July 30, 2010
Karl Spratt, a product of the Manchester United Youth Academy, was named an assistant coach of the UMass Lowell men's soccer team, Head Coach Bryan Scales announced on Friday.
Spratt will oversee UMass Lowell's goalkeepers and replaces former backstop Benn Eaton (2004-05), who served as goalkeeper coach the last two seasons.
Spratt is also in his in his first year as the goalkeepers coach of the New England Revolution Youth Development Program, where he works alongside Scales. The two recently helped the Revs' U-16 Team to its 2010 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Northeast Division title and an appearance at the USSDA national tournament in only its third year.
"Karl is a very experienced goalkeeper coach and has a terrific background in the game," said Scales. "He has big shoes to fill with the departure of Benn Eaton, but I know he will do a great job with our three goalkeepers (junior Matt Lavery, freshmen Chris Maierle and Connor Askins). I am thrilled to have him join us."
Spratt is the third coach within the Revolution system to join UMass Lowell. Former standout Adin Brown served as an assistant in 2004 while T.J. Tomasso was on staff from 2005-06.
"From my point, it's extremely exciting to be joining UMass Lowell," Spratt said. "I've seen Coach Scales work firsthand and he's all about seeing the progress and development of players. When he asked me to get involved, for me it was a no brainer. I've heard a lot about the program. They've got a good work ethic and a good set of guys. I'm very much looking forward to working with them."
Spratt currently holds his Football Association (FA) Level 1 and 2 coaching and Goalkeeping licenses as well as the NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma; He is also a certified instructor of fitness management, strength, conditioning, speed and resistance.
Prior to coming to UMass Lowell, Spratt was an assistant goalkeeping coach in both the Sunderland FC and Darlington FC youth systems. He also served as goalkeepers coach at the University of Sunderland and University of Northumbria.
As a player, Spratt was a member of the Manchester United Youth Academy from age 12 to 18. He was also a goalkeeper in the England Schools Development U-18 Squad as well as British University team from 2003-05.
UMass Lowell opens preseason training on Aug. 18. The River Hawks open the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Dowling College, and open at home Saturday, Sept. 11 against the University of Bridgeport.
A native of County Durham, England, Spratt is a graduate of the University of Sunderland, where he was a captain from 2003-05 and earned a degree in sport and exercise development.
He lives in Providence, RI.
