Former MLS Coach Joins FC Sol
Former MLS Vancouver Whitecaps assistant coach, Paul Ritchie joins FC Sol — San Diego county based competitive soccer program which competes in the Presidio Soccer League.
Former Vancouver Whitecaps Assistant Coach, Paul Ritchie is joining FC Sol as Director of Coaching.
Ritchie’s coaching credentials are impressive, he holds an UEFA Pro License, an SFA A License, an SFA B License, an SFA Advanced Youth License and an SFA Physical Preparation Certificate: 12 – 18s.
A former professional player, Ritchie’s coaching experience in the USA includes Assistant Head Coach at Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS from 2012 until Dec 2013 and Assistant Head Coach, in NASL with Carolina RailHawks FC from 2010 until 2012.
In the UK, Paul was a coach at Manchester United Soccer Schools Football during 2009 and prior to that was U-19 coach at Dundee FC in Scotland.
Donald Park, Head of Coach Education, Scottish Football Association said, “Paul is a very committed coach with a wonderful passion for the game, with a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the game. He is always looking to expand this knowledge and improve his skills to become even better, and it is these qualities that make him a top quality coach.”
As a player, Scottish-born Ritchie played for Heart of Midlothian FC, Bolton Wanderers FC, Rangers FC, Manchester City FC, Portsmouth FC, Derby County FC, Walsall FC, Dundee United FC, AC Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus and then Carolina RailHawks FC. Paul officially retired from playing in 2009 having made over 300 club appearances and winning seven full international caps for Scotland. He helped win the Scottish Cup in 1998 and played for his country between 1999 and 2004.
FC Sol Club Director, Gus Mokalis said, “This is a huge hire for the club. Paul’s appointment continues to evidence FC Sol’s commitment to player and coach development. Paul has an absolute focus on development. Paul will develop our player coaching curriculum and improve our coach development program by providing the club with access to his World class soccer education and his recent experience of professional coaching at the highest level of club and international soccer.”
Board Member, Cesar Gonzalez said, ”When we talked with Paul my first question was ‘Why would someone like you want to come here?’ Ritchie talked a lot about his desire to put down roots in a community following the nomadic life of someone who’s been involved in professional sport. He also talked about the potential here in San Marcos, and how he intends to help the club to realize that potential by improving our players and our coaches. As a parent, I enjoy winning, but I’ve learned that my investment in competitive soccer is best realized by my children’s development as soccer players, and as parts of a team. Paul is very clear that he wants to develop highly educated soccer players. I’m very excited to be bringing him to lead the coaching effort at our club.”
Paul Ritchie said, “I’m honored to be given the opportunity to join the Club, and to become part of your community. I’m relocating to San Marcos with my partner Katie, and we’re here for the long term. My aim is to help our coaches and players to get better. I’ve agreed with the Board that I’m 100% responsible for coaching strategy and policy. FC Sol is a development club, and we’ll teach all of our players to play the right way. We won’t be measuring on results or trophies, rather our focus is on player improvement at every level, age group and in each gender. I look forward to meeting current and new players and their families at try outs, and to working with you all.”
