Shield believes that the culture of a club runs from the top down. For this reason, we have assembled a first rate coaching team that exemplifies quality and excellence in all they do.
Our Program Directors
Director Of Coaching
Nathan Watt
Nationality : English
Background - Shield's longest serving coach has a wealth of playing & coaching experience from; England, US & Australia. A current Asheville City Player. Nathan has coached across every Shield team & is proud to be able to name every player in the club!
Alma Mater - Lees McRae College (NCAA D2)
Director Of Development
Stuart Jacob
Nationality : English
Background - UEFA licensed coach and former 9 year Crystal Palace FC Academy Coach. Also is currently Asheville city academy coach
Competitive Team Coaches
Bas Pouls
Nationality : Dutch
Background - A four year starter for Montreat Men's Soccer and graduate. Coach Bas has worked with mulitple Shield teams as well as next gen program.
Rafael Dinca
Nationality : Portugese
Background - Recent Montreat Men's Soccer captain and graduate. Coach Dinca joined our staff in 2020 as an intern before progressing to become a regular Shield Coach.
Travis Dixon
Nationality : American
Background - Played collegiately as goal keeper as well as some experience playing internationally for Virgin Islands. Majority of coaching experience coming from time spent in VI.
George Tasedan
Nationality : Romanian
Background - Holds a USSF A License and is a former director of coaching at twin city soccer club. Having played his entire life, coach also has over 30 years worth of coaching experience.
Next Gen Team Coaches
Ethan Kavanaragh
Nationality : American
Background - Played collegiately as goal keeper as well as some experience within the professional and international level.
Myles Edmondson
Nationality : English
Background - Played at high academy & youth professional levels in England before moving to UNCA mens soccer team. Myles is keen to gain more coaching licences while working with in Next gen.
Taylor Gardner
Nationality : American
Background - Current UNCA Women's soccer star. Alongside her studies and personal development, works with our Next Gen players
Goal Keeper Coach
Dano Holcomb
Nationality : American
Background - Former collegiate player at UNCA. After graduating, has spent 14 years within D1 Soccer coaching & 19 years within youth coaching at club & ODP level. Holds USSF C License & NSCAA GK Diploma
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