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Coaching Education

What Can I Call It So You Hear?

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

So a few years on and as much I had hoped that things might change for the better simply not true. I now have been to basketball and lacrosse games where the culture that prevails is one in which the parents who shout the loudest and ensure their kids never get the opportunity to think now dominate the youth sports landscape. It is truly bizarre that certain sports like basketball and lax, the prevailing thought is you only coach the kid with the ball. Surely they have enough to think about as both games need the player with the ball to think and make decisions. Odd that they are never allowed to do so. I felt that before soccer season begins again I should try and get people to consider this again.

Daunting task trying to find the words that you hope will cause a tipping point. I along with hundreds of others have tried to write about this before, “The Race to the Bottom,” “The Road to Nowhere,” “How the Screaming Hurts” and I could go on and on. Social medial X, Instagram, Facebook all full of messages about the same thing. What has sports become, how did it lose its meaning and value?

I listened to a wonderful podcast some years ago, The Talent Equation: “Becoming a True Athlete – A Practical philosophy for flourishing through sport” really was a great listen. One sentence from it sums it up quite well. Sport can be an amazing tool for personal development and good.

Why then have we allowed it to become such a shallow version of what it is capable of?

I am back on the fields coaching competitive soccer again. Well let me rephrase that I have two girls who are Under-9 (yes, so they are 7 and 8) that the local league and club have decided should play in a competitive travel environment. The girls are keen to learn and display a great energy and enthusiasm to do so. They are seven and eight so may become great players one day, but it will be a journey. This last weekend, they played in a local tournament. It is considered a rite of passage and something you must do to keep up.

The tournament seemed to be well-planned and such, but it should really be renamed. “The Players Forbidden to Think Event” would perhaps be the most appropriate title. I saw game after game, coach after coach, parent after parent all determined to achieve the same mission that these children will not think for themselves!

I saw and heard some astonishing things – a few examples below:

  • Just kick it out
  • Boot it
  • Kick it to the corner flag
  • Get it out of there
  • Stay back there and don’t leave that line (as their team attacked and had the ball)
  • Never pass it sideways

I could go on and on but by now you get the idea. All these instructions, shouted enough to be considered an order are all designed to do the same thing, rob the young player of the ability to think and make a decision for themselves. Why do adults hate kids thinking ?

Let’s look at the moment in a game a little, as the ball rolls towards 7-year-old Tim. Little Tim needs to make a decision and in doing so, a few things he will consider are:

  • The picture he scanned and what he saw as the ball arrives
  • His ability to perform key skills (first touch, pass, dribble)
  • His pace
  • His balance
  • His pace in relation to the kids from the other team next to him

What makes no sense to me at all is how any adult and that means coach or parent can magically see what Tim sees or like a Disney movie be miraculously transformed into Tim’s body to be given his athletic ability which you must have to solve the puzzle the way Tim does.

To suggest you can be insane and to rob Tim of the ability to make his own decision is criminal as it prevents Tim from learning the game. YET on field after field, game after game, I saw the process above repeated. Refs would come and talk to me telling me how bad it has gotten.

So, because I watched Simon Sinek as well, I had to think about the Why, what drives this behavior? The answer of course is simple and clear. A fear of losing and desperate desire to win, whatever the cost is at the heart of the we hate players thinking club.

I’m hoping that at least one or two people who read this understand and can reflect upon their behavior at games and decide they are ok with their kids thinking, making mistakes, learning and possibly not winning. Would that be so awful?

Register for the CTL Level 1 Course in Central Islip

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

February 12, 2025-The U.S. Soccer CTL Level 1 Course for Club Technical Leaders, hosted by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is a blended course.

