by Per Media Contact Dylan Hyman
SPIRE Academy is excited to announce that the international sports boarding school’s first
season of Women’s Soccer has begun and has made several significant moves in support of it.
First, SPIRE has recruited Paul Smalley—former player, longtime coach and player
development specialist—to be its new Management Consultant, Women’s Soccer. While
currently a Technical Director for a program in Asia, Paul originates from Europe and has
extensive experience in the areas of development, performance and coaching with a number of
Member Associations, Football Federations and Professional Clubs across the globe.
“I see my role here as assisting Director of Soccer Sean Lane expand the Women’s program in
the same dynamic, holistic way he’s expanded the Men’s program,” said Smalley. “Sean has
worked tirelessly in establishing the Men’s Soccer program both in the U.S. and globally. SPIRE
is currently growing by leaps and bounds and I’m excited to be a part of that growth and brand.”
Second, international recruiting is already underway. The school has brought over four women
soccer players from the U.K. who chose SPIRE over well-established programs in their home
country. It’s a decision that comes as no surprise to Smalley.
“SPIRE is establishing itself as the
real deal, a place where gifted young athletes can make the most of their talent. It helps that
America is a Women’s soccer powerhouse, making it a natural place to want to play and train.”
Soccer has, of course, always been a global game and for an international sports boarding
school like SPIRE, attracting global soccer talent is a prime focus for both Lane and Smalley.
“We are looking at recruiting from a worldwide perspective,” said Lane, “at opportunities to tap
into networks in different countries. We’re currently looking at China, Japan, Hong Kong and
India. And that’s just for starters. We have a map of the world spread out in front of us.”
And with the school year just beginning to gain momentum, Lane offered some insight into how
he plans to work with the fresh batch of student athletes. “We’re currently in a period of
transition with them, from their previous lives to the SPIRE Way. We want to take time to
evaluate where our players are and how we can help them achieve their personal goals.”
“To a certain degree,” he continued, “SPIRE may be even more difficult than the university
experience. They’re out there training multiple times a day while still balancing their rigorous
wimming, track and field, volleyball and wrestling
