Virginia Soccer Association tabs Dale Parker as Director of Coaching

Haymarket, Va. (Via Virginia Soccer Association) – Virginia Soccer Association has appointed Dale Parker as the club’s new Director of Coaching. Parker will be responsible for all travel related programs on a day to day basis and manage the overall vision of the club on the field with players and coaches.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Dale and one that he thoroughly deserves after years developing his skills as a coach but more importantly his ability to lead young people and our coaching staff,” said VSA Executive Director Matt Lacey. “As the club has grown and with the addition of the US Development Academy program my role has changed and Dale has taken ownership of every task we have given him during this period.”

Having joined VSA in January 2015, Parker has been a vital part of VSA transitioning into what it is today. Initially serving as the Assistant Technical Director, Parker has also led the club’s Pre-Academy programming, stemming through all aspects of the U11 through U14 age groups.

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“This is really a role that he has held for the past 18 months and now we are making this official and we look forward to the new ideas he will bring to the club,” Lacey said.

Parker brings a substantial amount of quality to the Director of Coaching role here at VSA, where one of the roles will be leading the clubs NPL teams/program. During the last 3 years, our NPL teams have experienced tremendous success garnering; 4 individual league titles, 3 National Tournament appearances, and 3 teams heading to the regional event this summer with the hope of advancing to the National Tournament. In addition, VSA has 7 teams in this year’s VA State Cup Championship Final 4, with games taking place at the end of January.

Prior to his 3 years with VSA, Parker spent 4 years at Chesterfield United FC (now part of Richmond Strikers) as the Girls Director of Coaching, growing a program from 7 to 17 teams and being part of a very successful time for the club, and in particular for players moving into the college game.

“I am delighted to be moving into a role which will allow me to be more involved with a larger number of players and coaches,” Parker said. “The game is always changing, and I think this role is a natural progression in regard to the club’s direction, and for us to build on the work that has already been done. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to take another step forward as part of an exciting time for VSA.”