At Ohio Premier, we are proud to celebrate a significant milestone in our commitment to youth development. Eric Dutt, our Boys Formation Director and U16 ECNL Head Coach, recently earned the prestigious Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). This achievement reflects our dedication to coaching excellence and the growth of our players.
“The EFCL is an educational experience like no other. This 18-month journey provided valuable insight into the characteristics of youth development at one of the best federations for producing world class talent. I am grateful for the leadership of Fred Lipka and the feedback provided by Jean-Claude Giuntini and Jose Alcocer. I look forward to working with OP staff and players to continue to improve the training environment in order to ultimately help players achieve their goals.”
— Eric Dutt, U16+ Boys Formation Director of Ohio Premier Soccer
The EFCL, developed in partnership with the French Football Federation, is a rigorous 18-month program designed to enhance coaching skills and youth development across North America. Eric’s journey through this course involved comprehensive training that included intensive fieldwork, classroom instruction, and valuable experiences with top European clubs. His commitment culminated in a week of training at the renowned Clairefontaine national training facility in France, where he gained unique insight that will directly benefit our players.
Eric’s achievement is a testament to our focus on providing quality coaching for our athletes. The knowledge he has acquired will help enrich our training programs and foster an environment where every player can thrive. We believe that strong coaching is essential for nurturing talent, and Eric’s expertise will enhance the development of our teams.
Furthermore, Eric joins Ohio Premier’s Sporting Director, Gus Teren, who also holds the prestigious Elite Formation Coaching License. Together, they exemplify our commitment to continuous improvement in coaching practices. Notable alumni from the EFCL include MLS head coaches including Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew), Greg Vanney (LA Galaxy), Nico Estevez (Austin FC) and Luchi Gonzalez (formerly FC Dallas & SJ Earthquakes). This track record underscores the importance of investing in professional development for our coaches, ultimately benefiting the young athletes we serve.
For families considering their options in youth soccer, we invite you to explore what Ohio Premier has to offer. With coaches like Eric among our ranks, we aim to provide a supportive environment focused on player development.
Join us in congratulating Eric Dutt on his remarkable accomplishment. His dedication to coaching will undoubtedly help shape the future of soccer for our young athletes at Ohio Premier.