Lexington SC: A new era with new head coach Darren Powell
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — With pre-season looming and the regular season right around the corner, Lexington Sporting Club’s new head coach Darren Powell is ready to get the ball rolling with his team.
“One of the reasons I was able to take the position and, and came to Lexington was to help build something create a community that’s really proud of the team that represents this community in Lexington,” said Powell.
But some may be asking — who is Darren?
The Nottingham, England native brings a wealth of coaching experience with him, most recently serving as the director of player development and first-team assistant coach at Inter Miami FC in Major League Soccer.
“The next opportunity is now, we can create a high-performance environment and take it to a new level. It’s not just about one team, it’s not just about one game, it’s about growing a community,” he added.
Powell said his main mission is to help build on the foundation that’s been established in Lexington by bringing players who are versatile and adaptable in different positions.
“We wanted to have good characters, people and players that want to be in Lexington and want to represent what we’re doing with the club,” added Powell.
He says he left school at age 16 to focus on his soccer career. Reflecting on his journey from player to coach, he wants to continue to grow the sport here in Lexington.
“So from a player to a coach and now to see it grow again in a community like Lexington is massive and just hope, you know, people get behind that,” said Powell.
As Powell gets set to take the helm in 2024, he hopes the community will rally around the team.
“Create a good synergy that makes Lexington, a place where people in opposition don’t want to visit to play the soccer game, but really want to be open and visit the city and get to know the culture here in Lexington,” said Powell.
Lexington Sporting Club opens regular season play in March against the Northern Colorado Hailstorm.
So far, Powell says his favorite restaurant thus far in Lexington is Carson’s.
