OLAF HENKE

CLUB DIRECTOR

Olaf Henke has been with Fort Lauderdale Rush FC since its inception in 2007 and, as Club Director, oversees the daily operations and all age groups (~600 players annually). Originally from Germany, Olaf spent most of his playing career in his home country, growing up with 2nd division team Motor Eberswalde. He later moved on to play for various other clubs in Berlin, Munich and Düsseldorf. After an injury ended his playing career in 2001, he went on to become a coach and manager for local teams in Germany. He continued the path after he moved permanently to the US. Olaf holds several licenses and diplomas (NSCAA Advanced National License, USSF “B” License, National Youth License, Director of Coaching Diploma, GK Level 1&2 amongst others) and in the last 17 years has gained experiences at pretty much all levels of the game in the country:
*17 years as a club director for Fort Lauderdale Rush FC (Youth boys and girls)

*6 years as an assistant and head college coach at Broward College (Women)

*10 years as a head coach for the state and regional Olympic Development Program (ODP – Boys)

*4 years as a coach for semiprofessional clubs Fort Lauderdale Strikers U23 (NPSL), Miami Dade FC (UPSL)

*7 years as a coach for middle (boys and girls) and high school (boys) teams at Pine Crest Preparatory School

In 2020 Olaf was elected on to the Board of Directors for the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and since 2021 he serves as the VP of Competition in the pursued of improving the structure of youth soccer and creating the best possible environment for players to develop in. Previous work experiences also include a 15-year career in Tourism including ownership and leading management positions in various tour companies.

Olaf Henke lives in Sunrise with his wife Paola and their 2 children Sophia and Adrian who are both avid and successful soccer players.