Paul Holdgate, owner and founder of the Toledo Football Academy (TFA) originates from Ickleton (Essex) England and grew up playing football (soccer) from an early age in his back garden (yard) and the local rec (recreation park). His first competitive games, up to age 11, were for Duxford Primary School after which he went on and represented Sawston Village College (high school) from ages 11-16. Paul was the captain for both of his school teams and led his side to local cup success.

Paul also played for his local youth team Sawston Enterprizes and later joined Cambridge Crusaders where he excelled playing as a central defender. His coach described him as "the best header of the ball in youth soccer". Paul continued his soccer career by representing both school and club District Teams and at the age of 15, played for his County's U18 team, where he went on to captain.

During this time, he was asked to attend trials at Watford FC and Cambridge United FC, where he signed schoolboy forms at age 15. Schoolboy forms are basically a pre-contract for an apprentice/professional. Making his debut for the Cambridge United U18 Youth Team while still 15 years old, Paul scored in a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town. Paul continued playing at CUFC for three years, a time which he says were the most physically and mentally challenging, both on and off the pitch. He played tournaments in Scotland, France and the U.S., heading to the east coast in 1988. Paul went on to assist with the medical side of the program and gained a two-year diploma at Lilleshall School of Excellence, studying The Management of Sporting Injuries.

From there, Paul went on and played at Saffron Walden FC, Histon FC and Willingham FC. During this time, he resurrected his home village football team, Ickleton FC, which still plays on Sunday mornings at the local recreation park.

In 1989, Paul came to the U.S. for three weeks with Gt. Britain Buckeye Soccer Camps (GBBS) and later returned in 1996, when he realized this was the place he wanted to live and work.

Soccer Bio:

• 1986-1989 ~ Played professionally for Cambridge United, England
• 1989-1996 ~ Played and coached at a semi-professional level
• 1996 ~ Moved to Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
• 1996-2006 ~ Coached for Pacesetter and GTFC Soccer Clubs
• 1997-2001 ~ Head Coach for various Ohio North ODP teams
• 2001-2011 ~ Regional Staff and Year Assistant to Region II Program
• 2006-Present ~ Started the Toledo Football Academy (TFA)
• 2011-2014 ~ Assisted the University of Toledo Women's Soccer Program
• 2013-2021 ~ Served as District IV Commissioner to the OYSAN Board
• 2015-Present ~ Started the Toledo TOPSoccer Program
• 2018-Present ~ Owner of Soccer Shots, Toledo
• 2021-Present ~ Served as District I Commissioner to the OSA Board
• 2021-Present ~ Director of the Kick It Forward Foundation, Ohio
• 2021-Present ~ Involved in the revitalization of Schneider Fields Soccer Facility, Toledo
• 2023-Present ~ Vice President of Ohio Soccer Association Board

Licenses:

• USC (formerly NSCAA) Premier
• Advanced National
• National
• DOC of Coaching Diploma
• TOPSoccer Certification
• F.A. Preliminary Badge (England)