FC Edmonton Assistant Coach Sean Fleming Leaves The Club

UPDATE: On February 2, it was announced that Fleming has joined the Edmonton Interdistrict Youth Soccer Association as technical director of a new program.

FC Edmonton Assistant Coach Sean Fleming has announced his departure from the Canadian Premier League team.

The Alberta-based club is in a transformative period following a winless campaign at The Island Games, with head coach Jeff Paulus having stepped down shortly after the tournament’s conclusion. His replacement, Alan Koch, had made it clear that the resulting transformative period would likely result in some staff turnover.

Taking to twitter, the club’s first assistant coach of its CPL era offered a heartfelt goodbye:

It has been a pleasure to be with FC Edmonton these past two years. I would especially like to thank all of the players for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism. I would also like to than the River Valley Vanguard and all the fans for their great support.

Sean Fleming

Fleming exits with a high coaching pedigree: with over a decade of experience with Canada Soccer, he was the U-17 head coach for the FIFA U-17 2011 and 2013 World Cups, and led the young side to a second place finish in the U-17 Concacaf Championship in 2011.

Following his time as a staff coach with the national setup from 1996 to 2016, he then took on an academy role with FC Edmonton at the end of its NASL era. When the side re-launched as a Canadian Premier League team, Fleming returned as the first team assistant coach and the academy’s technical director.

While it isn’t known where Fleming will go next, the former Eddies man offered some kind words to FC Edmonton owners Tom and Dave Fath, who have played a key role in bringing and maintaining professional football to the Edmonton area.

I would like to congratulate Tom and Dave Fath for their continued support of our great game. I am looking forward to my next challenge in my life’s successful soccer journey. Onwards and Upwards!

Sean Fleming

Cavalry FC gaffer Tommy Wheeldon Jr. chimed in to call Fleming an absolute gentleman of the game, with the head coach going on to compliment his integrity, professional, authenticity, and high level of details. The duo had worked together in the Canada U-17 setup several years prior.

The club has remained quiet on the status of goalkeeper coach Lars Hirschfeld, with new club gaffer Alan Koch having yet to reveal any new coaching additions. It remains unclear who will ultimately succeed Fleming in the assistant coach post.

FC Edmonton currently has sixteen players on the roster for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season, with new Club President Eric Newendorp aiming to see the side secure at least one North Star Shield within the next five years. It’s been a busy day in the Eddies camp, with the club having made two selections in today’s CPL-U SPORTS Draft.

Other outbound inaugural FC Edmonton squad movement includes Edem Mortotsi and Dylon Powley.