IRVINE, CA – (December 3rd, 2014) – Orange County Blues FC has officially hired Oliver Wyss as the club’s head coach, effective immediately. Wyss replaces Daryuosh Yazdani, who will not return to the club in the 2015 season.

Wyss is the Director of the West Coast Futbol Club Boy’s Program, and is the head coach of boys’ soccer at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano.

“Oliver will work hard to create a new and improved team culture and structure, which will be a major part of our focus in 2015. The OC Blues FC organization wants to congratulate Oliver on his new position and welcome him to the Blues family. We look forward to working with him, and know this is the first step in helping lead the club to great success in the coming years, beginning with the 2015 season.” – General Manager Jon Spencer.

Wyss began his professional soccer career with First Division Swiss club F.C. Solothurn at the young age of 15. While in Switzerland, he was called up to the Swiss Youth National Team where he played over 20 international games. This included the European Cup Qualifiers and matches against International powerhouses England, Germany, Turkey, and France.

In 1994, Wyss moved to the United States to play professionally. He started playing for the L.A. Salsa in 1995 in the USISL (a predecessor of USL PRO), and also played for the Anaheim Splash in the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

Originally from Switzerland, Wyss graduated from the Business College of Switzerland with a diploma in Economics and Languages. His coaching career began in 1992 with the F.C. Solothurn Youth Program. After coming to the United States to play professionally, he also began his coaching career, and currently holds his USSF National A license.

West Coast FC was established in 1997 and Wyss has played an integral role in the club since its inception. The new Blues head man has helped West Coast FC become one of the top developmental programs in the nation. The club has won three US Youth Soccer National Championships, as well as various League Championships and League Cups during Wyss’ tenure. Among his many accomplishments, he received the 2010 Cal South Coach of the Year and US Youth Soccer Region 4 Competitive Coach of the Year.

Wyss was forced to retire as a professional soccer player in 1997 due to his diagnosis of a rare but severe blood disorder, Aplastic Anemia. After a successful bone marrow transplant, he fully recovered and went on to form Soccer For Hope, his successful non-profit organization, which is based in Orange County. Wyss and his wife were inspired by the children they met while he was in treatment, who were diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Soccer For Hope was created with the stated goal of aiding childhood cancer research, family support, and raising overall awareness.

The Soccer For Hope foundation has raised $2 million for hospitals and foundations nationwide, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Children’s Hospital Orange County. The organization hosts events to raise funds and awareness for children with life threatening diseases through soccer camps, inspirational walks, gala dinners and more.

Wyss and his wife Jamie reside in Laguna Niguel.

Season tickets for the 2015 OC Blues FC campaign in USL PRO are on sale now. Call (714) 738-8011 or email seats@bluessoccerclub.com. For media inquiries, email luisa@bluessoccerclub.com.