make sure our offerings are consistent with the trends in the modern game .
Additionally , we will be improving the curriculum for every course we teach , while also developing new and improved courses for launch in 2024 . We have also been working to put together new resources for our coaches in areas such as mental health , inclusion and operational / management skills . I believe our membership will appreciate the updates to our course menu and participation in our programs will continue to increase as we make improvements .
What does coaching education mean to you ?
Coaching is guiding people to places they could not get to on their own , and coaching education is essential to reaching your potential for the benefit of the athletes who play under your direction . Great coaches are life-long learners who consistently place themselves in environments to grow .
“ Playing experience can only take you so far . Playing the game does not mean you can coach it . In order to learn best practices for teaching the game , taking the time to educate oneself is essential to meeting the needs of our athletes .”
That ’ s coaching education to me- learning best practices for teaching the game in order to provide the very best learning environments for the holistic development of our athletes .
Who were some of your coaching mentors growing up ?
As a child I had the opportunity to be developed by Doug Trenerry , a youth coach in the Omaha Metro area . He inspired me to reach my potential as an athlete , and he was a wonderful role model for my coaching career . He is the coach who has had the most impact on me , and I am forever grateful for the role he has played in my life .
Professionally , many people have taken the time to provide me with invaluable guidance along my coaching journey . Jeff Tipping , Doug Williamson and Jeff Vennell had the most influence on me as a coach and educator . They saw potential in me at a very young age , and they have provided me with incredible mentorship throughout my career . I have also been fortunate to meet others along the way who helped shape me into the person I am today . All of these individuals are currently on our faculty . They include Chris Ayer , Hylton Dayes , Anson Dorrance , Roy Dunshee , Cyndi Goodwin , Paul Payne , Jason Pendleton , George Perry , Dave Saward and Kim Sutton .
What are you looking forward to most at the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention ?
I am really looking forward to working with our faculty , staff and members to create an incredible convention experience . I am excited to sit in on as many sessions as possible so I can learn from the amazing line-up of presenters we will have in attendance . I am also looking forward to connecting with as many of my colleagues as possible and meeting new people who love the game and our association as much as I do .
What have your previous convention experiences been like ?
I have learned so much from attending the convention over the years . Much like attending an in-person course , I have taken advantage of previous conventions to immerse myself in the game and focus on my development . I have always left the convention feeling like I learned a lot , and the entire experience has always energized me and provided me with ideas I could take back and immediately implement with my team or club . I have also been fortunate to present a couple of field sessions at previous conventions , and those experiences have been meaningful to me as well . Finally , the convention has always been ideal for reconnecting with colleagues and for meeting new friends who have a similar passion for the game .
On July 21 , 2023 , Rob Herringer was announced as the association ’ s newest Director of Coaching Education . A United Soccer Coaches Member since 2000 , Herringer holds the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma , in addition to the United Soccer Coaches Master Coach Diploma , and his U . S . Soccer A License .
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