MEET THE PITCH TEAM
Robbie Krul
Meet Rob Krul, fondly known as ‘Coach Robbie’ among our community at The Pitch. Born in Delft, South Holland, soccer—or 'voetbal,' as it's known in the Netherlands—was a pivotal part of his childhood. His talent was evident early on, securing him a spot among the top players in his region by age 18 and playing at one of the highest levels in the Netherlands.
An unexpected turn came with his mandatory military service, during which he seized an adventurous opportunity to play soccer in America at Franklin Pierce University, New Hampshire. This decision didn't just mark a new chapter in his sporting career; it transformed his life's direction. It was in the U.S. that Robbie met his wife, Tammy, and faced a significant challenge with a knee injury that paused his playing career.
Graduating in 1997, Robbie and Tammy moved to Maine and established the Dutch Soccer Academy, dedicating themselves to nurturing a love for soccer among kids in Maine's rural areas. Robbie's passion shines brightest when coaching at our soccer academy, where he thrives on teaching and inspiring players across all levels. Witnessing the formation of close-knit bonds among players from diverse backgrounds underlines the unique, competitive, yet fun atmosphere at The Pitch. Robbie is proud to contribute to strengthening Northern Maine's sports community, realizing a dream that combines personal fulfillment with community enhancement.
Tammy Krul
Meet Tammy Krul, a proud Northern Maine native with a profound passion for elevating rural Maine athletes. Her collegiate journey at Franklin Pierce University (FPU) was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by an NCAA Final Four appearance and two National Championships. Returning to Maine, Tammy noticed the stark contrast in opportunities for rural athletes compared to her own experiences. This realization, coupled with the rich talent in Maine yet hindered by limited development and competitive avenues, spurred Tammy and her husband, Robbie, into action.
Their journey began in 1997 with the launch of the Dutch Soccer Academy, starting humbly with just seven kids. Their determination was fueled by the joy and smiles of those first participants, growing the academy to over 2,000 students each summer. The turning point came in 2012 when they received an invitation to manage an indoor turf facility in the Mid-Coast. This move was pivotal in realizing their dream of offering year-round training for rural Maine athletes.
Today, Tammy celebrates the success of their athletes, many of whom are making significant impacts on their college teams and contributing to the success of Northern teams in state championships against more populous Southern areas. But the dream doesn't stop here. While soccer remains their forte, Tammy and Robbie are driven to broaden their impact, aiming to enhance coaching and competition opportunities across all sports. Their vision is clear: to reduce travel times for Northern Maine athletes, affording them more quality time on the field, and enabling them to balance sports, academics, and personal lives effectively. The goal is simple yet ambitious—to ensure that every Northern Maine athlete has the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport.
Dan Williams
Meet Daniel Williams, a cherished member of our team at The Pitch, who lives his dream every day. Growing up in Eastbourne, England, Daniel's life has been intertwined with soccer, playing for teams like Brighton, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings. Despite an injury curtailing his playing career at 22, his passion for the game didn't wane. This led him to the United States to coach with the Dutch Soccer Academy, a journey that also introduced him to his future wife. Since moving to Maine in 2009, they have settled down with their three daughters.
Daniel's week at The Pitch is a vibrant showcase of sports, engaging with around 500 individuals, ranging from enthusiastic three-year-olds to adults in our leagues. His dedication shines in the academy, where he takes pride in fostering player growth and development. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is pivotal for Daniel, starting with a friendly greeting for everyone entering The Pitch. He's also known for spearheading an Arsenal fan club onsite, adding a personal touch to the vibrant community.
His coaching philosophy is both positive and challenging, aimed at pushing players to excel and set ambitious goals, whether working with teams or individuals. Daniel's influence extends beyond the Pitch; he contributes to the larger Maine soccer community as VP of the Maine State Premier League on the board of Soccer Maine and as a coach for the Olympic Development Program. Through these roles, he connects with a wide range of players across Maine's soccer clubs.
