Cape Coral, March 29- Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC is happy to announce that Davy Hendriks is the new assistant coach of our Women's Team. Davy joined the FGCDL FC in October 2016 and is Academy Director of our FGCDL FC Youth Academy. We had an interview with Davy to see what he thinks of our Women's Team.
FGCDL FC: For the people that don't know, can you introduce yourself?
My name is Davy Hendriks, I am 30 years old and born and raised in Arnhem in the Netherlands. Unfortunately I was forced to stop playing soccer because of a serious ankle injury. I started coaching Youth teams since I was 15 years old and after my ankle injury I became a fulltime soccer coach. I have my UEFA C and B licenses and have the ambition to get my UEFA A license.
FGCDL FC: What was your role last year during the Women's Team season?
Last season I was on the stands, taking care of the fan base during the games. Hyping people up and make sure that there was a great atmosphere with flags, smoke and a lot of noise. Besides that I took care of the tailgating before/after the games.
FGCDL FC: How did you experienced the Women's Team last season and why did you accept this role?
I experienced the Women's Team last season as something special. It's totally different than what we're used to with our Youth Academy, so it's a great addition to the club. Besides that it's an opportunity for girls in this area to play at a high level and show their quality's. For the community it's good to see that things like this happen in this region, because there is a lot of quality in and around Cape Coral/Ft. Myers.
I accepted my role as assistant coach this year, because I can do what I love and that's being on the field working and developing players. It's nice to see some games from the side, but it feels way better to be on the field working and preparing towards the games the girls are going to play.
FGCDL FC: What soccer experience and expertise do you bring to the team?
As I said, I played soccer since I was 6 years old and I have always played at a high level. I also played in Thailand and pro club AGOVV Apeldoorn (1st Division) in The Netherlands. Playing for those clubs was a great experience and a place where I could develop myself as a player and as a person. As a soccer coach, I trained different age categories. Based on my own experiences and knowledge I hope that I can help the players to development individual, but also as a team.
FGCDL FC: What are your expectations for the coming year?
I'll start the season without any expectations, like I always did and will do. This because you can set your goals if you have the full team together. Of course we will play to win, so we can reach the play offs, but it has to be realistic as well. So far I think that the club signed good quality players what will help to perform on the field. However based on what I saw last year and the additional girls we have this year I'm convinced that we're going to make it a great and spectacular season.
Head Coach Vincent de Weger is delighted that Davy is in his staff: "Davy is an experienced coach with the same philosophy as me. He is strict, but at the same time a role model for the players. I like that. The last 1.5 years we worked together a lot and with success. I look forward to build this team and have success with the team and my staff. We all hope to see you June 2nd."
Do you want to play in our Women's Team? Register now for our try-outs by clicking here.
