The Dayton Dutch Lions FC are happy to announce Patrick Bal as the new head coach for the 2015 PDL season. Bal, who served in the same position in 2013, replaces Sid van Druenen, who has left the team due to family circumstances. The club would like to thank Sid van Druenen for his contributions to the Dutch Lions family.
Patrick Bal will serve as head coach of the Dayton Dutch Lions PDL team while also serving as technical director for the Dutch Lions Youth Academy in Dayton. Following the announcement Bal was excited to take on his new position.
“I’m very excited to return to the Dayton Dutch Lions FC. After reaching the playoffs in 2013 in the USL PRO, it is my objective to reach the playoffs again this year in the PDL. The combination between Head Coach and Technical Director is a fantastic opportunity to play a big role in the overall development of the club. I’m very thankful to the club for the chance return to DDL and I can’t wait to get started and give the fans a great season with a lot of exciting games!”
Dutch Lions CEO Mike Mossel was also very excited to bring Bal back on board.
“First of all I like to thank Sid for his tremendous effort he has put in DDL the last three years and it is very unfortunate that he had to leave to Portugal for family circumstances. I also believe we could not have found a better replacement in Patrick Bal. I am very pleased that he is coming back to Dayton. We had a very successful year together in USL PRO in 2013 and I believe he will lead the team to another great performance this year. More than just being a good coach, Patrick is also aware of the importance of the Youth Academy in our club. I know his knowledge, energy, enthusiasm and leadership will help our club as a whole to a higher level.”
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC will compete in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference. Regular season games will start on May 21st with a home game against Forest City London. Kickoff is set at 7:30 pm at the DOC Stadium in West Carrollton.
