Community Trust Staffing Update  

Dundee United Community Trust (DUCT) is delighted to welcome Paul Wilson as their new Community Coaching Manager.  Paul has vast coaching experience and played a vital part in the award-winning “Warriors in the Community” programme delivered in his nine years with Stenhousemuir FC.  During his time there, Paul played a huge part in developing a strong walking football programme as well as leading on delivery and organisation of the “Mini Maroons” programme for pre-school children. 

Head of Operations, Jamie Kirk, said: “I’m thrilled to have someone of Paul’s calibre join the team.  Paul has amassed almost a decade of experience in Community Football and is an excellent coach, which will be of huge benefit as we look to increase our presence in delivering football projects in and around Dundee.  It also takes our full-time team to four, and I can’t wait to see what the team can achieve in the coming weeks and months.” 

David Dorward, Chairman of Dundee United Community Trust, added: "Paul's appointment is fabulous. I am excited to see the impact he will have on the growth of our football coaching programmes. The Junior Academy will be an area Paul will work within, and this project will see young people start the pathway that, for some, will end in the first team dressing room".

Paul Wilson said,  “I am looking forward to taking on the role of Community Coaching Manager.  The opportunity to improve the community football programme is stimulating.  I cannot wait to get started and create high-quality opportunities for those living in Dundee and the surrounding areas. 

"Using football, we have an excellent platform to positively impact people’s quality of living and provide a programme everyone in Dundee can be proud of.” 

Pauls’ new role will see him manage all of our football coaching programmes, with specific emphasis on leading our new Junior Academy programme – which has already attracted significant interest.  The new Academy provides football for all, as DUCT always have, but now has the additional benefit of a clear pathway to the youth academy within Dundee United FC for those that show the required potential.  There’s a strong desire to work with local grassroots clubs too, and DUCT are confident of finding ways to work together to make sure everyone has the chance to contribute to growing the game. 

Part of the staff changes also sees Michael Malone take up the role of Project Manager for Health, Education and Inclusion projects.  Michael has worked hard since joining in July last year and will now take on the additional responsibility of managing the project focused parts of the Trusts’ work – such as DUCT's growing and reputable education programmes.   

Making up the full-time team of four is Ross Corstorphine who is DUCT's full-time coach, delivering coaching sessions in Primary Schools across Dundee as well as the Tiny Tangerines and soon to be the new Junior Academy.

Jamie added “We are delighted with the quality of full-time staff we have at the Trust but are also grateful for the support provided by our team of part-time coaches and volunteers.  We are working hard to build something special for the people in and around Dundee and importantly, we are keen to play our part in working with the Club to drive forward the “United Way”.