I try to be as active as I can in coaching/administrating teams.
. I am a volunteer assistant at my local high school. I enjoy that to no end. It is always a struggle for us to field a full 3 sides, so we usually only have a Varisty and Modified/Junior High Team[7th/8th Grade]. I hope to be able to attain of the sub-varsity positions within a year or two.
. Most of the players are of low experience and I really relish the chance of helping some kids understand the finer points to the sport. I'm unique from a sense that I am born out of a generation of Americans who grew up 'in' the game. I have not just been exposed to the American adaptations of the sport, but I can also claim to have seen countless interpretations from overseas. I think that helps a great deal in formulating my own opinions about how the game should be/is played.
. I think it helps me see a broader picture of the game and gives me an advantage over your average HS or travel coach. I've played many games as a player but not always at the highest levels and I find it hard at times to gain respect for how I see the game without a pedigree of a locally respected professional and/or transplanted European.
. Unfortunately interpreting the game isn't the same as coaching and I try very hard to learn new coaching skills every time out. I have found at times the transition from being a player [even though I have been considered a leader and have been a captain of many sides] is difficult. I have always sought about receiving respect from players through my actions on the field and have found new challenges in asserting my position only through coaching actions.
. I play as an amatuer in my local city and help organzie a Adult Soccer Club which has many teams. We have a great deal of fun and are usually realistically successful in our pursuits.
. I try not to make any pretensions about my talents as a player and only hope that if I work hard enough I can become a respected coach at the collegiate or high [national] travel levels. I would love to one day be able to coach professionally [which in the USA is somewhat realistic] but I am a long ways away from anything that profound, but I figure I have 40 some odd years left to get there.
. Most importantly I enjoy soccer. So much so, my family may be convinced I am crazy.