Full 90 Coaching

James is a Head Coach with Davis Legacy Soccer Club, located in the Sacramento area of Northern California, and is a fellow USSF C license candidate. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of building muscle memory, the lessons learned and advice for parent coaches, and how ‘soccer is life’ is more than just a saying.

I want to remind everyone that you can support by podcast by heading on over to patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining to sign up as a BEST Supporter, Full 90 Insider, or BEST Premier Patron and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage and other perks for becoming a member!

Email: jpierce@davislegacysoccer.org

0:20 background in soccer and what Mya is doing now

4:00 diving into his private soccer training sessions- skills development with a metrics-based approach

8:30 having the experience of playing goalkeeper at a young age

9:45 Playing beyond high school wasn’t a popular concept at that time for James’ demographic

11:30 advice for coaches trying to build a love for soccer and developing that love through the culture

16:15 returning to the game after playing to coach and a return off the love for the game

20:15 Experience as a parent coach and phasing out of coaching your own kids

23:20 advice for other parent coaches when it’s time to let someone else coach their child(ren)

25:45 upcoming events in 2021

28:55 Final three coaching points

34:45 One piece of advice for any coach

Welcome to episode 103 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast. I am your host, Ted Steen, and today we’re bringing you our Monday Message. This message comes from one of our first episode, a great conversation with Manny Valle.

“...Be patient, trust in yourself, and love the process” 

Welcome to episode 101 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast. I am your host, Ted Steen, and today is our first ever Monday Message. These will be short, sweet, and to the point as we’ll be looking at the one piece of advice our guests have left for any coach and sharing our 2 cents on the matter. The first one message we’ll be discussing comes from Coach Ugo.

“If we love the game, it’ll reciprocate to the younger generation, and they’ll love it to.” 

patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining
This podcast journey had some Humble Beginnings back in March of 2018. At the time, I was working three jobs, coaching in Benicia, and my fellow Coach Ugo and I had this crazy idea of starting a podcast. Ugo has a background in music but neither of us had any podcasting experience aside from listening to a few on occasion. Yet, we didn’t let that deter us from starting the Full 90 Coaching Podcast, whose goal remains the same today, which is to have members of the soccer community share their experiences, insights, and tips to inspire others and become better! In addition to doing solo sessions like this and team talk Tuesdays, I’ve been blessed to have a wide array of guests on the show to date, with coaches who are new and seasoned, young and old, recreation and competitive, middle school, high school, college, head coaches, assistant coaches, parent coaches and volunteers. I’ve had referees, college counselors, mental and physical performance coaches, directors of local and international clubs and organizations, program founders, platform creators, and non-profit organizations that bring the game to those in need. Every one of these guests provided so much quality in the episode, I’ve listened to each one multiple times and keep finding hidden gems, and recommend you do the same. For those that have been following from the beginning, or those that have gone back to the earlier episodes, I’m sure you’ve heard a difference in the audio and I apologize for not knowing any better early on. I recall over the first 18 months I would be doing interviews in a car, at Starbucks, with clip-on mics with terrible quality, anything to get the recording done in time to hit the deadline. Fast forward to today, and the process is a lot smoother and the quality a lot better. Not only has the audio gotten better, but I think I’ve gotten more comfortable and confident in the interviewing process. This podcast and all the great relationships that I’ve built would have never happened if I didn’t get out of my comfort zone and make the decision to take action. Now, I’m not necessarily saying you should start your own podcast, though I’m happy to share all that I’ve learned with you. What I AM saying is that we all have such a short time to live, so make sure you live BIG. My biggest change came about 7 years ago when I drove across the country from Massachusetts to California to pursue soccer as a career, and of course the warm weather doesn’t hurt! This summer, I’ll be entering my 10th year of coaching and I am the Head Women’s Coach at Contra Costa College, the Interim Executive Director with Spurs FC, the Founder of Be Elite Soccer Training, and I host this podcast. Some people think that’s a lot, but when your work excites you, you can make a positive impact on your community, and you have work-life balance, that’s when you have something special. Now for the big news! The Full 90 Coaching podcast will be doubling our output with 2 podcast episodes coming out each week; we’ll still have on our weekly guest, and we’ll also be adding a Monday Message episode to take a deeper dive into the one piece of advice our guests have given to any coach. Now our listeners can support the podcast and Be Elite Soccer Training through our Patreon. By becoming a patron, you’ll be supporting the work on the podcast as well as the work on the field. Depending on the tier, you could also gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, live Q&A’s, our BEST swag and more! We have a special offer going RIGHT NOW, if you enroll at ANY tier level now through February 25th, you’ll receive a personal shoutout in our next Full 90 Coaching guest interview! In the meantime, check out the page at patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining and complete the poll. I’d love to make sure that I’m providing you with as much value as possible in regard to rewards. Feel free to select as many concepts as you like and message me for more!

