The perfect team of experienced coaches who love teaching the game and let the game be the teacher

Stuart Smith, Owner and Director

Stuart graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2001 and moved to the US to pursue a career in professional coaching. He was the Girls JV Coach at Greenwich High School from 2002 to 2011, King Girls Varsity coach in 2013 and now current Head Coach at Sacred Heart. In 2014 he coached NYSC Girls team to win the coveted EDP 1st Division, NY State Cup and achieve the #1 national ranking for U14 Girls.  He is also the Director of Coaching for the Greenwich Soccer Association and Girls Youth Director at New York Soccer Club. Stuart holds coaching qualifications with the NSCAA (Premier Diploma) and the National Goalkeeping Diploma, USSF and English FA. Stu is a lifelong Norwich City FC fan and lives by the motto "Football is a simple game, so keep it simple so the players can understand it".

Kurt Putnam, Owner and Director

Kurt graduated from Loughborough University in 1994 and moved to the US in 1998 to pursue a career in coaching and teaching (he is the current Director of Athletics at Whitby School in Greenwich). Since 2001 Kurt has been the Greenwich High School Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, winning 5 FCIAC Championships in 2005, 2007, 2013, 2016 and 2017 with 3 Runners-Up in 2008, 2009 and 2014. He was FCIAC Coach of the Year 2005, 2007 and 2013 with FCIAC Tournament Qualification 17 of 19 years. As Head Coach he has the highest winning percentage in FCIAC Conference over the past decade, with 22 All-State players, 3 All New England and 1 All American. Kurt has been the Greenwich United Coaching Director since its inception in 2004, merging both OGRCC and GSA programs at the older age groups. Kurt played soccer at West Ham United Academy of the EPL, Southend United U17's (English D1) and at Loughborough University. English FA, NSCAA and USSF licensed coach and lifelong Arsenal FC fan. Kurt lives by the motto "You only get out of the game from what you put in, so make every moment count".

Alan Marsh, Kickers Director

Alan joined Cardinal Soccer Camps in 2008, when he joined Greenwich United as a staff coach, having spent the previous 7 years with Coerver, Everton America and Eastern FC. Alan boasts England Schoolboy's U18 experience, was captain of the South West England U19's and played semi-professional in Dorset, England. Alan holds USSF and English FA coaching licenses and is the current GSA Kicker's and Academy Director, growing the program in 5 years to 200+ players. Alan exudes the energy, fun and simplicity in the game that has made his role in the program so successful. Both Stuart and Kurt have their children playing soccer under the guidance and tutelage of Alan. Alan is a lifelong Nottingham Forest fan and his gift to the game is "make it fun and let the game teach the kids, that way they'll stay with it".

Simon Rumbold, Senior Coach

Simon joined Cardinal Soccer Camps in 2013, having just completed a degree at Notre Dame College where he played for 4 years and was NIAA National Champion. A former Swindon Town professional trainee and reserve team player, Simon brings a great deal of playing experience to GSA and Greenwich United where he coaches. Simon has completed several USSF courses up to the C License and his enthusiastic pursuit of learning and improving himself helped him being named the Greenwich High School's Girls Varsity Head Coach in 2017. Simon has also coached Men's soccer coach at Yeshiva University in New York and is presently building the Munay Soccer Program in Ossining, NY. Simon is a lifelong Swindon Town FC fan. 

Brittany Papaj - Camp Coach

Brittany was a former player at the Nationally ranked CFC Arsenal team. Currently completing her Masters Degree in Education at Sacred Heart, Brittany was the first female coach at GSA last year. Brittany is a 4th grade teacher at Whitby School in Greenwich.

Dave Kurzweil - Goal-Keeper Coach

A self-confessed learner of the game, Dave is a goal-keeper coach at New York SC. Dave's enthusiasm and energy are infectious to those around him and he takes the role of keeper coach very serious. You will often hear Dave say to his keepers "If we get it wrong, no one comes to our rescue, so let's get it right". 

Jack Booth - Camp Coach

Jack is spending his 5th year in the USA having left Derby County FC from the English Championship League, where he was the U18 captain and a regular reserve team player when they were in the EPL. A winner of the English National Youth Cup with Liverpool City FC in 2006. Jack has his FA Level 2 Coaching License and a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Science. He now works with the GSA Academy, Kickers and Travel programs and brings a great deal of energy, enthusiasm and love for the game. A native of Liverpool, England, Jack is a life-long Evertonian.