The Dutch Lions have been a Miami Valley mainstay since 2009, the women’s team since 2011. The men’s team, which competes in the USL Premier Development League, played in the USL Professional division (USL PRO) from 2011-14.
Dayton has been a steppingstone for several players including goalkeeper Chris Froschauer, who was selected in the MLS Superdraft by the Colorado Rapids last year, and midfielder Sebastian Thuriere, who was selected for the Haitian National Team in 2014.
What’s on tap for the 2016 Dayton Dutch Lions? General manager Koen Driessen and head coach Sid van Druenen weigh in.
Q: What can fans expect from the Dayton Dutch Lions this season?
Driessen: It's our goal to entertain the fans and try to combine that with getting positive results. We want to play an attractive style of soccer with a lot of possession, high pressure and, hopefully, a lot of goals. It's our philosophy to get numbers in attack and play to win at all times and against all opponents.
Q: What is different about the team this year?
van Druenen: Our roster consists of players who are starters for their college or current club teams, achieved success during the fall season and are looking to play and compete at a high level with the goal of moving on to play professional soccer. We believe that having young players on the roster who are eager to achieve their goals will be the basis for a successful season. The combination of European players who played professionally in combination with local talent will be a fantastic mix.
Q: How would you describe the level of play?
van Druenen: Comparable to the top Division 1 college programs. Our roster is very competitive and we will be facing the 2015 and 2016 national champions in home and away games.
Q: How is the Dutch Lions program different than other soccer programs/teams?
van Druenen: Our main goal is the development of the players. We want to provide them with the opportunity to train, play and develop in an extremely competitive and professional environment. With a full-time coaching and support staff, great facilities and the relationships we have with clubs like FC Twente (Europe), Columbus Crew (MLS) and FC Cincinnati (USL PRO), we believe we are able to provide the best opportunity to our players.
Q: If young players want to get involved, what is the best way?
van Druenen: With our academy, camps, clinics and school visits we offer several opportunities. We also try to involve young players as much as possible at the men's and women's games. We will be offering a special PDL and WPSL camp in July. This camp will be held at our facilities and run by our players. This is a great opportunity for young players to spend a few fun hours with players we hope become their role models.
For more information about the Dayton Dutch Lions, including youth programs and tickets, visit www.ddlfc.com. Or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter.
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