ORLANDO, Fla. – After an extensive search and interview process Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) today announced five new coaching directors. The appointments come after a comprehensive recruitment process that included both oral and field practical interviews for all the candidates.
“We had well over 30 applicants for the five positions,” said Brian Pederson, Executive Director. “We were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of all the applicants and are confident that we have the best quality coaching directors in Central Florida, if not the whole state.”
The five successful candidates listed below will begin their duties on June 1st but will be heavily involved in the Tryout process currently underway at OCYS.
Boys Senior Academy – Paul Shaw – UEFA A License, 20 years Pro player with Arsenal, Sheffield Utd, Burnley etc. Currently Technical Director at Woodhaven Soccer Club, New York.
Girls Senior Academy – Steve Crane – USSF A License, Pro player at Charlton Athletic, NSCAA National Staff Coach. Currently a Coach with Florida Rush
Boys Junior Academy – Craig Melton – USSF A License, formerly Director of Coaching at Beach FC, Virginia Beach, Va. Currently Junior Premier Director at Central Florida Kraze.
Girls Junior Academy – Laura Halfpenny – USSF B License, recently moved to the area from New Jersey where she was on the ODP staff and Technical Director at Mount Laurel Soccer Academy.
Recreational Director – Mike McAvoy – USSF C License, USL Hall of Fame inductee. 20 years experience in Central Florida youth soccer.
OCYS also announced the appointment of two Assistant Directors for the boys and girls programs. Mark Lowry, currently a Coach with Spirit Utd. will become the Boys Asst. Director and Bobby Hurring, formerly Girls Coaching Director at FSA will be the Girls Asst. Director.
“All the candidates interviewed extremely well and showed a tremendous passion for what we are building here at OCYS,” said Adrian Heath, Director of Coaching. “We are confident we have the best coaching staff in the state with these appointments and are really looking forward to tryouts.”
OCYS Tryouts are now open for pre-registration. Tryouts for the 2012-2013 Junior and Senior Academy programs will take place from May 29 to June 1, with June 2 & 3 in place as rain-out make-up days.
To pre-register please either go to the website:
https://www.gotsport.com/asp/application/reg/?ProgramID=13995&Type=PLAYER
or call (407) 321-5264.
