Anthony Vassallo is a National B licensed coach who brings experience working for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. CC: Fanshawe Athletics
A team is only as good as their weakest link. Fanshawe’s women’s soccer team has bolstered their touchline with a new head coach. Anthony Vassallo, a former professional soccer player was unveiled as the new head coach for the team, Vassallo has experience with coaching under the Whitecaps Developmental system here in London as Assistant Technical Director. With having played in the Maltese Premier League and winning it, along with playing for the Maltese National Team for the U21 squad, Vassallo brings first team experience that he hopes will earn another OCAA title.
When it comes to being a student-athlete, Vassallo knows all too well about that. “The fact that I have been a student athlete, and I have played at a high level previously, so I thought it was just something new and I’m excited to be part of such a great program here. And when the opportunity came up, I couldn’t say no and I definitely want to pass on some things I’ve learned from my experience.” Vassallo played at Jamestown College where he was named Player of the Year in 2007.
Being in the Whitecaps system, Vassallo comes with plenty of skills to advance this Fanshawe team. “With my licensing and my experience working with adults and on the female side, we’ll definitely be able to help hopefully improve or continue the success more so of this program.” Vassallo holds a National B soccer license and has had great success as a coach for the Whitecaps.
With tryouts for the indoor season weeks away, being technical with the ball isn’t the only thing that is going to help players make the team. “When you come into a team sport, it’s a team. But every individual is different. Ultimately, at the end of the day I just want to see players that want to be there that are committed and work hard. And that you know, having good character is really the biggest thing.” Vassallo hopes to create a family dynamic throughout the team for this upcoming season.
For the full interview, listen here.
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