Burns is a south Jersey native growing up in Haddon Township. Burns played at Haddon Township High School where he received first team All-State honors. Burns graduated from Rutgers Camden and was part of the Men’s Soccer Team for four years. He started 19 games for the Raptors posting a 13-3-3 record with a 1.02 goals against average, seven shutouts and .794 save percentage. Burns has also spent the past 2 years working at The Keeper Institute in Sewell NJ where he trains goalkeepers from all around the area beginner to pro. The Keeper Institute is owned by former USA national team player Jill Loyden. This is Burns's first season as an assistant coach for Widener.