Seth is in his 1st year of coaching with Spurs FC. During our conversation, Seth shares his journey of growing up here in the Bay area and his experience playing for a few of the local clubs, being coached by a couple of my other podcast guests in Niall with Spurs FC and J.T. with Mavericks, having his first experience of coaching coming during the pandemic, and using moments of failures as learning moments.

IG: @seth.sethh

0:25 background in soccer and what Seth is doing now

1:10 moving between clubs as a youth player

2:15 experience playing under Niall at Spurs and J.T. at Mavericks

4:30 why Seth decided to become a coach

5:30 first impression of being a coach

6:45 Advice for new coaches just starting out after their playing career

7:45 using moments of failures as learning moments

10:45 bringing the energy into practice as a coach

12:45 the value of the reflection process

14:15 lessons learned during his time with Spurs FC

16:00 greatest challenge in coaching career

18:00 where Seth sees himself moving forward in coaching

20:30 Final three coaching points

23:45 One piece of advice for any coach

Sam has rejoined our coaching ranks with Spurs FC and is excited to begin her new role as the club’s Mental Performance Coach. During our conversation, we discuss the role of a mental performance coach, how she became interested in mental skills and sports psychology, the benefits and misconceptions of having a mental performance coach, and our plan to integrate her work within our club structure. 

IG: @12coachsam

2:27 description of Mental Performance Coach (MPC)

4:42 having an MPC on-hand for guidance through difficult times

6:52 how Sam became interested in mental skills and sports psychology

12:42 benefits and misconceptions of MPC’s

20:02 Overview of upcoming month with Spurs FC working with Mental Performance Coach

23:42 Final 3 coaching points from the perspective of an MPC

27:02 One piece of advice for any coach 

LB is currently the Marketing Manager and fellow Coach with Spurs FC. We discuss the value of building a strong club culture for the enrichment of player experience, the blessing of becoming a coach, dealing with adversity, and finding your identity.

IG: @lbattung16

0:20 background in soccer and current role

2:10 playing youth soccer for the Camarillo Eagles

3:08 ability to play up an age group, especially at the 12-14 age group in terms of development

4:40 advice for parents about having their player play up an age group

6:00 making the jump to the State Team

8:15 how to build a strong team culture

11:20 making the jump from the state team to the regional team

18:55 advice for someone who identifies as a soccer player to expand their identity

22:25 realization that LB wanted to become a coach

26:45 juggling her main job and her coaching roles

28:50 what key values are being fulfilled through coaching vs. another career

31:10 the importance of having a mentor

35:30 final three coaching points

39:09 One piece of advice for any coach 

Rob is the Girls’ Varsity Head Coach with Melrose High School in my home state of Massachusetts, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, Rob and I reflect on our time as roommates during this year’s United Soccer Coaches’ Convention, we discuss his work as a teacher and how it parallels coaching, and the importance of goal setting and reflection.

