Interview

How did you first become involved with the NSCAA?
After attending several courses as a student in the late 80’s and 90’s, I saw first hand the quality of the instructors and curriculum. Through time, I developed relationships with several current staff members, and they encouraged me to get involved.

Why do you continue to stay involved with the NSCAA?
This organization for me is at the forefront of the game, and provides connections to the international game for coaches of all levels. The quality of staff and instruction is comparable to any top international coaching educational program. I also feel at this point of my career, it is time to give back to the game and help the NSCAA as an organization to be the driving force in the development of the game.

Why do you like teaching NSCAA courses?
The chance to interact with not only the staff, but the candidates gives me the opportunity to keep old friendships and make some new ones. The courses are a great place to exchange ideas with your peers, and open your mind to new ways of working in the game.

What is your favorite NSCAA course to teach and why?
The overnight programs at the national and advanced national levels are always interesting with coaches and candidates traveling from all over the country. I am currently enjoying the goalkeeper diplomas and the work that has been done to expand the educational opportunities for coaches who want to learn more about the “forgotten position"?. My efforts over the next couple of years will be to assist in the growth of these programs at the local and national levels.

What is the best thing about the NSCAA Academy?
Again, it has to come back to the staff. One can’t help but benefit when working with individuals of such experience. But when working with candidates at various levels, you are forced to evaluate yourself as well. This requires that you to organize your own thoughts, thus influencing your own development while working with others.

Who is your all-time favorite player?
Joe Jordan of Manchester United and Kenny Daglish of Celtic/Liverpool were two players that I admired growing up due to my family’s Scottish background. The 1986 World Cup was the first to have a big impact on me and see the game beyond pure entertainment. Both Maradona and Franchescoli of Uruguay had great efforts in that tournament and presented a totally different style than I was accustomed to. Maradona’s movement off the ball had a big influence on me in seeing the game in a more of a Latin style.

Who are/were your mentors in soccer?
My college coach, Nick Palantzas had an impact on me as a player and young coach, but I feel that I developed the most while working for current NSCAA Staff coach Mike Noonan at Brown University. I feel Mike is one of the top coaches in our country and is quite innovative in his approach. His ability organize a team defensively, utilize set pieces, and instill a winning attitude in his players is impressive. Through Mike, I have also gotten to know Ron McEachen and George Pergavie; two individuals who have made significant contributions to the NSCAA, their universities, and the game of soccer at the local and national level.

Who are your mentors in the coaching profession?
Mike Noonan, Jack Detchon, Tony Waiters and Jeff Tipping are four NSCAA staff members that I have a great deal of respect for, and try to listen to their insights on the game whenever possible. They all have great stories from their vast experiences playing and coaching. I feel that what Tony accomplished as the national team coach of Canada has not been put in the proper perspective by “soccer people". Qualifying Canada for the 1986 World Cup has to be one of the best examples of coaching in CONCACAF during the past 25 years. Peter Gooding and Dave Saward are two other individuals that I have gotten to know over the past two years during my time on the staff. They are amazing teachers that provide a great perspective on the game and life in general. Both are two of the best advocates of what the NSCAA Academy is supposed to be about: influencing the game through improving the level of coaching.

What advice would you give to young coaches?
Don’t chase money, but instead chase great people who are doing what you would eventually like to do. You cannot put a price tag on the experiences that I have picked up through my professional network.

What is your favorite book and why?
There are several, particularly in military history and strategy, but soccer-wise, Flat Back Four by Andy Gray is quite good.

What is your favorite movie and why?
Chariots of Fire or Lawrence of Arabia. Both are great stories, with fantastic soundtracks and actors.

What is the last book you read?
I am currently studying Spanish at a local college and the text it is the only book I have been reading lately!!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
No one: I enjoy being myself and what I have planned for the future is exciting enough for me…