Congratulations to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America “I’m a Coach Because…” grand prize winners! These four lucky coaches have been chosen by an NSCAA Selection Committee as the official grand prize winners of the campaign. The grand prizes include one set of team uniforms from Eurosport, one training device from GOALSHOT, four tires from Continental Tire and a lifetime membership to NSCAA.

As part of the “I’m a Coach Because…” campaign, coaches across the country were encouraged to submit their reasons on why they coach. Beginning at the 2012 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, over 1,000 responses were submitted from coaches all over the country. The NSCAA Selection Committee read each answer and selected winners based on the best answers and stories behind them. Thank you to all who have participated!

Here are the grand prize winners of the NSCAA “I’m a Coach Because…”:

Tyler Stockhill – Club Coach, Utah Development Academy

“…Not only does soccer teach these children important life lessons like responsibility to others, respect, humility, etc.; but oftentimes I can use it for a much more powerful tool, motivation. As a coach, mentor, role-model and peer, I am able to use soccer to motivate these children to attend and work hard in school, stay away from fighting and gang related activities and to stay away from drugs and underage drinking. I'm a coach because of the development I see in these children, both on the soccer field as aspiring players and off the field as future adults of our nation.”

Tyler began coaching upon his graduation from St. Louis University, where he played soccer. Despite not expecting to be involved in coaching until he had children of his own, he found himself getting his first coaching license soon after graduation. He began volunteer coaching while attending Salt Lake City for graduate school.

“Coaching club grew into more than a hobby and has since been a part of my life on a daily basis,” Tyler said. “The biggest motivation is the thought of using soccer as a tool to vastly improve children’s lives.”

Today, Tyler coaches at Utah Development Academy, a club founded in 2012 to serve underprivileged youth in both competitive soccer and after school programming. He credits the NSCAA for its guidance through online courses and the networks acquired with licensed NSCAA coaches.

Tyler has won one set of uniforms from Eurosport.

Rick Maloy – Club Coach, Maple Valley Soccer Association

“…When I got out of high school, there was a help wanted ad at my college that read ‘coach wanted for a team that hasn't won a game in 4 years’. I called my buddy and asked if he was up for a challenge...that team went on to be league champs in 3 years, and took 2nd in state...that was 15 years ago. Now I coach to give back to the community that gave so much to me as a kid.”

Since the day Rick responded to that very first coaching advertisement, he has remained highly involved in coaching in the Maple Valley, Wash. area. Today, he coaches a U-17 boys’ Rapids Navy team at the Maple Valley Soccer Association. His motivation to keep coaching revolves around his passion for the game and his community.

“I continue to coach for multiple reasons,” Rick said. “I have been successful graduating all of my players over the last 16 years and I enjoy the game. NSCAA has always been helpful when I need things to continue my education.”

Rick has won a set of four tires from Continental Tire.

Lauren Farbman – Youth coach, Manalapan Soccer Club and Marlboro Soccer Association

“…I love watching children develop and grow into well rounded players and young adults. There is nothing like pouring your heart and soul into developing a team and getting smiles and laughter as thank you’s in return.  Nothing in the world is as great of a reward as that.  To teach the love and passion for soccer that I have to young individuals is priceless.”

Six years ago, Lauren began coaching her daughter’s soccer team. As her son also began to show interest, she began coaching his youth team as well and never looked back. Today, she is highly active in coaching youth soccer in New Jersey. Last year, she coached the Manalapan Soccer Club U-7 Boys’ Recreation Program, the U-7 B Tournament team and the U-9 Girls’ Travel team.  She has been coaching in the MSC recreation and travel program for the past five years. Lauren also coaches the Marlboro Soccer Association U-7 boys’ team and will coach the U-8 travel team this fall.

“As you can see, soccer is my life and I love every minute of it!” Lauren said.

Her motivation to coach continues to be the smiles she sees on children’s faces and their excitement to be with their team and play soccer. She credits the NSCAA for enhancing her coaching education.

“The NSCAA has impacted me because the information and up-to-date soccer news is a great asset,” Lauren said. “It helps me focus on what skills and techniques are best utilized for the sport. I love to learn, and the NSCAA constantly teaches me. I will continue to better my soccer knowledge and take more classes.”

Lauren has won one training device from Goalshot.

Paul Medeles – Youth coach, Irving Soccer Association

“…I love the game with every inch of my soul. I enjoy sharing it with the youth kids I coach and help them move on to bigger and better things in the soccer community. The game has given me a chance to meet special young kids and to know I have made a difference in their lives makes me feel I have contributed to the soccer world.”

Paul never necessarily dreamed of being a soccer coach, but when his wife volunteered him as a coach for his daughter’s first soccer team, he quickly fell in love with the mentoring. As a coach in Irving, Texas at the Irving Soccer Association, Paul keeps motivated by knowing that he helps develop soccer players and guide great young women in their future.

A new member to the NSCAA, Paul is looking forward to using his prize to explore the NSCAA education tools available to him.

“I hope to become a better coach and role model for my players,” Paul said.

Paul has won a lifetime membership to the NSCAA.

NSCAA would like to thank everyone again for their participation in the “I’m a Coach Because…” campaign. These responses have truly demonstrated the passion and desire NSCAA members have to make a difference in the lives of the players they coach and for the game of soccer as a whole.

To share your passion, visit NSCAA.com/icoach and look forward to more contests in the near future!

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