Our Journey Process

Discover
Introducing soccer through recreational programs fosters a love for the game in children. It emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and basic skills development.
Develop
Developing soccer skills for kids aged 8-13 involves regular practice, joining leagues, finding a good coach, and watching professional games.
Succeed
Encouraging kids to have fun while playing soccer helps them develop a lifelong passion for the sport. Success in soccer varies, but hard work, dedication, and love for the game are key ingredients for achieving it.
News & Media Spotlights
Our Coaches

Nick Papanicolas

Joshua Katz

Anthony DiRienzo

Dan Simmons

Brian Derrickson

Tara O'Brien
.png)
Skip Thorp

Rebecca Dolhansky

Alex Cifolelli

Natalie Truitt
.png)
Anthony Allison
.png)
Mike Perrault
.png)
Bryan Thorp
Nick Papanicolas
Playing Experience:
-1997-1999: Rowan University (Captain 1998-99) Played in 1998 Final 4
-1991: Virginia Wesleyan College
-1987-1990: St. Mark’s High School (Captain of the 1990 State Championship Team)
Delaware Union Current Team:
Technical Director: Oversee all Soccer Operations and the Coaching Staff of DE Union Soccer Club.
Other Club/High School Coaching Experience:
• U16 Club Head Coach, DE Union 2021
• U18 Club Head Coach, SJEB RUSH 2020-21
• U18 Club Head Coach, DEFC 2019-2020
• U17, U18 Club Head Coach, Kirkwood Soccer Club 2014-2019
• JV Head Coach & Assistant Varsity Coach: St. Mark’s HS- 1995-96 (1996 State Champions)
• Assistant Varsity Coach: St. Mark’s HS- 1993-94
Education History:
Masters of Higher Education Administration-, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Bachelor of Arts, Art Education- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Coaching Experience:
Head Coach: Wilmington University- 2004-Present
• 6 Time CACC Coach of the Year (2006, 2009, 2015, 2018, 2019 & 2021)
• 5 CACC Regular Season Championships (2009, 2015, 2018, 2019 & 2021)
• 1 CACC Tournament Championship (2007)
• 63 All-CACC Honors, 41 All-Region Honors, 2 Daktronics/D2CCA East Region
Player of the Year awards, 4 CACC Defensive Player of the Year awards, 15 All
American Honors, 3 Rookie of the Year Awards, 3 CACC Player of the Year
awards, 3 CACC Goalkeeper of the Year awards, and the 2019 Ron Lenz Division
II National Player of the Year (Lorne Bickley)
• Qualified for CACC Tournament every year (18 years straight)
• 200+ Career wins
• 6 NCAA 2nd Round Appearances (2009, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019 & 2021)
• In the Top 3 of NCAA DII in all offensive statistics in the past 3 seasons:
Goals, Assists (76), Scoring Offense (4.33), Shots per Game (19.43), Shots on Goal
per Game (9.9), Corner Kicks per Game (7.48), and Points per Game (12.29)
Assistant Coach: Rowan University-2000-2003
-Helped lead the Profs to 3 National Tournament appearances including the 2000 national Championship game.
Coaching Licenses:
• USSF “C” License
A fun fact:
I enjoy playing golf and won a car after shooting a hole-in-one on a par 3 contest.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Manchester City
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Helping young men and women prepare for the next chapters of their lives through the game of soccer.
Joshua Katz
Playing Experience:
Wilmington University (2001-2003)
Glasgow High School Varsity (1994-1996)
Trial run with Peterborough United FC (1995)
Other Coaching Experience:
Smyrna High School Boys Coach (2019-Current)
GPS Delaware Revolution Director of Coaching (2014-2019)
St. Thomas More High School (2006-2009)
Delaware ODP Head Coach (1997-2002)
Kirkwood Soccer Club (1997-2002)
Education History:
B.S. in Sports Management, Wilmington University
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National A
A fun fact:
My wife always says she feels as though we have three kids running around the house. We only have two children. I guess she means I am the third kid.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Barcelona
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coaching youth soccer allows me to educate and develop young athletes. I enjoy developing a winning culture with young athletes and teams. Having the opportunity to teach young soccer players to develop into young men to compete at higher levels after high school.
Anthony DiRienzo
Playing Experience:
St. Mark’s High School (2004-2008)
Kirkwood Soccer Club (1996-2008)
Other Coaching Experience:
Middletown Boys High School Varsity Head Coach (2017-Current)
St Mark's High School Girls Assistant (2014-Current)
Kirkwood Soccer Club Staff Coach (2011-2017)
St Mark's High School Boys Assistant (2011-2017)
Education History:
St. Mark's High School
University of Delaware
Wilmington University
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National E
A fun fact:
2019 Division I Boys Head Coach of the Year. Led high school teams to a state championship and 3 state finalist in DIAA soccer.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Manchester United
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coaching the fundamentals. Teaching the core values, skills and techniques that make the foundation of a young player, and then watching these young athletes perform them at a quality level in a match.
Dan Simmons
DUSC Juniors Director
Playing Experience:
(1979-2004)
