SPIRE Academy has recruited Paul Smalley—former player, longtime coach and player development specialist—to be its new Management Consultant, Women’s Soccer. While currently a Technical Director for a program in Asia, Paul originates from Europe and has extensive experience in the areas of development, performance and coaching with a number of Member Associations, Football Federations and Professional Clubs across the globe.

“I see my role here as assisting Director of Soccer Sean Lane expand the Women’s program in the same dynamic, holistic way he’s expanded the Men’s program,” says Smalley. “Sean has worked tirelessly in establishing the Men’s Soccer program both in the U.S. and globally. SPIRE is currently growing by leaps and bounds and I’m excited to be a part of that growth and brand.”

SPIRE, an international sports boarding school located in the greater Cleveland area, has seen exponential growth since Ehrenfeld Cos acquired the company in 2019. Women’s Soccer and Volleyball programs have been added for the 2024-25 school year, in addition to an already impressive lineup of well-established programs, including Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Esports, Soccer, Swimming, Track & Field, Wrestling, Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Volleyball. 

Smalley brings a long list of experiences, qualifications and accomplishments to the role of Management Consultant, Women’s Soccer at SPIRE. He played professionally in England for 12 years, from 1983 to 1995, which included a two-year stint at Leeds United. He was part of the English Football Association Technical Department, England National Youth Coach, Technical Director in New Zealand and Head of Youth at Portsmouth in the Premier League. 

Smalley also served as the England Women’s Senior National Team Assistant Head Coach for UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Over the years he’s worked with such notable soccer talent as Wayne Rooney, Marianne Spacey, Kyle Walker, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Kelly Smith, Sue Smith and Rachel Yankey, to name just a few. Smalley also served as Technical Director in three Asian Football Associations and is renowned as one of the best educators/developers of players and coaches.

“Paul brings, quite literally, a world of soccer experience with him to SPIRE,” offers Director of Soccer and Head Coach, Sean Lane. “He’s coached, taught and played around the globe, and brings precisely that perspective to us, one we need here, as we do attract global athletic talent. We want to do more of that, and we want it done right. Paul is the person to do it.”

SPIRE Academy has always endeavored to develop the whole person, the complete athlete and student, and to keep them moving forward as players and people. It’s an area Paul Smalley feels comfortable operating in: “As Sean and I grow Women’s Soccer and develop it, we’ll be finding more and more paths to keep these talented kids progressing on all fronts. It starts now.”