OSU Force Academy Zone: OSU continues to improve coaching staff with English pairs hiring

By OSU Force Academy

Ottawa South United is pleased to announce the hiring of Paul Turner and Simon Wilshaw.

After an extensive search, the club has found the right candidates to oversee and positively influence OSU players and coaches.

With a long-standing tradition of success locally, provincially and nationally, the hiring of Turner and Wilshaw signals intent to continually improve our technical standards.

Paul is originally from London, England and has resided in Vancouver since 2009. During his time in British Columbia, he has been leading the North Shore Talent Development Centre.

In addition, he has served as a head coach for the B.C. Provincial All-Star teams (Girls). Most recently Paul has been coaching for Mountain United Football Club in the B.C. High Performance League.

The B.C.H.P.L. follows similar rigid standards to the newly adopted Ontario Player Development League in Ontario. Paul holds a National ‘B’ Coaching License.

Simon is originally from Stoke-On-Trent, England but has resided in Connecticut since 2011.

During his time in Conneticut, he has been working with Everton F.C. Connecticut, an affiliate club of the famous English Premier League side.

In addition, he has also served as an International Development Coach with Bolton Wanderers Football Club, where he was responsible for delivering their methodologies internationally.

Wilshaw holds his UEFA ‘B’ License, along with the English Football Association Youth Modules, with a specialization in player development at the younger ages.

“The hiring of Paul Turner and Simon Wilshaw speaks to our mandate to constantly expand and improve our coaching staff,” notes OSU Technical Director Paul Harris. “We feel that they both will have a tremendous impact on players throughout our club and are excited to have them join the OSU family.”

OSU volunteer recognition
As part of National Volunteer Week, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Steve Desroches invited Ottawa South United President Bill Michalopulos to City Hall to recognize and thank the OSU organization, coaches and volunteers for their time and effort in organizing and coordinating soccer activities across Ottawa.

Michalopulos thanked the Mayor and the Councillor for the recognition and noted that in OSU there are some 500 volunteers that provide their services in various capacities to provide soccer services for our 7,000 participants.

“Their efforts, attitude and enthusiasm are the primary ingredients of our successful soccer club,” Michalopulos indicates. “I cannot think of a more vital group of people at OSU nor in our society at large.”