Contact:

Twitter: @CoachMahoney90; @melroseGSoccer

IG: @mhs_ladiessoccer

0:30 background in soccer and current role

1:45 decision to stick with coaching girls

3:30 realization to become a coach

5:22 how coaching different age groups mirrors teaching

7:33 knowledge from teaching that translates well to coaching

9:25 the value of Goal setting and reflection

13:30 notes from the 30 Under 30 experience

16:26 former coach/teacher as a mentor

18:15 current experience in COVID with HS soccer

23:45 wife is a fellow coach; discussing relationship

25:00 preparing the team to play in COVID

29:20 developing captains/ leaders within the team

33:15 discussing issues with captains

35:10 plans for remainder of 2020

39:00 Final three coaching points

44:22 One piece of advice for any coach

Rob is the Girls’ Varsity Head Coach with Melrose High School in my home state of Massachusetts, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, Rob and I reflect on our time as roommates during this year’s United Soccer Coaches’ Convention, we discuss his work as a teacher and how it parallels coaching, and the importance of goal setting and reflection.

Twitter: @CoachMahoney90; @MelroseGSoccer
IG: @mhs_ladiessoccer

0:30 background in soccer and current role

1:45 decision to stick with coaching girls

3:30 realization to become a coach

5:22 how coaching different age groups mirrors teaching

7:33 knowledge from teaching that translates well to coaching

9:25 the value of Goal setting and reflection

13:30 notes from the 30 Under 30 experience

16:26 former coach/teacher as a mentor

18:15 current experience in COVID with HS soccer

23:45 wife is a fellow coach; discussing relationship

25:00 preparing the team to play in COVID

29:20 developing captains/ leaders within the team

33:15 discussing issues with captains

35:10 plans for remainder of 2020

39:00 Final three coaching points

44:22 One piece of advice for any coach

Micah is the Youth Program Director with the Philadelphia Union, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, we discuss Micah’s playing experience of transferring from Villanova to Penn State and his coaching journey, how Goalkeeper Coaches need to put themselves out there to avoid limiting themselves to one role, and the importance of being your authentic self to build trust with your players.

IG: @micahcollins28

0:30 background in soccer and current role

1:51 juggling multiple roles as a soccer coach

2:55 cognitively challenging sessions for more advanced players

4:20 growing up playing for FC Delco

6:52Advice for younger players with the dream of playing at a higher level, whether D-1 or professional

8:26 difference between playing at Villanova and Penn State

10:45 lessons learned from both colleges

13:00 graduate assistant position and realizing he wants to be a coach

15:15 making the jump from graduate assistant position to coaching at Belmont University in Nashville

18:55 first paid coaching job with a Middle School Girls’ team

22:00 being your authentic self to build trust with the players

24:40 coaching journey continues to Michigan State

27:31 coaching goalkeepers vs. coaching the whole team

29:00 advice to Goalkeeper Coaches on how to not be pigeon-holed in the role and have the ability to be an Assistant Coach and Head Coach

31:00 Thoughts on the 30 Under 30 program

35:00 plans for the rest of 2020

37:50 final three coaching points

41:55 One piece of advice for any coach

Kristin is the Head Women’s Soccer Coach with East Texas Baptist University located in Marshall, Texas, she coaches the 2007 Girls North Texas ODP team, and she is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, we discuss how Kristin utilized her volleyball experience to develop her leadership skills, her Christ-centered philosophy that helps develop her student-athletes’ characteristics both on and off the field, and the value of keeping a positive mindset.

Twitter: @etbu_wsoc; @coach_kcox

Instagram: @kriskris8; @etbuwomenssoccer

https://goetbutigers.com/sports/womens-soccer

0:25 background in soccer and current role

2:00 playing volleyball then soccer in college

3:55 How volleyball complements her soccer playing

5:55 the moment Kristin realized she wanted to become a coach

9:20 sharing her experience as an Assistant Coach with East Texas Baptist University

10:44 current coach education and discussing both pathways: USSF and United Soccer Coaches

13:00 Transitioning from the Assistant to the Head Coach with ETBU

15:35 Christ-centered philosophy to help develop players’ characteristics off the field

16:55 helping student-athletes build self-confidence

19:50 differences between coaching at the collegiate level vs. the ODP team

22:30 working through the situation of a new/ incoming player coming into the program and taking an upperclassman’s spot

24:35 managing a 3-hour commute between the college and the ODP team

27:30 key takeaways from Kristin’s own coaching experience

29:25 favorite pieces of being a member of the 30 Under 30 Program

32:00 women’s group providing support and mentorship to female coaches

34:55 Moving towards the end of 2020

36:15Final three coaching points

40:30 One piece of advice for any coach

Sarah is the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach with Saint Leo University located in Florida, and she is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, we discuss her transition from coaching high school to college while the program was in its inaugural season, comparing recruiting to completing a puzzle, and the joy of session planning.

