SPIRE Academy is excited to announce that the international sports boarding school’s first season of Women’s Soccer has begun and has made several significant moves in support of it.

First, SPIRE 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,” said 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.”

Second, international recruiting is already underway. The school has brought over four women soccer players from the U.K. who chose SPIRE over well-established programs in their home country. It’s a decision that comes as no surprise to Smalley. “SPIRE is establishing itself as the real deal, a place where gifted young athletes can make the most of their talent. It helps that America is a Women’s soccer powerhouse, making it a natural place to want to play and train.”

Soccer has, of course, always been a global game and for an international sports boarding school like SPIRE, attracting global soccer talent is a prime focus for both Lane and Smalley. “We are looking at recruiting from a worldwide perspective,” said Lane, “at opportunities to tap into networks in different countries. We’re currently looking at China, Japan, Hong Kong and India. And that’s just for starters. We have a map of the world spread out in front of us.”

And with the school year just beginning to gain momentum, Lane offered some insight into how he plans to work with the fresh batch of student athletes. “We’re currently in a period of transition with them, from their previous lives to the SPIRE Way. We want to take time to evaluate where our players are and how we can help them achieve their personal goals.” 

“To a certain degree,” he continued, “SPIRE may be even more difficult than the university experience. They’re out there training multiple times a day while still balancing their rigorous academic schedules. While some athletes have a natural resiliency, others need some more fine-tuned guidance and support. Every waking moment here is preparation for life after SPIRE.”

Speaking on his goals as a coach, Lane remarked: “We sent six student athletes to Rocky Mountain College, each one of them starting and contributing to the program. The proof is in the pudding…SPIRE gives student athletes a leg up on the competition, especially with the recent NIL effects on scholarships and opportunities. We’re working to develop these young athletes into young adults, into better players, into better people.” 

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.”