Nestled comfortably in Denver, with the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop, Regis University is consistently ranked as a top tier university by U.S. News & World Report. Regis University is proud to stand among the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, which share the Jesuit vision of a values-centered education that shapes intelligent decision-making and strengthens commitment to community service.

Regis University is also proud to be a regular fixture on the NSCAA Coaching Education calendar and it will serve as the host of the Advanced National and Premier education courses, July 15-21.

“We have hosted an NSCAA course ever since 1999 with the exception of one year … that was 2003 and Denver was experiencing a severe drought so we had to cancel all university camp activities,” said J.B. Belzer, now in his 18^th year as the head coach of the Regis women’s team.

Belzer, an NSCAA member since 1992, has served as the NSCAA site coordinator for every single one of the NSCAA’s stops at Regis. He said it’s a role he relishes, because he is proud of what Regis can offer the NSCAA and, of course, any coach looking to advance their education.

“It’s just a beautiful setting here,” Belzer proclaims. “With three natural grass fields, townhome residency with in-room washers and dryers, cable access, on-field and classroom instruction that is within walking distance, as well as a cafeteria and pub all within close proximity, it’s a soccer haven at a beautiful time of the year in Denver.”

Belzer is one of the most tenured site directors and he always looks forward to coordinating every aspect of the NSCAA’s visit. 

“The NSCAA and these education courses provide a wonderful opportunity for coaches to share ideas and work together,” Belzer said. “It’s a group of like-minded people sharing best practices and ideas.

“In coaching, there is never a terminal end to our education and learning. The NSCAA and these courses promote the advancement of knowledge and experience, even if it’s just a new twist on an old idea. And, with the Advanced National and Premier courses, it’s the interaction with the NSCAA staff that sets our courses a part from the others. It’s a healthy process of sharing.”

For the NSCAA courses at Regis, that also includes one of the best NSCAA coaches’ socials you will find on the calendar.

“We do it right,” Belzer says with pride. “We have a campus pub, where the tables are actually chalk boards, and you will see the NSCAA staff interacting with the coaches that are attending. They are diagramming plays on the tables, dissecting the week’s instruction, it’s great. The food is great, the beverages…all done in a social, sharing environment, with a focus on growing as a coach.”

Of course, it also helps that the NSCAA Advanced National and Premier diploma courses are designed for coaches with a more advanced level of experience in the game. And, in typical J.B. Belzer fashion, Regis always makes sure the testing includes a high-level game.

“It seems like every year we have rotated between a top-level Academy or ECNL game as part of the instruction,” Belzer said. “In addition, (Major League Soccer’s) Colorado Rapids have a home game against New England on July 17, so we may also include the opportunity to attend that match.

“The thing that you have to remember with these courses; however, is that there is not a lot of down time…there is a lot of work and learning that is getting done. We just happen to be able to do that in a first-class, collegiate setting…Regis really is a great place for these NSCAA courses.”

The Advanced National diploma emphasizes training players within a team concept designed to produce a successful environment. The 8 vs. 8 model is the main focus. The curriculum includes team organization and training, advanced methodology, analysis and understanding systems of play, a focus on tactics within thirds of the field, technical position overviews, match analysis and the psychological aspect of coaching. 

The Premier diploma is the pinnacle of the Residential Academy offerings. It is a 45-hour course, designed to teach advanced methodology with full-sided soccer (11 vs. 11) as its focal point.

To learn more about the NSCAA Coaching Education courses or to register for the July 15-21 NSCAA sessions at Regis University in Denver, click here.

“We are in the final stages of coordinating the instructors with NSCAA Director of Coaching Ian Barker,” Belzer said. “Because of all that we offer here in Denver and at Regis, this course always attracts the brightest and most experienced soccer minds the NSCAA has to offer…it should be another great week for the NSCAA at Regis.”

It always is. That’s why the NSCAA keeps coming back.

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