Ian Barker, National Soccer Coaches Association of America Director of Coaching Education, will be regularly featured on our website to provide his advice and answer NSCAA member’s questions concerning coaching education. Barker holds an extensive coaching resume. At the collegiate level, he has held positions with men’s programs at the University of Wisconsin and Macalester College. Barker has served as a staff instructor for US Soccer’s coaching education program, instructed the National Youth License for US Youth Soccer and served as the Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. As the Head Coach for US Youth Soccer’s Region II Boys Olympic Development Program, he led teams on international tours in nine different countries. Barker has also served as the Technical Director for International Sports Connection. Finally, he holds the NSCAA Premier Diploma and NSCAA Master Coach Diploma in addition to his USSF A License. In his first posting, Barker addresses the value of coaching education and what it means for clubs in the US.

Why is Coach Education important?

"Coach Education done well can elevate the soccer experience for both the player and the coach. There are some key elements to successful Coach Education. First the candidate/student must be open-minded and able to determine what information they can use in their environment. Second, the information in the course must be correct and relevant. Finally, the instructor presenting the information must be prepared and committed to the learning of the candidates/students. If these three elements come together, the value of positive impact of Coach Education can be maximized."

How can we raise the level of play in the US?

"Coach Education can play a vital, positive role in raising the level of play in the US. That being said, it is only part of the picture. A lot of our shared effort, and this includes Coach Education, should be toward understanding the best practices of other soccer nations. With good knowledge of what is working for others, we can then blend in that information and embrace the truly unique strengths of US soccer. Raising the level of play in the US requires both learning from others and having the self-confidence to be proud of the development and successes US soccer has already achieved."

How does a coach determine where to start his or her education?

"While all the Coach Education programs currently available in the US do a good job of explaining things, the diversity of the coaching community means it is difficult to adequately address each individual’s questions. Good advice for any coach who is thinking about taking a course would be to ask the opinion of coaches local to him or her. Certainly considering the age of the players one works with, the competitive nature of the club/team and the commitment level of the players in terms of time to the program all determine the type of “skills” a coach may most need to acquire."

What does holding a coaching License, Diploma Certificate or Badge “say” about the coach?

"A coach who has participated in Coach Education demonstrates he or she has been exposed to information that potentially elevates his or her experience and that of the players. Some coaches find the education because it is required, others to enjoy better compensation, others merely to get the information. Whatever the motivation, that coach has given time to learn. What the award cannot address is integrity, sincerity, professionalism, etc. So to the club/team or parent seeking to place a coach, the level of education is a great indicate of potential. That being said, it is most important to ensure the coach holds similar values to the program as whole. Sometimes significant education does not mean the coach is suitable for the given program."

What advice would you give to people starting to coach in soccer?

"Be very clear on what your motivations are and what you are willing to commit to coaching. Coaching at the ends of a spectrum can be either exclusively a profession or a passion. Coaching, however, is most enjoyable when you have identified “selfish” reasons for being involved, be they money, getting to coach your own kids, wanting to give back to your community, etc. coupled with enthusiasm for the game. The ability to compromise is good. That being said, the more opportunity the coach has to make decisions about his or her coaching based on his or her motivations and personal standards, the better the experience. The successful combination to strive for is to be appreciated and valued in your coaching, and at the same time, be true to your standards of teaching and managing."

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