Other Coaching Experience:
Polytech High School Boys and Girls coach (2010-Present)
TOPSsoccer Director (2017-2020)
ODP Staff coach (2019 – 2020)
Central Delaware Soccer Association Staff coach (2010-2011)
Dover High School Assistant Coach (2001-2002)
Stone Mountain Soccer Club (GA) Staff coach (1997-1999)
Central Delaware Soccer Association First Girls Travel Team (1994)
Education History:
BA in Political Science, Elon College
M.Ed, Wilmington University
Coaching Licenses:
USSF National “C” License
USC Director of Coaching License
USC Goalkeeper Diploma
USC Futsal Diploma
A fun fact:
Cars is my favorite Disney Pixar movie.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team(s):
Philadelphia Union
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy the relationships that I have developed over the years with families and players. I am always eager to hear how the boys and girls I have coached are growing in the game of soccer, and in life.
Brian Derrickson
DUSC 2009 Girls
Other Coaching Experience:
30+ years of coaching
Head Coach of Boys & Girls Programs at Middletown High School
Education History:
BS in Health and Physical Education
M.Ed. in School Counseling
M.Ed. in School Leadership
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National B
A fun fact:
I’ve been to Sweden 2X and toured other countries while coaching teams in the Gothia Cup.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Roma
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Seeing players improve over a season and year as well as the passion that is created by the
coaching environment and the players' desire to get better
Tara O'Brien
Playing experience:
-1999-2009: Fulham Center of Excellence Academy (Captain 2001-2009)
-2009-2011: Fulham Ladies First Team (captain 2010-2011)
-2011-2015: The Lincoln University (All-American, NCAA Statistical Leader, All Time Record Holder in goals, assists, points, game winning goals, and shots on goal)
-2017: Ocean City Nor’Easters
-2018: Youngstown Nighthawks
Coaching experience:
-2019-current: Tea Time Training - individual and small group sessions focusing on the development of the technical ability of players.
-2016-2019: Youngstown State University - assistant coach at the division 1 program
-2015-2016: UK Elite - coached travel teams aged 8-18
-2011-2015: Kirkwood soccer club - coached travel teams aged 8 -18
A fun fact:
I’ve played soccer in 8 different countries.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Chelsea
Skip Thorp
Future DUSC 2010 & 2013 Boys Head Coach
Playing Experience:
Carolina Dynamo, USL – 1999
Delaware Wizards, U.S.I.S.L - 1994 – 1998
Grange Woodbine, Dublin, Ireland - 1993/94
Other Coaching Experience:
Professional
Portland Thorns, NWSL, Assistant Coach (2014 – 2015)
New York FURY, WPSL Elite, Assistant Coach (2012)
Philadelphia Independence, WPS, Assistant Coach (2010- 2012)
Carolina Dynamo, USL, Assistant Coach (1999 – 2000)
Carolina Piedmont Spark, "W-League" Assistant Coach (1999- 2000)
Delaware Wizards, U.S.I.S.L. Assistant Coach (1996-1998)
Delaware Genies, U.S.W.I.S.L. “W-League” (1996-1998)
Club
Oklahoma Celtic Soccer Club, Technical Director, OK (2020- 2023)
Continental (DELCO) Football Club, Technical Director, PA (2017- 2018)
Michigan Wolves and Hawks Soccer Club, Goalkeeping Director, ECNL and Academy Coach, MI (2015- 2017)
Albertson Soccer Club, Technical Director of Coaching, Long Island, NY (2012 – 2014)
International
FIFA Instructor, FIFA Goalkeeper Instructor Course for CONCACAF, in Trinidad & Tobago (2007)
Trinidad & Tobago Coaching Staff for the CONCACAF qualifier for the World Cup (2008)
Assistant Coach for the Under-19 Women’s National Camp in Carson, CA (2005)
Guest Coach of the Under-20 Men’s National Team at the Olympic Festival in Rhode Island (2000)
Assistant Coach for the Women's Under-18 National at camp in North Carolina (1999)
Guest Coach for the Men's Under-23 National Team for the Olympic qualifier (1999)
Guest Coach of the Under-18 Boys National Team at camp in Allentown, Pennsylvania (1998)
Guest Observer for the Men’s US National Team prior to the qualifying match against Jamaica (1997)
College
Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach
Wake Forest University, NCAA I, Atlantic Coast Conference, 1999-2008
Virginia Commonwealth University, NCAA I, Colonial Athletic Association, 1998-1999
The University of Delaware, NCAA I, America East, 1996-1998
Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach
Wake Forest University, NCAA I, Atlantic Coast Conference, 1999, 2000
The University of Delaware, NCAA I, America East, 1997-1998
Education History:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Delaware
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National A
A fun fact:
I love music and used to play in a band. I like working with wood and welding things.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
West Ham United
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy passing on the knowledge of the game, which was passed along to me as a player and a coach. The acknowledgment from a player that they understand what you are teaching them and have executed it in the game.
Rebecca Dolhansky
Staff Coach
DUSC 2012 Girls
Playing Experience:
Wilmington University (2015-2018)
Other Coaching Experience:
Wilmington University Assistant Coach (2023)
