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Strikers name Bob Jenkins Director of Coaching and Player Development

30 Apr, 2008

As of June 1, 2008, the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club will have a new Director of Coaching and Player Development. Bob Jenkins, who has been a member of  the U.S. Soccer’s National Teams’ coaching staff since 1999, has accepted the position with the Strikers and will be moving to Richmond with his wife and two sons in June to head up all player and coaching education, training, and club-wide player development including the Richmond Strikers Travel programs. Jenkins will take the Director of Coaching reins from Carlos Martinoli, who has acted as the club’s Director of Coaching for the past 13 years. Martinoli will remain with the Richmond Strikers in a senior capacity.
 
“The Strikers couldn’t be more thrilled about Bob’s decision to join our organization,” said Scott Turner, Executive Director for the Richmond Strikers. “Bob has served in numerous roles both as a college coach at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA and at American University outside of Washington DC, as well as head coach of the US’s U18 National Team. Bob also acted as head of the US Soccer’s coaching education and youth development and has developed the manual used across the country as a reference for best practices for soccer education and training.  Bob’s experience at all levels of soccer from the recreation level on up to the National Team level gives him a unique perspective on the sport and a level of coaching and experience that  will benefit Striker players, coaches and Richmond’s soccer community as a whole” said Turner.

“The Strikers are consistently on the path of improvement and growth and have earned the reputation as one of the top youth soccer clubs in the United States” said Bob Jenkins, new Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Strikers “The club’s first-class soccer complex at Striker Park and the new Markel Fields at West Creek give the club the ability to create programs, run tournaments and offer a superior soccer experience to the youth of Richmond, as well as to those players from across the nation who attend the Striker’s tournaments. I am looking forward to returning to Virginia where my wife and I have spent many happy years and to building on the strong foundation the Strikers have created over the past 30 years,” stated Jenkins.-more-

The Strikers plan to welcome Jenkins with a reception at Striker Park where players and coaches can meet him and his family. He will assume his new position on June 1, 2008.

About Bob Jenkins:
A member of U.S. Soccer’s National coaching staff since 1999, Jenkins began as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team. In 2002, he became a National Staff Coach (Region I), and in 2004 he was named head coach of the Under-18 MNT.

In early 2005, Bob Jenkins was named U.S. Soccer’s Director of Coaching Education and Youth Development. As the Director of Coaching Education and Youth Development, Jenkins is charged with creating a consistent philosophy in National Education Programs and communicating player development concepts and positions.

Jenkins is responsible for the oversight of U.S. Soccer’s coaching curriculum and guides all aspects of coaching education, as well as overseeing National Staff Coaches on technical matters. He also served a key role in the creation of U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy.

Before coming to U.S. Soccer, Jenkins served as the head coach at American University from 1992-1999, helping the Eagles become a force in the Patriot League. In 1997, Jenkins led the Eagles to a No. 5 national ranking and the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship.

Jenkins was also an assistant at Virginia from 1989-1991 with former U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bruce Arena.  Bob was a four-year starter from 1980-1984 at Duke University.  He currently lives with his wife, Cindy, and their two children, Zach and Liam in Vermont.

About the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club:
The Richmond Strikers Soccer Club is a 501 C(3) non-profit corporation. The Strikers offer two levels of soccer, Recreation and Travel. Over 2,700 soccer players ranging from five through 18 years of age play in the Strikers’ recreation teams during the fall and spring seasons. The Strikers Travel program consists of over 700 players who compete in Premier Tournaments nationwide and have won 27 State Cups Championships in its 30 year history. Many players have moved into the collegiate ranks to play soccer. The Richmond Strikers carry the high honor of being named one of 40 NIKE Premier Soccer Clubs. The Strikers also run a summer adult soccer program, as well as youth soccer camps.

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