Former EPL Defender Is The Latest Addition To Albion SC Staff
When it comes to creating and managing an American youth soccer club with a clear focus on player development, Noah Gins is on an ambitious path. It takes an extraordinary ability to bring out true player development and requires great soccer coaches who dedicate their talents and energy to their players. Plus — the right environment, good communication with parents and talented players who have big dreams. Southern California based Albion Soccer Club’s Technical Director Gins wants to be the best without any reservations.
Where other TD’s have failed, Gins succeeds – San Diego’s Albion SC is well known across the nation for its dedication to providing a high level of player development for their club’s elite player. Albion SC teams are well known for producing results on the field and winning National Championships.
Gins also thinks out of the box. One recent example is Albion SC’s powerful partnership with EPL’s Arsenal FC. While Albion’s partnership with Arsenal may have been kicked off by the youth soccer club’s elite relationship with Puma, Gins took full advantage of the opportunity and has proven Albion’s commitment to player development, impressing the English giant. While many youth soccer clubs latch on to a professional club like a cherry on top of an ice-cream sundae, Gins wants real results – not window dressing. The Arsenal Albion Academy trains players in a very similar, highly specific technical styled approach, as does the Arsenal Academy in London, England. Now, Arsenal FC has Gins scouting for possible players to add to the program.
High standards are the norm for Gins, who realizes that it takes a team to accomplish the vision of reaching the top of youth soccer in the USA. Recognized in 2010 as Cal South “Coach of the Year”, Gins knows any great program requires great coaches. When the opportunity arose to create a place for former rival William “Billy” Garton, Gins saw the benefits immediately.
“For Albion SC, we expect to be the best in the country and in doing that we will look to bring in the best possible coaches, whether that be from this backyard or from around the country,” said Gins.
“Billy has been one coach that I have played against, watched, evaluated, and eventually admired for his professional demeanor, his way of coaching, and his work with youth soccer teams,” said Gins. “I find Billy to be one of the most talented coaches in the Southern California Area.”
Garton, a veteran of the game, is one of the few authentic professional players in San Diego. While the youth soccer landscape is littered with former pros that played briefly and mostly for clubs you have never heard of, Garton was a top defender for EPL’s Manchester United.
Garton, who grew up a mile from Old Trafford, made his debut in 1984 and played 51 games for Manchester United. Garton grew up with a ball at his feet and was a die-hard ManU fan before he joined the team as an apprentice while still a kid. Garton quoted in Sons of United said, “I played for Manchester United and I will always be proud of that. I will never lose sight of where I came from, what I have worked hard to achieve, and I consider myself a lucky guy.”
After retiring from professional soccer, Garton moved to San Diego, turning his talents to sharing his experiences and knowledge developing youth soccer players.Gins said, “We welcome Billy into the club and his specific role will be defined in the coming months as we involve him into club discussions and work load. Billy will eventually lead from within the club in a very direct area that will take the club to higher places.”
Garton earned his FA coaching license in England and coached professionally in the minor Pro leagues in England as well as coaching youth players for nearly two decades.
“I really get a sense that at Albion SC, there is a real soccer environment being created and I am excited to be a part of this,” said Garton in an interview last week.
“Billy is committed to delivering the best possible product,” said Gins. “With his background, Gins has an exceptional understanding of the game and what it takes to succeed.”
“I’ve coached against Noah for a very long time, which is quite unusual for Director of Coaches’ to be pitched in the same age group,” said Garton. “It’s always been a respectful rivalry, which is why, when I was looking for a new place to go, I reached out to Noah. Our meetings confirmed the respect we had for each other on the field when our teams played against each other.”
As a former Manchester United player, what does Garton think about the club’s partnership with EPL adversary Arsenal FC? “When I was a young player, I actually signed for Manchester City and ultimately the deal didn’t go through, and I joined Manchester United. Rivalries for me are just part of the business. The relationship with Arsenal FC is fantastic for Albion SC. It adds a premier level of EPL academy training.”
“To be involved with leadership that is looking to make Albion SC the best youth soccer program in the country is a great feeling,” said Garton.
