EDP introduces Simon Collins as new Technical Director

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ (Via EDP) – The Elite Development Program (EDP) has announced that Simon Collins has joined the organization as Technical Director.

A former professional player and manager at various clubs in England over a 25-year period, one of his key accomplishments was helping develop Jamie Vardy, the star at the English Premier League club Leicester City, while Vardy was a youth player at Stockbridge Park Steels FC.

Collins comes to EDP after serving as Director of Coaching at the St. Cloud Soccer Club in St. Cloud, Florida.

According to EDP Chief Executive Officer Alan Shilling, Collins’ role as EDP Technical Director will be to collaborate with EDP and member club leadership to stay at the forefront of soccer education, college placement and administration developments.

+READ: Seven clubs claim Virginia NPL Fall 2017 division titles

Collins will continue to develop and implement an annual coaching education program designed to assist EDP member clubs and directors with continued professional development, including both formal and informal educational opportunities via various partnerships and collaborations.

He will also work with EDP’s college liaison officer to continue to grow EDP’s college initiatives and will serve as a key liaison between EDP, US Soccer, US Club Soccer and USYSA.

Additionally, he will act as Director of EDP’s Player Development Program (PDP) program, an Olympic Development program designed to create a pathway for EDP’s most talented players. The main objectives of the program are to scout players for US Club Soccer’s id2 program and form EDP select training and competition squads for training centers.

“We are pleased to welcome Simon to the EDP family,” Shilling said. “He has a very strong record within youth soccer and the professional ranks of developing players and in coaching education. These will be valuable tools to all the coaches and players within EDP.”

Collins spent the past four years at St. Cloud Soccer Club working with players, parents, coaches and soccer governing bodies. During his time there, Collins built partnerships with English Premier League teams and created a pathway for talented players to experience the English professional game.

Previously, he was manager at various U.K. clubs, including Bradford Park Avenue FC, Stockbridge Park Steels FC, Ossett Town FC and Huddersfield Town Youth Academy. While at those clubs, he managed all aspects of the club – junior, academy and first teams. As a player, Collins played 237 professional league games throughout his career for clubs that included Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Macclesfield Town, and Shrewsbury Town, among others.

Commenting on his appointment at EDP, Collins said: “I am honored to be part of the EDP Organization. My passion is soccer and I take great pride in providing opportunities for players, coaches and teams to reach their potential. I am looking forward to meeting the EDP member clubs and their associates; together we can grow and improve the game day experience for all involved.”