UNITED FC WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: PAUL THOMAS

United FC is thrilled to announce its new Executive Director, Paul Thomas, who will lead the Club during the new exciting opportunities in the coming years. 

Paul will be responsible for guiding the current coaching staff to further challenge themselves, implementing enhanced training methods, updating our club curriculum, and advising on league selection for our teams to maximize the potential of each and every player. 

Co-Founder of the club Ian Fairbrother had this to say about the appointment:  

“We are all very excited with the appointment of Paul, his talent and experience is second to none in the coaching community. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we could not wish for a better person to lead us into the next soccer chapter of our club.” 

Fellow Co-Founder Andy Chapman added: 

“We are very fortunate to have such a talented coach leading our club, but more importantly Paul is a top guy, who cares deeply about further developing both our players and coaches that make up United FC Michigan.”

Paul on his appointment:

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided to work with United FC.  I have know Ian and Andy for a long time, and always respected how they have built the club since its inception in 1997.  When given the opportunity to work with them, the current staff and the families, I jumped at the chance.  I am looking forward to getting started and helping build on the programming currently in place, in order to enhance our players experiences, both on and off the field.”

About Paul

Paul moved to the US in 2000 from Manchester, England. While in England, he played for a number of youth teams, representing the Manchester Football Association as well as Manchester Schools Football Association.  After his youth career Paul played semi-professionally for Curzen Ashton, Backup Borough & Witton Albion. During this time Paul also played three years at Staffordshire University while earning a Sport Science & Management Degree at Staffordshire University.

Since moving to the US Paul has served in coaching roles at the youth (MLS Next, ECNL & National League member clubs), collegiate (NAIA, D3, D2 & D1) and PDL (USL 2) levels.  Prior to joining United FC Michigan Paul worked as the Director of Coaching at Michigan Wolves, at the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association and as an assistant coach at the Michigan Bucks, before becoming the head coach in 2018.  While at the Bucks, they won two PDL national championships and two USA National Amateur Champions.

Paul also works part-time as MSYSA's Director of Coaching Education and an adjunct educator for US Soccers on their National Coaching License program (B & C levels).

He holds a US Soccer 'A’ License, US Youth Soccer 'National Youth’ License and Grassroots Instructor License. Additionally, Paul holds United Soccer Coaches 'Premier' and 'Director of Coaching' Diploma.

Paul currently resides in Beverly Hills with his wife Sarah and two sons Ethan and Cameron.