Wilmington University Graduate Assistant Coach (2021-2022)
Education History:
B.S. in Business Management with a minor in Global Business Management
M.Ed. in Higher Education (Fall 2023)
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Grassroots Licenses
A fun fact:
I love to play volleyball and pickleball in my spare time.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
FC Barcelona
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy coaching youth soccer because it gives me the opportunity to use my experience to develop young athletes into well-rounded soccer players and individuals. I love creating fun training sessions that allow my players to have fun while also learning important components of the game.
Alex Cifolelli
Staff Coach
DUSC 2009 Boys | DUSC 2012 Boys
Playing Experience:
Tristate Christian Academy High School Varsity (2014-2018)
Club Soccer at Cecil (2010-2015)
Other Coaching Experience:
Middletown Boys High School JV coach and Varsity Asst. (2021-present)
Education History:
Tristate Christian Academy High School Diploma
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National D
A fun fact:
I love to learn about different cultures and travel.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Bournemouth
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Having the opportunity to help players grow in both the game and as people. Seeing what players work on during the week come to fruition during games and seeing the players' reactions is always a great thing to witness.
Natalie Truitt
Staff Coach
DUSC 2013/2014 Girls
Playing Experience:
Delaware Union (2009-2020)
Appo High School (2016-2020)
Other Coaching Experience:
Discovery Program Coach
Education History:
Current University of Delaware Student
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Grassroots Licenses
A fun fact:
I have 2 dogs.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Philadelphia Union
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love interacting with the players and watching them develop over the season.. They have such great personalities.
Anthony Allison
Staff Coach
Future DUSC 2012 Boys Head Coach
Playing Experience:
Other Coaching Experience:
Wilmington University (2017-Present)
Sandviken IF U13 (2015-2016)
Umea Fc U14 (2013-2014)
Education History:
BS in Sports Management, Wilmington University
M.S. in Human Resources, Wilmington University
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer D License
A fun fact:
Started coaching at the age of 13.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Barcelona and Arsenal
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy the day to day improvement, it's so beautiful to watch the youth playing soccer like adults when it comes to thier decisions making.
Mike Perrault
Staff Coach
DUSC 2010 Boys | DUSC 2013 Boys
Playing Experience:
TSG Rohrbach, Heidelberg Germany > German Youth Club
North Middlesex High School
Hudson Benefica, Mass / L.A.S.A-League (Semi-Pro)
Lowell Reds, Mass. / L.A.S.A-League (Semi-Pro)
Mt. Wachusett College: 2nd team All American
United States Air Force: All Air Force team
United States All Military team
Other Coaching Experience:
Middletown HS Varsity Girls Asst Coach: (2021–Present)
2010 Delaware Union Boys (2020-2023)
2013 Delaware Union Boys (2022-2023)
GPS Delaware Revolution Zone 1 Director (2019-2020)
2009 Head Coach Boys GPS Delaware Revolution (2019-2020)
2009 Delaware Union Boys (2015-2019)
2008 Dealaware Union Boys (2016-2019)
Delaware ODP: Asst & Head coaching positions (2007- 2016)
Polytech Boys High School Asst. Coach (2014-2015)
2002 CDSA Boys (2007-2012)
Caesar Rodney High school Boys/Girls Asst. Coach (2007-2009)
United States Air Force All Air Force Women’s Team Asst. coach (2005-2007)
United States All Military Women’s Team Asst. Coach (2005 – 2007)
Education History:
A.S. in Business
B.S. in Business (currently enrolled)
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National C
A fun fact:
I eat the whole apple including the core / tail-off shrimp - is that a fun fact or a weird fact not sure!!
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Liverpool
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
The ability to connect with the kids to mentor and mold them along the way in their journey. Plus the joy of giving back to this great game that gave me so much in my life.
Bryan Thorp
Future DUSC HS Girls Coach
Other Coaching Experience:
Bowdoin College (1996) - Div III Men's Soccer, Assistant Coach
Washington State University (1997-1999) - Div I Women's Soccer, Assistant Coach
Savannah College of Art and Design (2001-2003) - Div III Men's Soccer, Head Coach
Other Leadership Experience:
Director of Player Development - Oklahoma Celtic
Program Director - LA TDP Elite
Technical Director and Olympic Development Programming (ODP) Scout - Louisiana Soccer Association
Academy Director Continental FC Delco
Licenses:
Union of European Football Associations "A"
United States Soccer Association, "A"
United States Soccer Association Grassroots Instructor License
National Soccer Coaches Association “Premier" Diploma
Scottish Football Association Talent Identification Award
Education History:
Bowdoin College BA, Psychology, History
Wilmington University Masters in Science Management, Organizational Leadership