After working independently with a number of clubs, coaches, parents and players in both Europe and the U.S., Paul Mairs and Richard Shaw came together and developed Coaching Outside the Box in an attempt to raise awareness and provide crucial educational opportunities through a variety of initiatives, services and a non-profit organization.

Since its introduction, Coaching Outside the Box has quickly become a leading resource that continually impacts the lives and experiences of many.

Paul Mairs, Director of Education
paulmairs@coachingoutsidethebox.org

Paul began his soccer career growing up in England, and as a young player he attracted considerable interest from several English Premier League clubs who offered him a professional contract while at High School, most notably Manchester City, Wimbledon, and Leeds United FC. After choosing to sign for Blackpool FC in the early 1990’s, Paul spent seven years at the club before deciding to pursue an education in sport while playing semi-professionally.

Since then Paul has gained a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching, a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Central Lancashire.

Over the past ten years Paul has worked extensively within youth sports development, offering sport science support, and helping progress coaching methods and curriculums for various organizations both in the U.S. and Europe; with a specific emphasis on helping coaches and parents recognize how to foster positive, learning environments which enable youngsters to flourish in their chosen sport. During this time, Paul co-wrote the bestselling book: ‘Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer’, which has been endorsed by numerous clubs, organizations, and national governing bodies throughout the world. In 2015, he also contributed to another best-selling book entitled ‘The Winning Parent’ which has been recognized as one of the leading publications in youth sport development.

Paul is also SAQ certified and has UEFA ‘B’ coaching license. He is currently in the final stages of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification.

Richard Shaw, Director of Operations
richardshaw@coachingoutsidethebox.org

Born in England, Richard came through the academy system at Blackpool FC where he was offered a two year YTS contract upon graduating high school at 16 years old. After completing two years, he then explored the opportunity of playing in the U.S. after being offered a full scholarship at Bryant and Stratton and Le Moyne College.

During his collegiate playing career, Richard claimed a National Championship, All-American honors, and the MVP award for three consecutive seasons while graduating from Le Moyne with a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems. In addition to his college playing career, Richard also had spells at Fleetwood Town FC (England), Kendal Town FC (England), CNY United (USA) before finally retiring in 2012 while playing for the professional MASL indoor team the Syracuse Silver Knights (USA).

In addition to playing, Richard has coached college and youth soccer for over 15 years. He was recently the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the State University of New York Adirondack. He also commentates on NCAA Division I soccer for Time Warner Sports (Spectrum) & ESPN, and recently co-wrote the bestselling youth soccer book ‘Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer’.