coaches corner

April 10, 2020

What motivated you to get into coaching?

“I have been fascinated with sport and specifically soccer my whole life, wanting to immerse myself in every aspect. While I loved playing (and still do), I was also amazed by the tactical side of soccer, enthralled by the analysis that took place during live games and highlight shows. This interest translated onto the practice field, seeing other coaches plan and implement practices motivated me to try for myself. The enjoyment I felt working with a team to achieve success (however success is classified), along with my desire to seek opportunities, ignited a flame to coach - a fire that still burns bright today 15 years later.”

You have recently become both a father and a teacher, do you feel like those roles have changed your perspective at all in how you coach or the way you approach kids?

“I like to think patience and handling stress is a strength of mine, but it certainly is tested! I certainly think these new roles in my life have developed my coaching and, more than anything, opened my mind to many different approaches, adding more tools to my tool belt. It has broadened my understanding and provided first-hand knowledge to all aspects of children's lives and what they experience. Ultimately, it further aides me in seeing not just the soccer player, but the child as a whole.”

What advice would you give to coaches that are just getting started in North Texas club coaching?

“I think honesty and clear lines of communication are essential, remembering to keep sight of what is important - the players. It can be easy to get lost in ulterior motives and agendas, whether that's financial, individual recognition or winning at all costs. However, maintaining your conviction and integrity, makes the victories (in whatever form) so much sweeter. Your team may not win every game, but that's OK, you will have built a team/club where everyone is in it together and on the same page. You will be doing the right things, the right way, that's a huge win in my book and something to be proud of. Then the success everyone seeks will duly follow. It’s hard work and at times ruthless and frustrating, but ultimately it is so very rewarding.”

You are obviously one of our original Coppell FC academy coaches. What would you say you are most proud of when you look back at where the club started on the academy side in 2013, compared to where it is now?

“When I started in 2013 I couldn't have imagined the growth I see today, and there are so many things to be proud of. Seeing the number of players and teams involved is mind blowing, but then also seeing the quality of soccer on the fields - it's awesome. The club is doing great things off the field for, and as part of, the community and it is led by a great staff of people. We started the academy with just 2 coaches and now we have 8 academy coaches! Finally, the fact that Coppell FC has maintained and strengthened the bond with the CYSA recreational side and all remained under the CYSA family is amazing to see, as that was our main tenant of starting the academy side in the first place. While we still are not the biggest fish in the giant soccer ocean, seeing the number of players involved, the quality of player development, and the great things we do as a club on and off the field, fills me with immense pride.”

We have seen you recently doing tricks with different objects other than a soccer ball, did you practice these hidden talents when you were younger or is this a new talent? What is the most obscure object you have tried to juggle?

“Tea bags and toilet rolls from the last few weeks is certainly a new skill I hadn't tried before. I remember as a child we would kick anything that was round, we had an apple tree in our back yard so picking an apple off the ground and juggling wasn't unusual! My childhood was filled with hours of juggling or just playing soccer which has helped me in my recent challenges. I loved playing and I was always practicing rain or shine, which in England was usually rain. The skill of juggling transfers to most objects, so I like to think I can juggle most things at least a few times. I am open to suggestions!”

If you had to pick one meal to eat every day in quarantine for 8 weeks straight what would it be?

“I love all types of food, but having spent my early life in Japan, my favorite food is Japanese food. With a katsu curry or shabu shabu (hotpot), I could definitely eat those for 8 weeks straight!”

If you didn't become a full time teacher, what would be your next choice for a day time profession and why?

“I am interested in anything related to sports and being active, as well as interacting and helping people, so something like a Physical Therapist probably. Being a Science teacher, I could use my science background as well... this is assuming professional soccer player wasn't available of course.”