Former Head Coach of DDL's Women's team looking to built on last year's success
Dayton, November 8 2013 - The Dayton Dutch Lions FC have signed Sid van Druenen as the new Head Coach of the Men’s Pro team. Sid will take over the role of Patrick Bal, who continues his coaching career in Thailand. Sid van Druenen joined the Dayton Dutch Lions FC in 2011 and was Head Coach of the Women’s team in 2013, leading them to the first ever Regular Season Conference Championship.
Sid van Druenen had this to say on his appointment: "In the last two years I have always been able to challenge and development myself continuously within the Dayton Dutch Lions FC organization. Being the new Head Coach of the USL PRO team for the 2014 season is another great step in my coaching career and I want to thank the club and Mike Mossel for the many opportunities I have been given since I've joined the club as a youth coach in 2011. Now my main focus is putting together a competitive roster so we can continue to build on last season's success."
President Mike Mossel also commented on the choice for Sid van Druenen: “When we found out Patrick was leaving to go to Thailand we looked at who is best capable of continuing the path we set out three years ago and that is to climb the USL Pro ladder every year. But also gain respect with our playing style. We had some high caliber candidates but based on what Sid has done with the Women’s team this year – both on and off the field by building a good relationship with the local universities, community and academy – Sid was my first choice. Besides his success with the Women’s team he knows the League, our players and vision and culture of our club. He is also very composed, authentic and committed. I am convinced he is the right person to keep our current team together and add some extra quality so we can compete again for the playoffs in 2014 and get our fans excited again like last year”.
Sid van Druenen started his coaching career in Portugal at the age of 18. Twelve years later he has coaching experience with all ages, genders and levels in Portugal, the Netherlands and the USA. Sid also holds a bachelor degree in sport science, the prestigious UEFA B coaching license and will be taking the A license coaching course in January 2014.