Full name Paul Ballard Name Paul Ballard Playing position Role Soccer player | Current team Retired Height 1.80 m Number 22 Position Defender | |
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Date of birth (1983-05-17) May 17, 1983 (age 32) Place of birth New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada Education Trinity Western University | ||
Paul Ballard (born May 17, 1983 in New Westminster, British Columbia) is a Canadian passionate about humanitarian work and athletic development. A Trinity Western University alum, Paul Ballard has since returned to Langley, BC after completing his 5 year run as a professional soccer player internationally. Since retiring from his professional career, Paul has developed a passion for coaching and mentoring athletes. .
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Career
Ballard works in both the humanitarian, sports ministry sector as well as coaching. He is passionate about pursuing excellence in all areas of life and helping other reach their full potential.
As a sports minister, Paul oversees Athletes in Action, Soccer as the Director. A position which allows him to use his soccer expertise to empower athletes, all of the world, both on and off the field.
Paul received his, UEFA B coaching license from IFA in 2012 and currently coaches at both the university and youth level with the Trinity Western University Men's soccer team and Langley United Soccer Association. He was recently recognized as the 2015 FVSL Coach of the Year.
University
Ballard played college soccer at Trinity Western University, where he was a four-time Canada West Conference First Team All-Star, a two-time All-Canadian in 2005 and 2006, and the Trinity Western University Athlete of the Year in both 2005 and 2006.
Paul graduated with an undergrad degree in 2006 and is pursuing his Masters from Trinity Western University in a Leadership.
Professional
Ballard began his professional career playing in Vancouver Whitecaps developmental program, with Vancouver Whitecaps Residency in the Pacific Coast Soccer League.
After spending the 2008 season playing in South Africa with F.C. AK in the National First Division, Ballard joined the Cleveland City Stars of the USL First Division on April 20, 2009. He played 15 games for Cleveland before being released at the end of the season when the club folded.
Having been unable to secure a professional contract elsewhere, Ballard signed to play for Abbotsford Mariners in the USL Premier Development League in 2010.
Paul Ballard signed with H&W Welders Football Club of the Northern Ireland Ladbrokes.com Championship 1. He has since ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
From 2010 to 2012, Paul played in the NIFL Championship 1 in Northern Ireland with H&W Welders and Dundela FC. Due to multiple serious knee injuries, Paul retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2012 season.
Honors and awards
Terry Fox Secondary Wall of Fame 2009
Personal
Ballard and his wife, Roslynn have three girls: Sienna, Amelia, and Evangeline.