in 24 league games, logging more than 2,000 minutes of play.

During their run into the fourth round of the Norwegian Cup, Alta defeated Tippeligaen team, Bodo Glimt, 3–0.

[9] In August, he was selected one of the Adeccoligaen's top foreign players by Football Magazine Norway.

[10] In September, the New York Times Soccer Blog named Needham one of the top 11 American uncapped players in Europe.

[12] Needham signed a three-year contract with the Austin Aztex of the USL First Division at the end of January 2010.

With their high finish, Austin also earned a playoff spot for the first time in team history.

The Islanders defended their title as cup holders defeating Tempete of Haiti 3–1 in overtime.

The Tropa Naranja defeated Antigua Baracudas 2–0 in the third place game to earn a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

[22] For the Champions League, the Islanders were placed in Group 5 with Isidro Metapan (El Salvador) and the LA Galaxy (USA).

[23] In the tie with the Galaxy, Needham was noted as being a major factor in the Islanders improved performance.

[25] On January 7, 2013, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced they had signed Needham to a three-year contract.

[26] In 2013, the North American Soccer League played two split seasons, spring and fall.

Although injured for all of May, Needham appeared in eight NASL games during the Spring Season, scoring one goal.

He also played all 90 minutes in the Rowdies' U.S. Open Cup loss to the Portland Timbers.