IG: @coachsarahleiby; @saintleowsoc

0:25 background in soccer and current role

2:00 Sarah’s ability to balance soccer and a career in forestry

3:08 soccer in Alaska is limited

3:45 introduction to coaching as an assistant coach for a high school boys’ team

5:30 experience as a female coach coaching male players

8:50 lessons learned from the Head Coach at the high school

10:30 advice to coaches to develop a culture where the leaders within the team are empowered and can pass on those skills to teammates

11:20 transitioning from the high school to college level of coaching

12:40 types of challenges encountered during the inaugural season

14:50 changes perceived moving from year 1 to year 2

16:25 surprised by the knowledge gap between the diamonds in the rough vs. those better off with soccer IQ

18:00 the demand of the role changed from one assistantship to another

19:15 favorite/ most challenging part of the admin job of college coaching

23:00 describing Sarah’s time with Saint Leo’s

23:55 key lessons learned from her mentors

26:20 the enjoyment of session planning

28:05 thoughts on the 30 Under 30 Program

31:45 going into the blended version of coach education – blended being online and in-person

33:15 positive outlook for remainder of 2020

35:00 final three coaching points

37:59 one piece of advice for any coach

Natasha is the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach with Georgia Military College located in Milledgeville, Georgia, and she is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, Natasha shares her experience of beginning her role as an Assistant Coach during the Pandemic, the challenges and some solutions of dealing with drama within the team, the value of pickup soccer and key lessons learned while at the Convention.

Twitter: @tashbepunny and @gmc_w_soc

Facebook: /natashaflores89

IG: @tbomb98

Website: http://www.gmcbulldogs.com/sports/wsoc/index

0:25 background in soccer and current role

2:40 transitioning to a new job during the Pandemic

4:40 prior to getting out on the field, a description of training

6:00 process of keeping everyone engaged during distance learning

9:15 example of team bonding and ice breakers

10:51 juggling Assistant Coaching and Volunteer GK positions

12:35 preparing the team for the transition from non-contact to contact

16:35 coach’s role when players start to split off from the group or there’s some drama within the squad

19:08 difference between being the Head Coach at the High School level vs. the Assistant Coach at the Collegiate level

22:05 biggest lesson learned from the Head Coach at GMC

24:05 thoughts on being a fellow member of the 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020 though United Soccer Coaches

26:03 networking component of the program from fellow 30 Under 30 candidates

27:17 the difference of playing pickup vs. a structured team practice

35:00 plans for the rest of 2020

38:20 Final three coaching points

41:17 One piece of advice for any coach

PJ and I met 5 years ago coaching together with Benicia Arsenal, and now PJ is the Head Coach of the 09 and 04 boys’ teams with San Ramon FC. During this interview. We discuss the differences between his former and current clubs, the value of futsal in the development of young players, his journey to Brazil, and the opportunities available for players and teams to travel to Brazil and train.

How to Contact PJ:

IG: @internationalgoalsinc @pbnjaay

0:20 background in soccer

3:15 Experience with Benicia Arsenal and our meeting

4:20 comparing Benicia FC to San Ramon FC

5:40 larger clubs have competition between players within their own teams

6:20 similarities and differences between coaching 09 and 04 teams

7:10 working through COVID-19

9:55 PJ’s journey to Brazil

12:30 the structure and feel or trainings at a professional setting in Brazil

16:20 pitching futsal as a priority for u-12 and younger

19:40 similarities and differences between Santos and Portuguesa Santista

23:25 understanding the development phase of the game vs. the top level when winning is a priority

