Next Generation Coach: A Video Chat presented by NSCAA
Are you (or do you know) an aspiring soccer coach? Or, maybe you just started coaching and want to make sure you’re on the right track? We hosted a live video chat to answer those questions and many more.
This chat was an opportunity for new or hopeful soccer coaches to listen to and speak with young coaches who are a little further along in this career path. The panel will discuss their personal experiences, some of the issues they face and other pieces of advice for those looking to get into the profession. The panel included:
- Marcie Klebanow, assistant women’s coach at Ball State University
- Gregg Olson, head men’s coach at Macalester College
- Ryan Parisi, Business Director for Coerver Coaching
- Deb Raber, head women’s coach at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Here are a few questions we weren't able to get to during the broadcast:
As youth coaches, how can we stay connected to other coaches and learn from our counterparts at colleges?
Deb Raber: It can be said one of the most important coaches a kid can have is his/her youth coach. We all know kids are sponges and if the coach is great with tons of energy and passion to teach the game, the kid will most likely be hooked on the game. Number one reason kids want to play....it's FUN. Conversely the number one reason they stop...it's not fun any more.
Remember, good, bad, indifferent, there's something to be learned from everyone. As a youth coach it's also very important to stay connected to
the local high school programs. Try to get out to club events to see what the different clubs offer, coaching styles, and playing styles. Ask if you can attend practices and just be a fly on the wall. We have people do that here and I don't mind at all.
Just remember, be yourself in your coaching. Take what you like from others and question what you don't. Trust me, I learned quite a bit from coaches on what not to do.
Marcie Klebanow: There are many ways to stay connected, and continue to learn in order to develop the trade. A tip I once received is to truly sit back and observe. We are fortunate being younger coaches, that we receive the opportunity to work with experienced professionals everyday and we need to make sure we are taking in every idea we can. Although we are bursting to show what we can do it is sometimes better to see how others do it, and then you can make modifications as you see fit to blend in your own style. As far as staying connected, constantly find chances to reach out by asking questions, seeking advice on situations or just calling up to say hello. As a coach everyone is continuing to enhance their network, so by being proactive and reaching out you will be helping them as much as yourself.
Ryan Parisi: Here's a quick to-do list: Go to coaching classes, work camps, go to Conventions, attend as many games as possible and watch what's being done. And finally, volunteer to help at a higher level.
What is the best part of the coaching profession? The worst?
MK: I would say the best part of the coaching profession is being to help a player discover who they are both on the field and off. You have the opportunity to help young adults reach and exceed their potential and watch them through that journey each step of the way. Watching a 10 year old succeed at a “cruyff” during a match, a 15 year old score on a penalty kick to win the game, or a 22 year old bend the ball into the back of the net on a corner, and having witnessed them practice those skills day in and day out, that is the best part of the profession. Now to the tougher part, I would not use the word “worst” but instead “less enjoyable” part of coaching is, in the collegiate game, the paperwork that is included with the profession. However, it is part of the job, and it has to get done.
What are some points about how to start a youth program (U14 boys for example) from scratch? My area does not have a soccer presence.
RP: Start with an in-house program and grow from there. Play intramural games and train for fundamentals until there are enough competent players to join a league. Get the rec going and then add travel. Start with young ages.
How do you know when its time to move on from coaching?
DR: The first thought that comes to mind is do you have a coaching philosophy? If not, spend time developing one and make it very clear why you do what you do and why do you coach. When your actions no long match our philosophy, you start to burn out, energy drops, or you think you know it all, it's time to hang up the shoes and move on. This is also one of the reasons why I am constantly looking for more as one day it will be time to let someone else take over. Three years ago I started teaching a class at MCLA and am looking for more classroom time. I also serve as our strength and conditioning coach and am always adding to that side of my job. There will come a day and with all the other responsibilities I currently have my transition will be much smoother than if I only coached and coaching was all I knew.
Related Links
Video Chat with NSCAA DOCE Ian Barker and US Youth Soccer DOC Sam Snow