Get to know Paul Kontonis, coach of the Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club U9 Boys, NY Pancyprian Freedoms II and the EPSC Director of Club Development.

What do your players describe you as a coach?

My players would say that I can be tough and fun at the same time. I value discipline, hard work and intensity from my players. When you train hard, you can have way more joy in your soccer. 

What is the first team you ever coached?

The first team I ever coached was a BW Gottschee U8 Boys “E”-team in 2010 made up of 5-7 years olds. It was a blast. We had a great season and laughed a lot. Watching those kids grow into soccer players has been incredible. I am still in touch with many of the players today. You can watch a video series made by Major League Soccer and Puma about that team here.

What are you looking forward to for the 2021/2022 season

For me it’s all about being at a new club, with new teams, and new players for me to get to know. This is all very exciting. You can expect that our team will always be organized and build our soccer with each season. We will put in the work and we will expect to see the results on the field.