27:10 key takeaways from being in two professional atmospheres in Brazil

29:40 opportunity to travel and play in Brazil

33:40 types of programs offered

35:35 final three coaching points

38:00 story from Brazil

43:05 one piece of advice for any coach

SportsLab360 is a fantastic online platform that promotes the development of youth soccer players by providing them with an accessible and holistic learning program that increases their Soccer IQ. Whether you're back on the field, semi locked down, or still fully remote, you’re going to want to check out SportsLab360. I’ve used it with my own teams over the past year and it has yielded some real results that will discuss in this episode. As a special offer to our listeners, you can use code BEST15 to sign up for SportsLab360 and receive 15% off your subscription. Again, that code is B-E-S-T-1-5 to get 15% off!

www.sportslab360.com

IG: @sportslab360

Twitter: @sportslab360

0:21 background in soccer

2:40 summary of SportsLab360

5:00 actual game footage included in software with players of like-ages in each area

7:40 SportsLab360 complements the on-field training with modules for different topics- positions, tactics, and systems for example

11:05 feedback on the quizzes that check for understanding while players develop soccer IQ

14:25 coaches can creatively use SportsLab360 to support their players’ learning; my example was using zoom and polling the players to have them defend each of their viewpoints

17:55 added session plans to SportsLab360 to simplify the coaches’ job of tying training sessions to the online modules

21:05 upcoming developments coming to SportsLab360

23:25 Final three coaching points

29:40 One piece of advice for any coach

Today we flipped the script once again as I am interviewed by one of my former guests, Graham Mayle. Graham is the Director of Coaching for Benicia Arsenal, and you can dive into episode 7 to hear his interview, but now he is the one interviewing coaches as part of his Master’s Program. During our conversation, we dive into my reflective practices and how I utilize the time after training to contemplate how the session went, what can be improved, and the action steps that need to be taken before the next training, not only in terms of player performance, but my performance as a coach.

Our host, Ted Steen, was a guest on the United Soccer Coaches Podcast with Dean Linke. He was interviewed as a member of the 2019-20 30 Under 30 Program. During the conversation, Ted shares how he heard about the 30 Under 30 Program,  growing up in Massachusetts and and playing club and college before moving out the California, best memories as both a player and a coach, supporting the underserved community surrounding Contra Costa College here in the East Bay through the program and through his work with Spurs FC, and the value of the upcoming United Soccer Coaches virtual convention in January 2021.

Jane is a fellow member of United Soccer Coaches’ 30 Under 30 class of 2019-2020, and she is currently the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach with Goldey-Beacom College located in Wilmington Delaware. She also coaches teams at the club level for Sporting Delaware and Philadelphia Union Youth. During our conversation, Jane shares her experience transitioning from a player to coach with Goldey-Beacom College, working with players who are facing personal challenges like eating disorders, encouraging her players to watch and learn more about the game, her worst coaching moment and Mean Mondays, as well as coaching within your personality.

IG: @jgrimleysoccer

TikTok: @jgrimley_soccer

0:15 soccer background

1:15 realizing that coaching was the right career path

3:10 discussing a player’s experience going through a disorder and supporting her

6:40 using professional players as an example for your players to look up to through their books

7:55 supporting the women’s national team but realizing her players need to watch the game more often

9:45 supporting her girls by promoting watching the game

12:05 watching videos/ webinars to learn about the game

13:57 the value of female soccer players having female role models in leadership positions

15:35 developing a bridge to support the mentor-mentee relationships

16:45 Differences between coaching at the club and college level

18:20 having a team push on into the Girls Academy (GA)

19:15 difference between the Development Academy (DA; no longer exists) and GA

20:00 combining two teams and holding tryouts during the pandemic

22:25 coming back into the training environment

25:30 players struggling to win the pause and make the most out of the added time off from soccer but the extra load of work and stress from life

27:40 keeping players engaged during these difficult times

33:00 dealing with the difficulty of combining two teams into one

34:30 fellow 30 under 30 coaches and our upcoming ‘return from COVID-19’ socially distanced assignment

37:20 potential changes to the game structure to accommodate pod/ contact restrictions

40:00 feedback on the experience of 30 under 30 and the Convention

44:00 the birth of ‘mean Monday’

45:55 the importance of having a growth mindset

48:00 plans for the rest of 2020

49:30 final three coaching points

52:00 one piece of advice for any coach

Nico Suave is a Street Soccer Athlete, Freestyler and Co-Founder of American Panna Championship. During our conversation Nico shares his passion for the game of soccer on a variety of levels, from helping players at the grassroots level of the game to coaching at high school and college level, he describes the difference between freestyle soccer and street soccer, teaches our guests about panna, and explains why street soccer and futsal are the missing links in U.S. Soccer.

