Paul’s playing, coaching, and educational credentials make him one of the most talented, qualified, and respected individuals working in youth soccer today. Paul has worked at the professional, college, and youth levels of the game for the past 25 years, and has helped numerous organizations and clubs – both in the U.S. and the U.K. – develop coaching curriculums and parental education processes.

Paul started his soccer journey at the age of five in his hometown of Blackpool, in the North-West of England. At the age of 11, Paul was selected to play in the academy of the local professional team – Blackpool FC – and spent the next eight years with the club. During his early teenage years, Paul was regarded as one of the most talented young players in the North of England, receiving contract offers from English Premier League (EPL) clubs Manchester City FC, Leeds United FC, and Wimbledon. Due to the history of the club, and Paul’s commitment and love for his hometown team, he officially signed with Blackpool FC at the age of 14, and subsequently spent a number of years being involved at the professional levels of the game in North-West England, competing against the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Michael Owen. 

Along with his playing background, Paul has developed an outstanding coaching and academic resume. He currently holds the UEFA soccer coaching qualification, and has gained a bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching, a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, a master’s degree in Sport Management, and recently gained the National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Training Award. His recent projects and experiences have allowed him to work in the professional academies at numerous clubs in England, along with providing his knowledge as the Sport Science Coordinator for Chiefs FC in Atlanta, GA, and Director of Coaching at Odyssey Sport Soccer Club. Paul became the Director of Education at Invictus FC in the Summer of 2018.

Over the last couple of decades, Paul has worked closely with his friend and colleague, Richard Shaw (President, Invictus FC). One of their biggest accomplishments was producing the bestselling youth soccer book ‘Coaching Outside the Box’, which was first published in 2012. Additionally, together they have helped devise numerous unique and dynamic training curriculums that have helped and nurture thousands of young players throughout the U.S. and more recently Central New York. Their methods and approach, have helped hundreds of players reach the college and professional levels of the game. In addition, over the past 10 years, Paul has spent significant time working on the ‘COTB’ educational project, which delivers a vast array of parental education, coaching development, and seminars/workshops throughout North America.

Finally, in 2014 Paul undertook a comprehensive research project in partnership with professional soccer clubs Manchester United FC, Everton FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, and Preston North End FC through the Manchester Metropolitan University. This initiative specifically investigated skill acquisition and coaching behaviors in professional youth soccer in attempt to enhance the development of elite players in the UK. Paul’s research findings were utilized by the academy coaches at all these clubs as part of their coach education systems. Through this work, Paul also teamed up with world-class renowned coach, Daniel Massaro, to help produce another bestselling book entitled ‘The Winning Parent’. This publication discusses imperative concepts related to competitive youth sports, through to the professional level, and more specifically the essential parenting methods to help guide young players through their elite developmental journey.