PAUL DRIESEN
Been with SPIRE since Sept 2023
Hometown: St.Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada
Languages Spoken: Dutch and English
Title: Director of Soccer at Spire FC
A former midfielder for Dutch clubs Wilhelmina’08 and Walram, Paul transitioned to coaching after obtaining his Dutch soccer coaching B-license from the KNVB in 1982, equivalent to a UEFA-A-license.
Paul’s coaching career kicked off at PSV Eindhoven’s youth program, contributing to the club’s 1988 Europa Cup 1 victory. Later, he shaped young talents at NAC Breda, rising to become the Director of Coaching for the youth academy. His coaching prowess extended to head-coaching roles at Nieuw-Lekkerland, Slikkerveer, and RKAVV in the Netherlands.
Beyond clubs, Paul’s influence spread internationally as he instructed KNVB coaching courses and contributed articles to Dutch coaching magazines. He ventured to the US during summers from 1982 to 1991, eventually relocating in 1992. In Colorado, he led the Denver Soccer Club and later the Aurora Soccer Club as Director of Coaching, leaving a significant impact on both with his expertise.
Paul’s journey continued to Ohio in 2004, where he took the helm at the Shaker Youth Soccer Association-PFC as Director of Coaching for 16 years, followed by independent contracting. He founded the Total Soccer Academy camps in 1983, expanding its reach across states. Paul also conducted coaching classes for the Ohio Soccer Association and authored articles for US soccer magazines.
Currently, Paul remains deeply engaged in Ohio’s soccer landscape, directing one of the state’s districts in the Ohio ODP program. SPIRE FC is thrilled to have Paul on board as Club Director and eagerly anticipates the new season ahead, benefiting from his wealth of experience and dedication.
Education and Certifications:
-
Physical Education College in the Netherlands
- Soccer Coaching licenses: From the Dutch Soccer federation (KNVB) : the UEFA-A license
- From the US Soccer Federation: The A-license and the Director of Coaching license.
