|
I have been involved in soccer for most of my life, starting my playing career at the age of 6 to 44 until knee issues forced an end to my competitive playing days. I started coaching at the age of 15, working with younger players as a mentor then stepping into a team coach role. This is a formula that I believe very strongly in to this day as the impact of older players helping with Micro and Mini players has a huge positive impact on both the players that are being mentored and the players doing the mentoring. It also helps the older players have a better understanding of the total game, and the nuances of coaching various skill levels, age groups, and emotional levels.
I have been fortunate to have coached players from 5 years old to adults, skill levels from house to elite, males and females, in organized club settings, recreational leagues, and in schools. As a coach, being a student of the game is critical to adapting coaching styles and philosophies as the game evolves. The emphasis has to be on having fun; if you are not enjoying the game you play you will never be able to achieve the level you want to be at, or achieve the release from the stress of every day. More importantly, we place our children in sports to help them to understand and cope with the life challenges that are ahead.
I have always believed very strongly that a coach’s job at any level within a club is to develop the players skills, teach the technical aspects of the game, and give players the ability to move on to the level that they are comfortable playing at, but with the greatest emphasis on having fun. All of us, professional or amateur play games because we enjoy them.
I am a strong believer in making myself a better coach through education, observation and communication. In my career I have pursued and attained certifications in coaching, administration, sports medicine, and program management. To me every day is a learning day.
I have been able to apply my skills in many facets in soccer over the years from administration, officiating and coaching to running and overseeing developmental programs, most recently as the Head Coach for WCAGFC Mini Program from 2014 to 2019 working with players and coaches in the U8 to U10 age groups, girls and boys.
| 
