In January 2014 Eric Groenheide will return to the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, after he worked for the club before for 3 months in 2012, as an intern. Already then DDL FC tried to keep Eric in Dayton based on the quality of his work and personality but school prevented him from staying. Since he recently got his bachelor’s degree he is now coming back to Dayton as a Assistant Coach and Academy Manager.
Time to get to know Eric a little better.
Who is Eric Groenheide?
“I am 27 years old and was born in Delft and then raised in Maasdijk, the Netherlands. I started playing soccer as a little boy for the youth academy of VV Maasdijk (amateur level), where I made my debut in the first team at the age of 16. When I was 17 years old I started coaching at the youth academy of VV Maasdijk. I also coached a lot of talented youth players in the region as a technical skill coach. I am currently coach of the U9 Boys at FC-‘s-Gravenzande, one of Holland’s biggest semi-professional soccer clubs and assistant-coach of VV Maasdijk Men’s team and coach of U23 Men”.
Eric currently holds the prestigious UEFA C-Youth coaching license and has plans to obtain a UEFA B and UEFA A license in the near future. He also owns a certification ‘Moves and Skills’ by Rene Meulensteen (former assistant-coach of Manchester United). He studied Sports Marketing and Management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and for the final project he was working as an intern for the Dayton Dutch Lions FC. As Intern he was responsible for writing the Coaching Manual with the Board of DDL FC and co-organizing the Youth Academy try-outs. Groenheide also coached the U12B and U14B teams.
How do you look back on your time in Dayton?
“When I look back at my first period in Dayton, which I think was one of the most beautiful periods in my life so far. What I always remember was the big orange family, Dutch Lions doesn’t feel like a soccer club, It is one big family. Everybody, professional players, youth players, staff, coaches, supporters, sponsors were working and enjoying soccer together. Also the attitude (eager to learn and always playing and training with their heart) of the (youth) players I remember and I loved.’’
What made you come back?
‘’When I left Dayton, Mike Mossel told me, whenever I want to come over and work for Dayton Dutch Lions FC, I was welcome. Last august we started talking which resulted in a new period at DDL FC. I am really looking forward to come out again and start working and bring the club and the orange family to the next level!’’
What will be your role in the club?
‘’My new role will be Assisting with the Men’s pro team and also Manager Youth Academy. I will also be the coach of two youth teams”.
What are you bringing to the club?
“What I will add to the club, is first of all a lot fun. Everybody has to work with a smile, and having fun is the most important when the youth players train at the Dayton Dutch Lions FC. But I also want to bring the youth academy to a higher level. What is a higher level? Wait and see, I think in 5 years Dayton Dutch Lions FC will be the best youth academy in the US! That’s my personal ambition!’’