Cincinnati Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC is pleased to announce Koen Driessen as the club’s first Vice President.
“I have worked with Koen for several years now and I have seen him grow a lot since he first started,” President Mike Mossel said. “He really understands how to built a network and what it takes to make a franchise successful. He also brings several years of Dutch Lions experience to Cincinnati and above all he has an ‘orange heart.’ I look very much forward to working together with him in making the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC a strong Dutch Lions franchise.”
Driessen has been and employee of the Dayton Dutch Lions for the past two years, starting in the role of Business Manager before being promoted to Business and Stadium Development Manager. He has been tasked with the organization, execution, and overall performance of the three business units: Marketing, Sales and Media Relations as well as leading plans for new franchises and a stadium in the Dayton area.
He is no stranger to the world of sports management. Driessen was an Assistant Manager at Global Sports Communication, working as a sports agent for 120 world-class athletes from 24 different countries. These athletes went on to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. He also worked for Inter Football/Number 10, a leading sports marketing company after being employed by one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the state of California.
“I am honored and thrilled that the organization gives me the chance to become Vice President of the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC,” Driessen said. “I will be responsible for the total organization in combination with being Business Development Manager and Stadium Development Manager in Dayton. I am looking forward to bring this franchise to the highest level both on and off the field.”
Driessen has a strong vision for the future of the Cincinnati franchise. Giving local talent a chance to play in a high quality environment is a major priority as is providing a gateway to the professional level. The Dutch Lions can offer PDL players many opportunities, hopefully sending them to USL PRO, MLS, or even Europe thanks to their numerous partnerships and affiliations.
He believes strongly in the Cincinnati market, thanks to the quality soccer programs already in the region as well as strong local businesses that can help the sport grow. Engaging local universities will provide innovate, ambitious students with opportunities to work with those experienced in the field.
The Cincinnati Dutch Lions will begin play in the PDL in 2014.