IG: @nicosuave15 facebook: NicoSuaveOfficial

0:20 mutual friend Ariel Rosenman

1:12 background in soccer

8:12 thinking globally, not locally

12:20 futsal practice with Sonoma State Women’s soccer program

16:26 Summer Work at the college and coaching through COVID-19

17:48 stay connected as parents, kids, and coaches

21:02 venting moment for Nico Suave about online trainers using a lot of equipment and clubs charging same amount of money for zoom as they do for regular season

27:18 Freestyle Friday, Street Soccer Saturday, panna

35:50 key reasons why street soccer and futsal are the missing link in U.S. soccer

42:35 how to increase mental toughness in our players

48:00 Sonoma State’s growth from futsal training

51:10 final three coaching points

59:25 one piece of advice for any coach

During our conversation, Deb and I connect over our mentor, Nancy Feldman, and what Deb learned from her time playing for Nancy, we discuss recruiting and looking for characteristics of the ideal player, and we talk about some of the differences playing at the Division 1 vs. the Division 3 level.

IG: @thomas_college_womens_soccer

0:30 background in soccer in Trinidad and Tobago and in USA

1:40 playing background

2:30 realizing that coaching was the right career choice

4:00 Liberty League connection: St. Lawrence and Union

6:15 small soccer world continued: Nancy Feldman

7:45 playing for Nancy Feldman and experiencing a coaching change within her junior year of college

15:15 extending our own boundaries and being comfortable being uncomfortable

17:40 understanding how to push your players to the next level without pushing them away

20:25 adapting and adjusting coaching throughout this pandemic

24:40 the impact of COVID-19 on recruiting

26:50 describing the ideal player

31:40 differences between the demanding schedule of Division 1 and the balance provided in Division 3

36:12 taking a break from coaching to work as an Athletic Director

39:42 highlights during time with Thomas College

42:00 small world story

44:12 looking forward to most in 2020

46:45 Final three coaching points

50:23 One piece of advice for any coach

Along with coaching with Spurs FC, Simba is also the club’s Community Outreach Manager, and he is the Varsity Boys’ Coach at Albany High School. During our conversation, we discuss Simba’s experience growing up and playing soccer in Trinidad and Tobago, playing within their youth national team system and high school soccer, facing several challenges when playing in the U.S.A., and his passion for coaching and helping players improve their understanding through moments in the game.

IG: @simbaaberdeen

0:25 background in soccer in Trinidad and Tobago and in USA

25:50 current coaching roles

26:40 start playing soccer with the coaching school at a cost

27:47 after coaching school, competitive soccer is free

29:25 playing on the youth national team starting at 16 under 3 different coaches

31:00 having to win back his position for each new coach

34:25 having the ability to bet on yourself and become better

37:00 competing in T & T’s prominent high school system

41:30 whether at the highest or lowest points in your career, being able to manage the emotions

44:10 playing experiences in college and facing the adversity

50:00 strange encounter while volunteering with Habitat for Humanity

52:00 Dealing with the cold in upstate New York

54:02 being asked to play in a different position

57:45 reflecting - understanding WHY you did what you did and how you did it

1:01:08 experience of playing semi-professional and professional around the world

1:11:42 coaching in California with Spurs FC

1:14:12 prefers to coach the older teams because it is where he feels he sees the game best

1:18:30 helping players understand their roles and functions within a team

1:21:35 comparing the team to an orchestra and focusing session plans on a certain player (instrument) to understand how the team supports that player

1:31:35 some challenges in coaching

1:33:05 having players desire to play as much as the coach cares

1:38:27 final three coaching points

1:43:03 one piece of advice for any coach