Mark Savvides and Ben Russell named Coaches for OSC new Women's Team
OAKLAND, California - Oakland Soccer Club (est. 1974) announces that Mark Savvides and Ben Russell have been named as official coaches for the Club’s brand-new Women’s Team. Oakland Soccer Club is thrilled to onboard these two talented and dedicated coaches, and looks forward to their contributions in building a skilled and community-based playing experience for our Oakland women.
Mark Savvides joins Oakland Soccer Club as the Head Coach of the Women’s Team, leading the side with his extensive experience coaching women athletes from his time with Crystal Palace U16 Ladies, Oakland Technical High School, Southampton Solent University, and as the technical director for Montclair Soccer Club. His coaching qualifications with U.S. Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches, in addition to his educational background in football studies and talent scouting, will undoubtedly improve the Team’s development and quality of play.
Ben Russell joins Oakland Soccer Club as the Assistant Coach of the Women’s Team, supporting our performance objectives with a Master’s Degree in Football Performance and coaching qualifications with U.S. Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches. His work with UC Berkeley Women’s Club squad, educational background in football studies, and prior roles coaching in multiple Premier League Academies will further help improve the play of our Women’s Team athletes.
“Oakland Soccer Club has always maintained its grassroots commitment to the Oakland community,” says OSC Board Member Illiana Rivera Ramos. “With the addition of a women’s competitive adult team, we are cementing our intent to provide opportunities to the families we serve. It’s exhilarating to open up the door to all our women and young girls as they aspire to pursue semi and professional level soccer!”
OSC’s President Edward Stephen adds, “Mark and Ben have been coaching in the East Bay for years, and I know they’re eager to be involved. The quality of our coaching and training is integral to the overall success of our Club’s new Women’s Team, and we know the level and experience that they bring will absolutely improve our ability to produce a high quality, impactful team. We’re excited to have them as a part of this new venture.”
Both Mark and Ben are excited to build a competitive, high-performance team that has a supportive, positive culture and a winning spirit. Their passion and intent to expand the quality of coaching will help our women athletes develop to their highest potential, and will contribute to an inclusive and empowering environment at Oakland Soccer Club. We are excited to have them and look forward to their work. Tryouts for the Women’s Team are in December - sign up here!
Mark Savvides joins Oakland Soccer Club as the Head Coach of the Women’s Team, leading the side with his extensive experience coaching women athletes from his time with Crystal Palace U16 Ladies, Oakland Technical High School, Southampton Solent University, and as the technical director for Montclair Soccer Club. His coaching qualifications with U.S. Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches, in addition to his educational background in football studies and talent scouting, will undoubtedly improve the Team’s development and quality of play.
Ben Russell joins Oakland Soccer Club as the Assistant Coach of the Women’s Team, supporting our performance objectives with a Master’s Degree in Football Performance and coaching qualifications with U.S. Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches. His work with UC Berkeley Women’s Club squad, educational background in football studies, and prior roles coaching in multiple Premier League Academies will further help improve the play of our Women’s Team athletes.
“Oakland Soccer Club has always maintained its grassroots commitment to the Oakland community,” says OSC Board Member Illiana Rivera Ramos. “With the addition of a women’s competitive adult team, we are cementing our intent to provide opportunities to the families we serve. It’s exhilarating to open up the door to all our women and young girls as they aspire to pursue semi and professional level soccer!”
OSC’s President Edward Stephen adds, “Mark and Ben have been coaching in the East Bay for years, and I know they’re eager to be involved. The quality of our coaching and training is integral to the overall success of our Club’s new Women’s Team, and we know the level and experience that they bring will absolutely improve our ability to produce a high quality, impactful team. We’re excited to have them as a part of this new venture.”
Both Mark and Ben are excited to build a competitive, high-performance team that has a supportive, positive culture and a winning spirit. Their passion and intent to expand the quality of coaching will help our women athletes develop to their highest potential, and will contribute to an inclusive and empowering environment at Oakland Soccer Club. We are excited to have them and look forward to their work. Tryouts for the Women’s Team are in December - sign up here!
About Oakland Soccer Club: Since 1974 Oakland Soccer Club has provided affordable, high-quality opportunities for underserved youth in Oakland to develop skills for soccer, school, and life. Our goal is to remove the pay-to-play barriers restricting the youth of Oakland from participation in soccer and developing to their highest level.
Check out our website at www.oaklandsoccer.org and give us a follow on social media to see more club announcements including ways you can get involved as a player, coach, or volunteer.
Check out our website at www.oaklandsoccer.org and give us a follow on social media to see more club announcements including ways you can get involved as a player, coach, or volunteer.