Yuri Nascimento
Meet Yuri Nascimento, a dynamic force at The Pitch, where he serves as both a manager and coach. Originally from Brazil, where soccer is not just a sport but a way of life, Yuri brings a rich blend of professional experience and passion to Maine. As a husband, father, and coach, he embodies the spirit of dedication and community.
At The Pitch, Yuri's roles are as varied as the game itself, engaging with participants across all ages and programs—from the youngest Mini Movers at three years old to college athletes. Whether he's coaching small groups or offering private lessons, Yuri's enthusiasm for helping athletes improve shines through in every interaction.
Yuri's journey to The Pitch is as inspiring as his coaching philosophy. Having played for the Brazilian national indoor soccer team, he seized an opportunity to play college soccer in the USA, despite the language barrier. His determination extended beyond the field, becoming an All-American athlete while earning a psychology degree from Ottawa University in Arizona. It was during his time in university that he first connected with the Dutch Soccer Academy in Maine, a place that quickly captured his heart and led him to a full-time role at The Pitch upon graduation.
Yuri's welcoming nature means you're likely to find him greeting guests at the front desk or actively engaging on the field. He encourages everyone to stop by and say hello, embodying the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that The Pitch prides itself on.
Kaylyn Krul
Meet Kaylyn Krul, the spirited force among our coaching staff at The Pitch, carrying forward the legacy of Robbie and Tammy Krul, her parents. Raised in Maine, Kaylyn's life has been intertwined with sports from a very young age, benefiting from the rich environment of The Pitch. Her athletic journey is marked by remarkable achievements, including being a three-sport varsity athlete at Camden Hills Regional High School, where she clinched four State Championships and earned prestigious accolades such as All-State, All-New England, and All-American honors.
Kaylyn's passion for soccer took her to Colby College initially, and later to Liberty University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in business administration, along with a minor in psychology. Her transition from a player to a coach began during her college years, initially volunteering for Central Virginia United. This volunteer role quickly blossomed into significant responsibilities, leading her to coach in their Developmental Academy and premier travel teams. Recognized for her innate coaching abilities, Kaylyn was soon appointed as the Girls Development Director and the Academy Director.
This journey solidified her passion for coaching, equating it to her love for playing. Kaylyn appreciates the transformative power of sports in enhancing children's physical and mental development—a realization that steered her career path unexpectedly toward coaching. Inspired by the influential role of good coaches in her life, Kaylyn chose to return to Maine post-graduation to contribute her skills and passion to The Pitch's exceptional staff. Her story is a testament to the impact of nurturing guidance and the profound legacy of sports in shaping lives.
Rick Bresnahan
Meet Rick Bresnahan, the visionary behind the establishment of The Pitch, Mid-Coast Maine's premier indoor turf sports facility. Rick's journey began one cold November night in 2012, in front of the cozy fireplace at his home, where a simple question to Tammy and Robbie Krul about managing such a facility sparked the realization of a shared dream. Motivated by this shared vision, Rick embarked on a meticulous journey to bring this dream to fruition, focusing on finding the perfect site, deciding on the facility's size, designing the building, and developing programs and core values that resonated with the team's mantra, “Expect the Amazing.”
Over the past twelve years, Rick's dream has blossomed into a community hub that draws people from across Maine, offering a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The Pitch is more than just a sports facility; it's a testament to the power of vision, teamwork, and community. Rick's heartfelt gratitude towards Tammy and Robbie Krul underscores the successful realization of this dream, which has become a vital part of the local community's life. Rick's story is a beautiful reminder of how a single idea, nurtured with passion and dedication, can transform into a beloved institution that touches the lives of many.
Location/Hours
THE PITCH - INDOOR SPORTS CENTER
2606 Camden Road | Warren, Maine 04864
The Pitch's Open Gym times fluctuate seasonally due to programming and school vacation weeks. The Current Hours section is always up to date. The fee per person is $5 per visit.
Open Gym:
MONDAY - FRIDAY
12 - 4:45PM