The blended format combines an online experience, assignments, small group meetings, independent learning, an in-person meeting and summative assessment interviews

Eligibility Requirements

To register for the U.S. Soccer CTL Level 1 Course, individuals must meet the following prerequisites:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Hold a U.S. Soccer B license 
  • Have a minimum of one year experience in a club technical leadership role (DOC, Technical Director, Age Group/Gender DOC, GK DOC)

Application for a waiver of the U.S. Soccer B License may be considered based on the following:

  • Club technical leader has 5 years of club technical leadership experience AND a US Soccer C License

OR

  • Club technical leader has a recognized equivalent foreign license AND
  • Must be currently serving in a technical leadership role within a club responsible in full or in part for:

o Club player development philosophy

o Club player development plan or age group development plan

o Club coach development plan or age group coach development plan

Course Experience

80-90 hours (virtual or blended)

Club technical leaders who register for this course can expect weekly learning opportunities that will feature a mixture of independent learning using online modules, live virtual meetings, and one (1) 4-day in-person meetings (if blended format) led by licensed US Soccer Educators. Club technical leaders will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to the internet and a laptop/device with web-camera/live video capabilities. Coaches may be asked to participate in the in-person field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.

Course Duration

Blended Format: 16 weeks (including one 4-day in person meeting)

Course Assessment

During the course experience, there are both formative and summative assessments:

  • Assignments and projects: Formative assessment
  • Final portfolio and interview: Summative assessment

On successful completion of course assessment, student coaches will receive the U.S. Soccer Club Technical Leadership Level 1 License

Course Policies

  • Club technical leaders that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings and complete all assignments by due dates to be eligible to receive the license
  • Club technical leaders must be currently serving in a technical leadership role within a club responsible in full or in part for:

Club player development philosophy

Club player development plan or age group development plan

Club coach development plan or age group coach development plan

Course Timeline: June 29 to September 28

BLENDED Format: 16 Weeks

  • Week 1: Pre-course meeting 1 (large group)
  • Week 2: Pre-course meeting 2 (small groups)
  • Week 3: In-person meeting (4 days)
  • Weeks 4-13: Weekly virtual meetings (large groups and small groups + individual educator meetings
  • Weeks 14-15: Interview prep, scheduling period summative assessment interviews (no meetings)
  • Week 16: Summative Assessment Interview

Assignment Structure

  • 6 assignments leading to a final portfolio
  • 1 individual project (Individual Coach Assessment)
  • 1 group project (Parent Engagement)

In-Person Meeting Schedule

  • July 12: Start at 2 pm
  • July 13: Full Day
  • July 14: Full Day
  • July 15: End at 12 pm

Location: SUSA’s Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex, 271 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 

Course fee $1,600 – payment plan of 2 x $800 available

Register here

Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury (tbradbury@enysoccer.com).

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Register For the “B” Coaching Course in Chester

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 24, 2025-Soccer coaches can continue to advance and improve their teams by taking the “B” coaching course being offered by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

The blended format combines online learning, assignments, small group meetings, independent learning and two in-person meetings.

Eligibility Requirements: 

In order to be considered for the U.S. Soccer B Course, all applicants must meet ALL of the following prerequisites: 

·       At least 18 years of age 

·       Have held a U.S. Soccer C License for at least 12 months or meet the waiver requirements

·       Have three or more years of coaching experience (any level) 

·       Currently coaching a team training at least three times a week

·       Currently working in appropriate soccer environment for the course content -OR- have the opportunity to work with a team of the appropriate level for the course content in order to complete the assignments (internship, etc.)

Student coaches will be asked to join the waitlist and will be receive an invitation if accepted into the course.

Waiver Process: 

Coaches seeking a waiver should review the FAQs listed here.

Course Experience

120+ hours (virtual + in-person meetings) 

Coaches who register for this course can expect weekly learning opportunities that will feature a mixture of independent learning using online modules, live virtual meetings and two 4-day meetings led by licensed U.S. Soccer Educators. Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to the internet and a laptop/device with webcamera/live videocapabilities. The virtual meetings will take place on agreedupon days and times. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.

Course Duration: 

Six months (Including summative assessment) with eight in-person days across two separate in-person meetings.

