NSCAA Academy Staff coach, Janet Rayfield, shares her thoughts on NSCAA Coaching Academies and how any coach can benefit  through evaluation, information, feedback, and experience sharing.

      1.       I’m a Coach Because…

It combines a passion to teach with a passion for the sport and also because it provides me an opportunity to create an environment in which I think young men and women can learn many life lessons and can grow and mature in a safe but challenging setting.  Through a sport I can impact the future of some young lives in a positive fashion and that is both a rewarding and humbling purpose.

Share your passion at NSCAA.com/icoach

2.       How I got involved with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America:

Early in my professional coaching career, I was pointed towards the NSCAA as an educational opportunity; by Anson and other coaches who I looked to for guidance. My first experience in the Coaching Academy was extremely positive and I continued to pursue the educational options that they offered.  It wasn’t just the education or the diplomas but the fact that the people I encountered through the NSCAA were not just trying to “judge” my ability to coach but shared my passion for helping players and were genuine in their desire to help me accomplish that better. 

3.       My full-time job is: 

Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Illinois.

4.       Favorite course to teach and why:

I have a hard time deciding between the National and the Premier for very different reasons.  I love the eagerness of the new and/or young coaches in the National, their hunger for knowledge and their willingness to be open to the feedback and ideas that you try to impart.  On the opposite end, the shared dialog among professionals in the Premier Course and the ability to teach from such personal experience makes that a very enjoyable course as well.

5.       What should a candidate expect at an NSCAA Coaching Academy?

A candidate should expect to get out of the course what they put into it as long as they come into it with an open mind.  They should expect to learn from the instructors, from other candidates, and from their own growth as a coach as they contemplate and analyze the ideas and methods presented during the course.

6.       What kind of coach can take an NSCAA course?

I think any “kind” of coach can take an NSCAA course – the most important thing is to take the course that suits the environment in which you coach, and where you are currently as a coach.   Some coaches know the game extremely well but need to start at the beginning in order to learn how to impart that knowledge to others.  Some coaches teach in other areas of their profession but need the knowledge about the nuances of the game and that too can be learned in the courses.  Any coach can benefit from any course but the benefit is greatest when the right coach picks the right course!!!

7.       What do you like about NSCAA courses?

As an instructor, I like the opportunity to share my experiences in order to help other people in their career development. Through the interaction with so many great coaches of all levels, I can learn from all the candidates at the same time.  As just a member of the profession, I like the fact that the NSCAA courses are focused on the education more than the diploma.  Irrespective of grade and outcome, the goal is, can we make you a better coach through evaluation, information, feedback, and experience sharing.

The NSCAA offers education for coaches at all levels of the game. Find a course in your area today by visiting NSCAA.com/education.  

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