Pateadores has named Neil Powell as its inaugural Director of the Pats Elite Program. Powell brings a wealth of coaching experience, and a track-record of success, to this important club soccer position.
“The Pats Elite Program promises to be a cornerstone of how we develop outstanding players from U13/14 to U17/18. Having a director of Neil’s ability puts us in a position to deliver on this promise,” said Jon Szczuka, Pateadores Director of Coaching and Board Member.
Powell’s coaching achievements are numerous and impressive. He has coached at the camps of Wimbledon FC, at the time in English Premier League, and has served as goalkeeper’s coach for Division I soccer powerhouse UC Santa Barbara. Most recently, he was Director of Coaching at Laguna Hills Soccer Club. “My primary objective as a coach has been to instruct and inspire my players to reach their greatest potential both on and off the field of play,” said Powell.
Powell will be at the helm of a Pats Elite Program based on a curriculum set in place by US Soccer and the US Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) coaching staff. The training sessions will be rigorous and methodical, designed to maximize player development. At each step of the way, Powell and his coaching staff will evaluate players’ skills and athletic ability to see that specific developmental goals are being met. They will also select teams from the pool of players to compete at various college showcases throughout the country.
The increased collegiate exposure is an important benefit of the program. The Pats Elite player pool will demonstrate their talents in front of a broad array of college coaches from Divisions I-III and NAIA. The player pool will also have access to the club’s most advanced technology in video and player promotion.
Pateadores Club President David Barry said, “With the appointment of Neil, we have put the right person in place to make sure that our USSDA training curriculum sets the gold standard for elite youth soccer clubs nationwide.”