Course Assessment:

Formative Assessment (course assignments during the course) in

·       Leadership and Managing the Performance Environment 

·       Leading the player within the team

·       Coaching Games

·       Coaching Training Sessions

Summative Assessment (final projects at the end of the course) in ·  

·        Coaching Games

·        Team performance analysis report

·        Coaching Training Sessions

·        Designing three training session plans (within one week)

·        Coaching one training session (video)

Course Outcome

On successful completion of course assessment, student coaches will receive the U.S. Soccer B License

Course Policies

·       Coaches that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings and complete all assignments by due dates to be eligible to receive the license

·       Coaches must have access to a team (Under-13+) in a performance environment for the duration of the course 

Course Structure: 

Schedule

The final virtual meetings date times will be announced at least two weeks prior to the course start. Coaches will be required to allot an average of two-three hours each week for virtual course meetings.

July 7 to December 21, 2025

Week 1 Introduction All-Course Meeting

Intro Week Webinar Date: July 7

Intro Week Webinar Time: TBD

Intro Week Webinar Link: Will be shared in the course calendar and communication

In-person dates

Meeting 1:

Date:   Tuesday, September 2, 2025 through Friday September 5, 2025

Time:  Begins 2 pm on Tuesday, September 2 and ends at noon on September 5

Course and Field Location: Cedar Stars Academy, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Meeting 2:

Date:  Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6

Time:  Begins 2 pm on Tuesday, November 3 and ends at noon on November 6

Course and Field Location: Cedar Stars Academy, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Course fee:

$3,650

Register here
Please make sure that your playing and coaching experience is up-to-date in the learning center profile as well as any additional licenses you may have as this will be used in the application process. Note that the fee does not include food or housing.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

A candidate seeking to withdraw from the course must do so in writing to the course administrator. Once a candidate registers for the course, the hosting association has made proper arrangements for instructors, classroom/field space and materials to accommodate that candidate. If a candidate cancels at least four weeks prior to the first day of the course, he or she may receive a full refund. If the candidate fails to cancel at least four weeks prior to the course, only attends a portion of the course, or does not show up for the course, the entire course fee is forfeited.

By registering for this course, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the course policies regarding course assignments, attendance, registration fees, and refunds.

Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury (tbradbury@enysoccer.com).

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Challenges of the Elite Player Pathway

Or Dealing With Alphabet Soup!

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Perhaps the question I am asked most frequently by soccer parents is, “How do we make sense of the Elite player pathway so we can make good decisions for our child?”

I wish there were a clear and definite answer that I could provide but sadly there is not. I believe that the following criteria power a player’s developmental journey in soccer:

  1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.
  2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.
  3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.
  4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.
  5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.
  6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Unfortunately, finding a clear picture in many of the above is not simple. Many of the points presented are problematic and need careful consideration.

1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.

Players with a great attitude and able to compete at a high level are quickly presented with multiple playing opportunities, school ball, elite team invites, ODP, Premier this and Elite that. The phone never stops ringing and frequently the soccer diet becomes madness. They overplay, overtrain and get exhausted. The idea of rest is obsolete. Different coaches with different language and teaching styles are simply detrimental.

2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.

Parents driven by the lure of more is better and if we don’t do that program, we will fall behind, and commit to way too many programs. The player never gets a rest, and the fun of the game starts to evaporate. The idea of rest and recovery is shunned as parents look for more and more activity.

3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.

Finding a highly-licensed quality coach with vast knowledge of the game, and experience with elite-level players, is a real challenge. Many parents are not qualified enough to evaluate a high-level training session.

4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.

Finding a group of players with a similar commitment and love of the game can be a real challenge. The multi-sport experience of years gone by is now a real challenge as many sports demand a year-round commitment. Parents keen to not lose out place their kids in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and softball, and quite simply, the child suffers. The idea of a sensible physical diet is never discussed, and kids get dragged to two or three sports experiences each night. We must begin to understand the idea that kids need rest.

5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.

This is where things get problematic. So many leagues with so many teams that finding a truly competitive league with close games is a real issue. Each of the leagues with an Elite sounding title and many involve spending more time on the road than the games last. More than 18 National Champion Leagues. So many elite level platforms that mean our best players seldom get to play or train with each other.

