United Soccer Coaching inc

Reflecting on my journey as a leader, I’ve had the privilege of guiding a team of 8-year-olds from regional lower leagues to winning the Elite Clubs National League Regional League title (nine years later). Along the way, we encountered numerous challenges, including shifting the culture to prioritize long-term development, navigating the complexities of multi-sport athletes(the norm in our city), and helping parents see the bigger picture of a player-centric development model. But what stood out most was the love: the love for the game, for the players' growth, for a community club that believed it could stand alongside more prominent academies, and for a coaching team deeply invested in our shared development philosophy. The passion and commitment of everyone involved matched every hurdle we faced. This journey wasn’t just about winning; it was about creating lifelong memories, building deep connections within the team and the community, and fostering a culture of leadership and growth. I am incredibly proud that Norcal Premier recognized our journey in terms of on-field success, placing players into college programs, and developing leaders—ready to make an impact, not just in the future but right now. I am grateful for the experience and for everyone sharing this unforgettable journey. https://lnkd.in/ggHtyT7H

? Leading the Player Series: Emma's Journey ? Emma started playing soccer with me at age 8. She was shy, but you could tell she wanted to make her older siblings proud, both of whom had played in our club. She worked hard in every training session, never seeking the spotlight, but always applying herself and learning from those around her. By age 10, her speed and dedication made her a selection for the top team, but Emma still preferred to let her work speak for itself, often shying away from praise. Emma became a starter for the A team, eventually leading them to NPL as a captain. Her quiet drive was infectious, raising the level of everyone around her. Her teammates knew that if they were on Emma’s team in small-sided games, they had to match her effort—because Emma didn’t just work hard, she set the standard. There were challenging moments, too. Emma missed a penalty in a high-stakes shootout, and her insecurities surfaced. She was devastated, always more focused on giving to the team than taking. But she came back stronger. The following season, I believe she was the best player in the league, helping lead the team to the ECRL title—all while balancing lacrosse at school and never missing a soccer training session. Emma’s journey is of quiet strength, resilience, and relentless hard work. Today, she’s a USC student and is considering playing soccer next season. Her story is a reminder that authentic leadership comes from those who consistently put in the work, day after day, without needing the spotlight. ? Key Takeaways from Emma’s Journey: Leadership isn't always loud; quiet determination can elevate a team. True resilience is bouncing back stronger from setbacks. Consistency and presence—both on and off the field—are the foundations of success. https://lnkd.in/gRtwu-KS #YouthDevelopment #SoccerJourney #PlayerDevelopment #HardWork

Leading the Player: One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a coach is witnessing the profound impact the game can have on players' lives and seeing what it means to each of them personally. I’ve had the privilege of working with a special group of players from U8 to U19, each with their own unique story. One of my favorite stories is Kylie’s. When Kylie first joined, she didn’t speak to me, any of the coaches, or even the parent volunteers until she was 10. For two years, we simply supported her, keeping communication open with her parents to ensure she was enjoying the experience. At 8, Kylie was less coordinated and behind some of her peers in certain physical aspects. Take a look at the last 10 seconds of this video: https://lnkd.in/g5zw7W9R It shows how much work she had ahead of her. At 10, Kylie began playing part-time as a goalkeeper for her bronze-level team. She seemed to enjoy it, and over time, she started to embrace the position. Slowly, she began to open up in practice, answering leading questions. Kylie wasn’t focused on making friends; she just wanted a place to escape the pressures of school and enjoy the game. By age 11, she earned opportunities to play goalkeeper for the 'A' team. Though she made mistakes, especially since our game model involved playing out from the back and relying on the goalkeeper to create space by drawing the opposition higher, Kylie never gave up. She showed up to every training session, eager to improve. By the time Kylie was 15, her team had made it into the NPL (National Premier League), and she recognized the need to push herself further to help the team progress. She started attending clinics and camps, constantly asking questions and working with me, determined to grow as a player. By U17, Kylie’s team won the ECRL title, with her playing a crucial role in their success. Today, Kylie is playing goalkeeper for Linfield University, and this is an interview she gave as her youth soccer journey was coming to an end. Kylie's story is a testament to the power of patience and determination. It shows that with persistence and a desire to improve, you can go further than you ever imagined, no matter the obstacles you face. https://lnkd.in/gp9MPh7E

More player interviews from the recently posted video.. https://lnkd.in/gMWdCy4t