A football coach from Kidderminster has just landed his dream job working for Liverpool FC.
Craig Roberts, aged 52, was recently appointed as Head Technical Director of the Liverpool FC Academy in Washington State, USA.
Roberts, who previously played for Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City Youth, has called the opportunity a "dream come true" after years of success coaching women's football teams across the US and beyond.
He said: "I've been a lifelong follower of Liverpool so when I saw the position advertised, I thought why not take the chance and see what happens.
"After two interviews, they said I was the ideal fit for their academy over in Washington State.
"To be affiliated with my favourite football team is a dream come true. I am ecstatic and can't wait to start such an incredible opportunity. It means so much to be recognised for the success I've had in my coaching career."
Roberts' career started in 1992 when he left his hometown of Kidderminster to study and play football at Park University in Missouri.
After graduating, he served as one of the most successful women's football coaches at the NCAA l level in the USA working in states including California, Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana, Louisiana and Illinois before becoming the National Team Coach for Haiti's Under-17 women.
He first met the team after scouting a game between Haiti and Australia when he was asked by the National Team Head Coach, Shek Borkowski, to come down and meet the players.
Roberts said: "I immediately built a great rapport with the girls, so when I was asked to join the program full-time, there was never a question in my mind.
"One of the highlights was discovering Melchie Dumornay at the age of 13 when she went into the national team.
"She had such a unique ability. She is such a special player who is so professional and has seen huge success at the recent 2023 Women's World Cup."
Alongside working with multiple female football stars including Nerilia Modesir and Shea Groom and being involved in two World Cups, Mr Roberts later worked in the Puerto Rico national team alongside Borkowski.
In 2019, he was appointed Head Coach of Puerto Rico Sol a professional men’s team based in Mayaguez Puerto Rico.
His time there was cut short due to Covid, but in the years since, Roberts coached at Grambling State University.
He said: "I really embraced the culture of the university and we managed to reach back-to-back championship finals. In typical English style, we lost on penalties both times, but it was fantastic working with the players.
"That is what football is all about. As a coach, it isn't just about playing, it's about nurturing talent and supporting the players as individuals.
"I've had a fantastic career and it has been a privilege to watch players develop and have successful international careers within the highest standards of football. To see the women's game grow in particular has been hugely important to me."
Roberts started his new position at the Liverpool FC Academy on January 18 and said despite the success, he has not forgotten his hometown.
He said: "My dad sadly passed away last year, but he had a very impressive football career playing for Wolves and Wales. He introduced me to the game and everything I do is to make him proud. He is my motivation.
"When I come back to Kidderminster, I always get people saying 'well done you got out of this place', but it's the people of this town who make you who you are. They gave me the foundation to move on and be successful.
"It might not be the most financially stable area, but the people are the salt of the earth. It's a great community and it means a lot to me."
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