6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Very few clubs have access to enough training space, different types of fields with lights, indoor training space, meeting space etc. that it is possible to create good training environments for players to work in.

Get 2025 Off to a Great Start By Taking the “C” Coaching Course

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 3, 2025-Soccer coaches can unleash their potential in the New Year when the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) hosts the “C” Coaching Course in the Hudson Valley.

“This is a great course that is a vital stepping stone for those that wish to move onto the B and A courses,” commented Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching for Eastern New York. “The C is the foundation of all high-level licenses and is full of vital teaching strategies and game concepts.“

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be currently coaching and have held a National “D” License for a minimum of one year or meet the waiver guidelines.

This “C” course and first-class curriculum is designed for coaches working with players ages 13 and up. The course encompasses the various tasks of the coach, including training sessions, coaching games, leading players, leading the teams and managing a performance environment plus vital theory sessions on periodization and principles of play with field sessions. There is both an instruction/development period and an assessment period.

Capelli Sports Complex, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Course opening webinar: January 19, 7:00 to 8:30 pm

In-person meetings, a mix of field and classroom sessions: February 25-28

Course closing webinar: May 4, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Register here

The fee is $1,650 and registration needs to be through the US Soccer Digital Learning Center. Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Holidays Are a Time to Say “Thank You!”

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

I take great care and pride in the efforts I make to lead players and teams in a holistic way. I’m completely aware that although many of them may not become great players who play professionally or at college, they all may become great people who play for life, coach one day and become active responsible adults. I spend time learning about my players’ lives outside of the game, how they are doing at school, how family life is going and I attempt to display a genuine interest in their likes and dislikes.

As I coach a good number of teenage players, I frequently talk to them about how they are helping their families and what they do to actually support dad, mom, brothers and sisters. Are they a positive member of the family community or are they purely wrapped up in their own needs? The conversation starts with how they perform and act at practice. The challenge I present to all the players I coach is stressed with the following questions:

“Can you be the player who most impacts a practice and ensures that the learning environment is good for all? Can you be the first one in? Can you be the most coachable player in the group? Can you be the one who most helps with equipment? Can you be the player who notices a teammate is down and gives them a word of inspiration or comfort?”

I work hard to make them aware that the mission above should be their number one priority and that if I can get all 18 to place it as their core mission, we will soon have a team that makes remarkable progress.

Another of the core values that I work on with players is respect. The team dynamic is that we respect each other, we respect the refs, we respect the parents and all the work they do so that players get to train and play. Part of this culture that deals with respect is saying, “Thank you.” I encourage them to thank each other at the end of each game and practice, thank the refs at the end of each game, and of course thank their parents at the end of the drive home. I ask them all to try and display their thanks by helping at home by doing something around the house that helps the family.

It seems appropriate at this time of year to once again encourage a few thank-you notes (Jimmy Fallon-like). So not just because it’s the holiday season but also because it’s just the right thing to do I encourage all:

Players to thank your parents for the endless hours spent driving you to practice and games while remembering not to shout orders to you as you play.

Parents to thank coaches for their efforts in developing your child even though they didn’t win as many games as you thought they should have and have yet to recognize your child is next Messi.

Coaches to thank club officials and administrators for all their efforts even if the biggest space you got to train in was really only suitable for 3v3 and you got the 9:00-10:30 pm slot on a Friday.

Coaches to thank referees for the courage they show in turning up game after game knowing they will be subjected to endless, ridiculous comments shouted at the top of their voices from an adult who never kicked a ball.

Coaches to thank the refs who forget to give you and the players the 5-minute speech on when and where substitutes may enter the game like they are sharing some news on a new discovery in creating energy.

Coaches to tournament organizers who remember that we live in the Northeast of the US and that winter along with frigid temperatures arrives at about the same time every year. They also should be thanked for remembering how it feels to play outside when the real feel is so harsh you lose the feeling in your toes after five minutes.

And lastly but most importantly

Players to parents who spend the car ride home listening to loud Christmas music and in so doing forget to share the latest postmortem on your performance in the game.

Best wishes to everyone,

Tim