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

Dwayne Henry

Luis Barrios
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Mike Perrault

Brian Derrickson

Kyle Graves
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Kiersten Priest

Tara O'Brien

Rebecca Dolhansky

Jeff Cameron

Alex Cifolelli
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Dan Simmons
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Douglas Cunningham

Natalie Truitt

Ahmed Alkaye
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John Beaucejour
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Sean McDearmon
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Rob Joshua
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.
Dwayne Henry
Recreational Director of Coaching
DUSC 2010 Girls | DUSC High School Girls
Playing Experience:
CDSA, MOT, Kirkwood (2003 - 2013)
Dover High School (2009 - 2012)
Methodist University (2013 - 2016)
Other Coaching Experience:
Delaware ODP (2021-Present)
Education History:
B.S. in Healthcare Administration
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Federation National D
United Soccer Coaches Technical Training Diploma
United Soccer Coaches Attacking Principles Diploma
United Soccer Coaches Individual and Pairs Defending Diploma
A fun fact:
I have over 30 pairs of shoes.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team(s):
Crystal Palace, Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Philadelphia Union
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy being a positive role model for the younger generation. I love to see the progress kids achieve over the years.
Luis Barrios
Staff Coach
DUSC 2009 Girls
Playing Experience:
1990-2023
Other Coaching Experience:
15 years coaching youth soccer and futsal in U.S. (Philadelphia area, YMCA Bear, Lima-Peru, Townsend E.S.)
Education History:
B.S in Early Child Education
Automotive Technician
Personal trainer
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Grassroots Licenses
A fun fact:
My passion for soccer is endless. A passion for teaching what I know regardless of their background, knowledge, or skill level. Let players play and guide them in the right direction.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, & Philadelphia Union
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coaching youth soccer gives me the opportunity to teach what I know to future soccer players, to show passion and commitment in fun and high-level experience, expand their soccer knowledge/skills in the field and/or outside the pitch.
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)
GPS Delaware Revolution Zone 1 Director (2019-2020)
2009 Head Coach Boys GPS Delaware Revolution (2019-2020)
Delaware ODP: Asst & Head coaching positions (2007- 2016)
Polytech Boys High School Asst. Coach (2014-2015)
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.
Brian Derrickson
Staff Coach
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
Kyle Graves
Staff Coach
DUSC 2008 Girls | DUSC 2012 Girls
Playing Experience:
Keuka College (2000-2004)
Other Coaching Experience:
Morrisville State College (2009-2019)
East Rochester High School (2005-2009)
Education History:
BS Unified Elementary & Special Education, Keuka College
Coaching Licenses:
United Soccer Coaches National and Advanced National Diploma
United Soccer Coaches Level 1 Goalkeeping Diploma
US Soccer Grassroots
A fun fact:
I spent much of my childhood in Guam.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Manchester United
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love working with young players as they grow their understanding and love of the game. I specifically enjoy the open-mindedness and coachability of young players and love the excitement they display when they find individual and team success.
Kiersten Priest
Staff Coach
DUSC 2011 Girls
Playing Experience:
15 years (2004-2019)
Other Coaching Experience:
Shippensburg University Assistant Coach (2019-2021)
Odessa High School Boys/Girls Varsity Assistant (2021-current)
Education History:
B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies and Gerontology, Shippensburg University
M.S. in Social Work, Shippensburg University
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Grassroots Licenses
A fun fact:
I enjoy traveling around the world!
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
USWNT
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy getting to know each player individually. Seeing the growth they have had over the years!
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
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.
Jeff Cameron
Staff Coach
DUSC 2011 Girls | DUSC 2013/2014 Girls
Playing Experience:
Coaches Athletic Club PA (1978 - 1985)
Marine Corps Team, Lowery AFB CO (1990)
Marine Corps Team, Iwakuni Japan (1994)
Other Coaching Experience:
Coaches Athletic Club PA (1986 - 1988)
Education History:
AAS in Electrical Engineering
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer D License
A fun fact:
I have officiated internationally at the youth level.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Manchester City
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Passing along my experience, interacting with the players, and helping to advance youth soccer.
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.
Dan Simmons
DUSC 2011 Boys
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.
Douglas Cunningham
Staff Coach
DUSC 2006 Boys
Playing Experience:
Professional
Other Coaching Experience:
Wilmington University Men’s & Women’s Technical Director (2020-Present)
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer D License
A fun fact:
I really like to study and watch games. During games, the banter can get really fun.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Tottenham, AJAX, and Barcelona
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I really like youth soccer because of the developmental reward you get when you see players achieve small goals to further their success and development. When a group grows into a team and starts getting the required goals set for themselves it's really enjoyable to be part of their success. When the outlet of the sport makes a player really happy to be a part of that's sincerely rewarding.
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.
Ahmed Alkaye
Other Coaching Experience:
Dover High School Boys Soccer Assistant Varsity Coach (2021-Present)
Dover High School Girls JV Head Coach (2023)
Kent County Parks & Rec Youth Coach (2020-Present)
Education History:
University of Delaware student majoring in Exercise Science
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer Grassroots Licenses
A fun fact:
My favorite show of all time is Avatar the Last Airbender.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Real Madrid
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
My favorite thing about coaching youth soccer is watching young athletes grow and perform things on the field that a few training sessions ago they never would have thought they could perform and then realizing how far they have come through a season.
John Beaucejour
Playing Experience:
Goldey-Beacom College (2004-2008)
Other Coaching Experience:
Kirkwood Soccer Head Coach (2009-2013)
Education History:
Master’s in IT Management Information Systems
Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems
A fun fact:
The only member of my family to play college soccer.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team(s):
Philadelphia Union
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coaching the fundamentals of the games and having fun with respect and discipline.
Sean McDearmon
Staff Caoch
DUSC 2008 Girls
Playing Experience:
New Castle County Men's League A & B level (2001-Present)
Gore Corporate League (2001-present)
Lenape High School (1985-1986)
Other Coaching Experience:
Youth Rec/Rep Coach (2015-Present)
Caravel Middle School Girls Asst. Coach (2020-2021)
Education History:
B.S. in Marketing, University of Delaware
M.B.A. in Marketing, University of Delaware
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National C
A fun fact:
I sell protective outwear products to the military and I have spent time participating and testing products in outdoor activities with temperatures ranging from a low of -54F to a high of 118F. I have played all of the Golf Digest "Top-10 Public Courses in the United States".
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
USMNT and USWNT
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy helping players develop their natural athletic abilities into soccer-specific technical skills and helping them to understand the importance of and subtleties of in-game tactics as they mature. I also enjoy teaching life lessons - success, failure, growth, discipline, and most of all having fun - through the lens of "the beautiful game".
Rob Joshua
Staff Coach
DUSC 2007/2008 Boys
Playing Experience:
East Windsor PAL League
Other Coaching Experience:
Boys Varsity and Boys JV - MOT Charter High School Head Coach (2021-2022)
Boys and Girls - MOT Charter Middle School - Head Coach (2018-2020)
Education History:
BS in Elementary Education (with Honors), Salisbury University
Coaching Licenses:
US Soccer National D
A fun fact:
Outside of soccer, I run ultramarathons (events that are longer than 26.2 miles) and love roller coasters.
Favorite Professional Soccer Team:
Any club that plays a team-based, passing style of soccer
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love to see the development of the player in not just their soccer, but as teammates, and as young men and women. I think we teach life lessons through soccer and that is reflected in the quality of the humans we have the honor to coach.