Spaces are still available for National, Advanced National, and Advanced National Goalkeeping courses in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, from January 2-8, 2012. World class coaching educators Bob Gansler and Tony DiCicco, and many others, will be leading the sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive peer-to-peer education and take your coaching skills to the next level.

We caught up with NSCAA Premier Diploma graduate Ryan Hodgson (pictured below with NSCAA Coaching Academy Instructor Tim Schum) for some insights from a candidate's point of view. 

NSCAA: What coaching position are you currently in?

RH: I'm currently the Director of Coaching and Player Development for Coon Rapids Soccer Association, Assistant Men's and Women's Coach for Anoka Ramsey Community College and a member of the Minnesota State ODP staff.

NSCAA: Which NSCAA courses have you taken in Ft. Lauderdale?

RH: I took the Premier Diploma in Ft. Lauderdale last year and the National Diploma a couple years ago. 

NSCAA: Who were your primary instructors and what were your favorite parts about their teaching styles?

RH: Tim Schum was my instructor for the National, and Dave Saward was my instructor for the Premier. Both Tim and Dave were fantastic instructors and I have looked to them for advice since taking the courses. Their teaching styles were very similar in that they both brought the best out in me and made me think outside the box, yet they didn't try to reinvent the wheel of coaching. They taught me that there are many ways to teach the same topic, and they supported my creativity while bringing out the best of me as a teacher.

NSCAA: Can you describe your overall experience at NSCAA courses?

RH: Working with coaches that have a variety of teaching styles gave me a jump-start on developing my own coaching philosophy. I played the game at a high standard, however it was great to see the instructors really empathize and support coaches that were challenged here. They truly followed the NSCAA mission of coaching coaches and not just players. The NSCAA opened my eyes to new ideas, concepts and new teaching methods.

NSCAA: What did you bring back to the pitch after returning home from this course?

RH: Being the Director of Coaching of my club is a continuous challenge to find new exercises and activities. Many soccer players will recognize when the same topic is being taught over and over again, and they'll easily get bored or lose interest. However, the NSCAA gave me more ideas to keep my sessions fresh and keep my players and coaches on their toes. The resources are endless and the ability to pick up the phone or send a quick email asking for advice from any of my instructors is a luxury all aspiring coaches should have.

NSCAA: What would you tell coaches who are considering taking an NSCAA residential course, and how should they prepare?

RH: Any coach, whether paid or a volunteer, should certainly look to the NSCAA for furthering their educational needs. The instructors have a wealth of information, a solid and proven curriculum and a reputation that is world class. Most importantly, you will make friends with fellow coaches from all over the world where your ideas can be shared for years to come. You don’t have to be a player to attend, just an appetite to learn and an open mind. Someone once told me it’s like a soccer camp for adults.

View all NSCAA Coaching Academy courses here.

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