Friday may signal the beginning of the weekend to some, but in the soccer world, it was Day 3 of the World’s Largest Gathering of Soccer Coaches and Administrators.

Sessions began at 9 a.m., with rave reviews about NSCAA Assistant DOCE Dr. Doug Williamson’s “Small-sided Games to Inspire Tactical Creativity” and Notre Dame head coach Randy Waldrum’s “Possession for Progression” field sessions.

@CoachClintS: Day 3 @NSCAA started with an excellent field session with Doug Williamson!

@iseansteele: Great session from @NDCoachWaldrum. Paradigm of clarity, simplicity & efficiency. #NSCAAIndy

Another unique session that received rave reviews (among the many) was the “World Cup Coaches and Captains” session featuring the legends from the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

@Nutmeg0101: Really enjoyed the @NSCAA discussion with @ussoccer & @ussoccer_wnt Coaches & Captains at the #NSCAAconvention pic.twitter.com/wYAnL2vO

Other favored sessions included "Identifying Potential - Developing Talent - Building Successful Teams the Meulensteen Way" and the always lively session presented by Eric Wynalda, “Buy Low-Sell High.”

Dr. Colleen Hacker and Boston Breakers’ head coach Lisa Cole presented “Team Building in Action: Facilitating Excellence and Fostering Growth” in front of a packed crowd in Demo Field B. Some points included:

• Team building is not a day off from training
• Team building should be done throughout the season, not just in the pre-season
• There’s a difference between completing a task and social cohesion.

The day wrapped up with the annual NSCAA Awards Banquet, honoring members and coaches that have made the NSCAA and the game of soccer what it is today.

[+] Click here to see the 2012 NSCAA/FieldTurf National Coaches of the Year

Wrapping up the night was an inspiring acceptance speech by Illinois head coach and U.S. Women’s National Team U20 assistant coach Janet Rayfield, who has the distinction of being the first female to win the Honor Award in the Association’s history.

The fourth day of the NSCAA Convention starts with the NSCAA Women’s Soccer Breakfast, followed by 9:30 sessions to jumpstart the day.

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