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Director of Coaching - Digger Hawkins

David 'Digger' Hawkins

Director of Coaching

Phone: 402-890-3599

DIGGER HAWKINS BIO

Soccer has always been in Digger Hawkins' blood as his Great Uncle Reg Flewin was the last Portsmouth Captain in 1950 to hold the English Championship aloft. Digger followed in his Uncles footsteps by playing professionally for his hometown club Portsmouth who play in the English Premier League (EPL), unfortunately a stress fracture to the back ended his career prematurely. Digger played for a professional club since the age of 9 starting at Coventry City who at the time were in the EPL, but now play in the Championship in England. Digger left Coventry City at the age of 11 and a couple of days later moved to Portsmouth.

Digger signed a Youth Training Scheme and professional contract when he was 13 becoming at the youngest ever player to do so. Digger progressed through the youth ranks, to the reserve team and into the first team before suffering a stress fracture to his back.

With 6 months of his contract Digger left the club to continue his education gaining a Batchelor of Arts (Hons) in Sports Studies and a Masters (MSc) in Information Systems.

While at Portsmouth, Digger attended England trials on three separate occasions. He also represented his County and captained his District and High School teams. He also picked up many honors for his club team.

In terms of coaching badges he holds a UEFA 'B' License, USSF National 'C' License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma (Pass with Distinction), NSCAA National Diploma, NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma, NSCAA Professional Development Certificate, and NSCAA Goalkeeping Level II. 

Digger became involved with the Gretna Soccer Club over four years ago starting as Professional Trainer before becoming the Director of Coaching in May 2009. Since his involvement with the club they have achieved the following:
 
  • First Gretna team to win the NSL (Nebraska Soccer League) Premier Division
  • Four Gretna teams winning the NSL Premier Division - Gretna Magpies and Gretna G-Force both twice
  • First Gretna team to make the Nebraska State Cup Final
  • More teams than ever before participating in the NSL Premier Division
  • More Gretna Soccer Club players than ever before obtaining College Soccer Scholarships 
Digger Hawkins is the newly appointed Assistant Women's Coach at Creighton University and is excited to be a part of the Creighton Bluejays tradition.
 
Digger made history by becoming the first ever Nebraskan Coach to win the Region II Olympic Development Program (ODP) Championship in July 2008. Later the same year he went onto win the “Nebraska Girls Competitive Coach of the Year 2008”. He is the current Head Coach of Nebraska 97' ODP Girls and is the Head Identification Scout for the Girls & Boys ODP program.

Digger has coached many players that have gone on to gain scholarships for the following colleges; North Carolina, Northern Ilinois, Loloya, Creighton, Nebraska, Northwest Missouri State, Missouri State, UNO, Iowa State, South Dakota, Kenneshaw State, Ponama College (California), South Dakota State, University of Missouri Kansas, Rockhurst, Washburn, Doane College, Dana College, College of St Marys, Bellevue, Benedictine, Kearney, Augustana, Colorado Christian and Wayne State.

Education
English UEFA 'B' License
USSF National 'C' License
USSF National Youth License
NSCAA Advanced National Diploma (Pass with Distinction)
NSCAA National Diploma
NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma
NSCAA Professional Development Certificate 
NSCAA Goalkeeping Level II 

Achievements
Creighton University Women's Assistant Coach
Nebraska ODP 97' Girls Head Coach
Olympic Development Region II Staff
Nebraska ODP Head Identification Scout for the Boys & Girls Program
“2008 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year” for the State of Nebraska.
First Ever Nebraska Coach to Win the ODP Region II Championship.
Former Professional Soccer Player (Portsmouth FC, EPL in England)
Director of Digger Hawkins Premier Soccer
Director of Digger Hawkins' Premier Footwork Academy
Director of Gretna Summer Soccer Camp
Director of Digger Hawkins' Striker Camp
Director of Digger Hawkins' Winter Academy

DEALS

Shop & Raise