Paul Sapsford, Biography

Paul Sapsford has coached collegiate soccer for over 10 years, including leading the Stanford Unversity team to a #1 National ranking in 2002. His career highlights include:

2002 Soccer America "Coach of the Year"
2007 California Pacific Conference "Coach of the Year"

Prior to this, Sapsford coached collegiate soccer in the UK and Australia as well as professional clubs in the UK. Since moving to the States, he has attained the USSF 'A' License and NSCAA Premier Coaching License.

Academically, Sapsford studied Sport Psychology at Saint Mary's University College, London, and has post graduate degrees in Physical Education (Exeter University) and Kinesiology (Saint Mary's College of California). He has had research published in the Journal of Sport Sciences, and has presented at Bay-Area Sport Psychology Conferences, JFK University and the Saint Mary's College Graduate Kinesiology Colloquium.

Sapsford has taught applied sport psychology concepts to athletes at Stanford University, Saint Mary's College (basketball and volleyball), and Menlo College. He currently teaches student-athletes at the Pleasanton Rage Soccer Club with applied sport psychology techniques as well as heading their Coach Education program.

This is what others have said...

Former NFL player Brent Jones (San Francisco 49ers, and father of a UNC athlete):
"Paul Sapsford played a pivotal role in my daughter's decision to represent the University of North Carolina. He coached her during the critical sophomore to senior years, and in that time provided her technical skills and tactical information to succeed at the college level. Paul's contacts at the college level are second to none, and his opinion is highly regarded. He has my highest recommendation".

Randy Williams (CEO Keiretsu, and father of a UCLA athlete):
“Paul has established a trustworthy relationship with college coaches having been a Division 1 Head Coach for several years. He was able to communicate with UCLA in a professional and sincere manner regarding our daughter's ability to play at the elite D1 level. His guidance and advice were indispensable”.

Mike Wilson (former Stanford University midfielder and full New Zealand National team):
"Sapsford is held in high regard by the coaches at Stanford University as well as other major Universities. This is as a result of the quality of his technical and tactical coaching sessions and understanding of the psychological aspects of the game".

Gary Bansor (2007 Cal-Pac First Team, HNU Defender):
"Sapsford's technical and tactical understanding of the game is phenomenal. His coaching sessions not only improved my defensive technique, but also my distribution skills and understanding of zonal defending concepts".