Springfield Demize News Release -- www.demizesoccer.com
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Springfield Demize announced today that Ian Henry has been hired as the Head Coach for the 2014 PDL season. Henry, originally from Dublin, Ireland, is currently an Assistant Coach at Drury University Men’s Soccer, who were ranked as high as fourth in the nation this year, and Director of Youth Development for Springfield Soccer Club, in Springfield, Mo., which competed in the youth national championships this year.
While playing soccer at Missouri Baptist University (St. Louis, Mo.), Henry earned a B.A. in Sports Management and is currently working on his M.S. in Education at Drury University. Upon graduation, Henry became Director of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club as he worked with the U15/16 and U17/18 Boy’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams, which played in the USSDA National Championship, and served as the club’s trainer. He was also an assistant with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Men’s soccer program that competes in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Even though being a soccer coach is nothing new, this is Henry’s first PDL head coaching position. “I always had an interest in coaching in the PDL,” Henry said. “This opportunity will allow me to coach at the next level.”
So what type of soccer player does Henry want? His ideal player would be one that plays “attractive soccer” --- proficient technical ability, speed, and tactical awareness. “We need to continue to improve upon what this organization has developed, create more interest in and excitement around the game, and bring fans to the stadium,” Henry said. “Having an attractive product on the field that can win games will fulfill those goals.”
Plan to attend the Demize's PDL season opener and meet Coach Henry and the Demize players on May 17, 2014, at Cooper Sports Complex, Springfield, Mo. as they take on the Des Moines Menace at 7 p.m. CT. For tickets, visit www.demizesoccer.com.