(RDC Athletics)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Collaborative Approach

RDC implements new coaching model for soccer program

May 19, 2020 | 5:11 PM

Red Deer College Athletics has decided to assemble one leadership group to guide both the Kings and Queens Soccer teams into the future.

While the search began to replace the vacant Queens Head Coach position left by Esad Elkaz, RDC Athletics made the decision to not directly fill the position, but utilize the services of a consistent, broader team of talented soccer personnel to guide the squads.

“The vacancy was an opportunity for us to evaluate our soccer program’s coaching structure,” says Diane St-Denis, RDC Athletic Director, in a release. “This new model will provide enhanced support for both teams while creating an improved balance of workload for our coaches.”

Mahziar Peyrow, who’s been a Kings assistant coach, will move into a GM/Head Coach role of the entire Red Deer College Soccer program. Last season’s Kings assistant coach Gerald Grobmeier will also be a head coach and the duo will collaborate on the leadership duties of both teams.

With RDC Soccer assistant coaching experience, Stephen Kelly and Jessie Stewart are anticipated to be integral contributors, along with members from the 2019 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) silver medal winning Kings team, and others from the central Alberta soccer community.

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Among several benefits, this structure is hoped to provide the ability for one coaching specialist to be assigned to a specific technical aspect of the game.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with a dedicated group of coaches, soccer leaders and student-athletes as we continue to grow the Red Deer College Soccer program,” says Peyrow, RDC Soccer GM/Head Coach.

“Using the expanded expertise within our coaching model, we will provide our student-athletes with the necessary tools to evolve in their studies, training and during competition. The development of the program will also be assisted by the Kings’ valuable insight and experience from last year’s trip to the national championship.”

The strong coaching corps, which is familiar with the College and its current teams, is expected to be extremely beneficial to the program especially during the uncertainty of the upcoming soccer season due to COVID-19.

The RDC Kings (7-3-2) had a remarkable 2019 season, downing the SAIT Trojans (10-1-1) in the ACAC semi-finals and eventually capturing silver. The Kings made team history by earning a berth in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Soccer National Championship at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario.

Despite being decimated by injuries, the team showed a lot of heart, picking up a win and placing sixth in the nation. The Kings finished as the top team from the ACAC.

The Queens missed the postseason last year as injuries mounted. In 2018, the RDC Queens (8-2-2) impressively placed second in the south.