When you get a bunch of coaches together, whatever the sport, there is a good chance that their passion is rooted in the memories and love of the game they had as child growing up. Today we got a chance to ""re-live the glory days"" by playing Street Soccer for our afternoon session. The philosophy of Street Soccer is to give the game back to the kids! Provide the players with the tools to do play (balls, cones, goals) and let them figure out, for examples, the size of the field or the dividing of teams.  Let the kids make decisions that the coaches normally are responsible for. 

 

There is a push both from the U.S. Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer to eliminate the ""Command"" style of coaching. Soccer is different from sports like American football or basketball where the coach formulates plays that the players execute. Yes, there is some improvisation in these games, but to a much lesser extent than in soccer. It is a cerebral game and requires the players to react accordingly therefore you must ask yourself, ""why should the coach make these vital decisions for them?"" We talked this week about Guided Discovery—allowing the players to uncover answers themselves, but using questions that guide them in the right direction.

 

All week, the 32 candidates have been instructed on the physical, mental and social characteristics of children ages U-6 through U-12. Now it is testing! It is the candidates' turn to apply our knowledge in a practical setting…on the field with the kids.

 

Although we had our methodology exams and coaching philosophy due as well, most candidates were more worried about the testing (possibly because of the connotation of the word). In my eyes, you might as well of called it freedom. Being around the kids is pure fun! Their energy and creativity is simply contagious. No matter how bad your day is, you CANNOT at least smile, when a kid comes up to you and says ""My name is Rich. Richy Rhino!"" 

 

Since I moved from Ohio to Texas over a year and a half ago, I haven't had the chance to get out and coach here in Dallas. Between balancing the administrative duties here at the office with a personal life, I haven't had time to properly commit to coaching kids. This course has juiced up my battery again. It has renewed my personal goal to spread the game in the United States.

 

Thank you to Dr. David Carr, Sam Snow, Dr. John Thomas, Gary Williamson and Terry Eguaojefor all of their efforts in putting on an excellent course that gave me great insights.