Queen’s Park FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Nuijten (29) as the club’s new Head of Youth & Pro Program. Nuijten, born in Geldrop in The Netherlands, will lead the clubs Youth & Pro Program, which includes the U15’s up to and including Young Queen’s Park
Previously Nuijten worked as an Academy coach and was a leading figure in the methodology of Willem II, the Dutch Academy where Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong were academy players. During this period, he also crossed paths with Javier Rabanal, a Spanish expert in tactical periodisation. In recent seasons Paul has been the very successful Head Coach of Willem II U18.
Beuker: ‘Right candidate with experience’
“We are busy shaping the football organization within Queen’s Park, so we can further develop the academy and implement the modern vision on football and training methodology. One of the crucial roles is that of the Head of Youth & Pro Program. The years in the Youth & Pro program are important for the further development within a player’s long-term pathway. The full focus is on game understanding and recognising space and time. Player’s must learn to play the principles of modern Queen’s Park football in and against every possible formation or play style.
“In the last months I have been looking for a candidate who has this specific skillset and a lot of experience in the European football culture. In Paul we have found the right candidate.”
Nuijten: ‘Help reach a higher level everyday’
“The possibilities that the club has are fantastic and in the meetings I had with Marijn I understood that the club is working with a clear and inspiring vision and methodology for both the first team and the academy. Knowing the history of the club, it’s a huge honour that the club is giving me this responsibility and I am looking forward to this new step in my career. The players and coaches have already made me feel very welcome.”
Beuker: ‘Highly regarded expert in game intelligence’
“Paul is a real expert in developing game understanding in players. I am very excited to welcome him to further build this fantastic project. He has worked with a lot of different coaches and knows what it takes to work in an elite environment. With the appointment of Thomas Ruensink as Head of Children’s Program and Tommy McIntyre as the Head of Academy Coaching earlier, there’s a good mixture of quality to help me translate the Program to the pitch. I am convinced we can keep helping our players develop on multiple areas and prepare them for the long term plan; play productive football in the highest European level.”