This is the second in a series of articles Leigh Cullip, the PSPL Technical Director, will be writing on coaching education and other topics related to youth soccer and the development of the American soccer player. Cullip is infinitely qualified to expound on this topic; coaching education is esstentially his life’s work. He holds a UEFA "A" license and a USSF "A" license and a NSCAA Premier Diploma, among many high-level coaching licenses and certificates. He played professionally for Crystal Palace and Wimbledon FC, among other English clubs. He knows what it takes to play at the highest level and he knows how to help coaches and players get there. But it’s not just about developing players for the pros or for college. Ultimately, Cullip is passionate about the game at all levels, and he’s really passionate about helping coaches teach the game, convey their passion and turn young soccer players into lifelong advocates and participants for the world’s most popular, and yes, most beautiful of sports. We are very excited to welcome Leigh Cullip to the PSPL and are even more excited about the plans he has for sharing his passion with all of you. --The PSPL
The New Year brings the best in coaching resolutions
By Leigh Cullip, PSPL technical director
The first morning of the New Year is a traditional time for reflection. The goal of reforming habit for the next 364 days is at the forefront of almost every persons thoughts (Olympic Year is always a leap year)!
I thought about that as I pondered my own personal goals – lose weight, be less grumpy, be more positive every day, manage my professional time better and maybe, just maybe land that National Team Job! Well, believe it or not, the first few hit high on everybody’s list (according to Wikipedia) and the last one may be a stretch at this point, but hey – everyone gets to dream, right?
I got to analyzing and digesting my thoughts and came up with some simple resolutions for myself. But I concluded that maybe this is a decent guideline for all coaches -- from the dedicated parent to the top professional. The aim of the resolution is not to wish, but to actually reform behavior.
So, drum roll please:
- Focus on the effort of the player, rather than the outcome.
- Pay attention to the details of coaching. EVERY item is important.
- Success leaves clues; look for them and learn from them.
- There is no point in getter older if you don’t get wiser – learn from mistakes past.
- Take better care of equipment – it’s there to make me a better coach and the players, better players.
- Teach from education, but present with the heart – passion encourages learning.
- Self-learn from all avenues, especially self-learning (a great businessman may be just as vital to my development as a great coach).
- Perception is reality, presentation is everything – be prepared.
- Focus on what is within my control – everything else is, well, out of my control.
- Listen more, talk less (especially with players).
- Prepare diligently for every session I run – Get the most out of every player and every coach EVERY time.
- Be the role model I intend to be and I perceive myself to be.
With Pia Sundhage and Jurgen Klinsmann at the helms of the U.S. national teams, maybe that particular resolution is a bit of stretch this year. But what isn’t a stretch is to be part of the talented group of coaches who share these goals and what they really mean – to improve so we can fulfill the ultimate reason why we all became coaches.
And that reason why is to make our players better and more passionate, so that one day soon, we can recall with pride about that kid on the national team who came from the Northwest and from one of our clubs.
Bringing (Specific) Education to the masses
By Leigh Cullip - PSPL Technical Director
I had a boss at a former job tell me years ago that I could not go to the NSCAA Convention as it was just ‘glorified’ session plans and not worth the time. I went to the NSCAA Convention and lost my job as a result – all just for seeking education in the game and self-learning. That does not seem right, does it?
In reflection I reviewed what I actually watched at that specific convention. Intrinsically, my subconscious had picked topics specific to me as an educator and youth coach (I had no set plan, I was jobless and carefree). As a result of my whimsical approach, I saw Dynamic Dialogue CEO Marty Stanley, Chelsea FC Performance Director Mike Forde and Missouri State Association Director Denny Vaninger (Who’s MYSA pamphlet ‘Parents, Coaches and Referees – “We’re all in this together”) still sits on my desk as a daily reminder of why we pursue this chosen career. The other ‘glorified’ session plans I did not spend too much time on.
When I accepted the position of Technical Director of the PSPL in October 2011, it was clear that a full agenda for coaches’ education should be specific to the needs of a youth coach in Washington state. Forget about the generic sessions aimed at those fortunate coaches with a whole pitch and 22 players at their disposal. The topics for the coming PSPL Educational agenda are specific to our coaches in the localized footballing community. The topics should be varied and as specific as the coaches needs dictate.
The PSPL will be looking to host a summit of coaching education in May 2012, already claiming Jeff Tipping (NSCAA Director of Coaching Emeritus), Tony DiCicco (SoccerPlus, CT), Tony Waiters (Vancouver Youth Soccer, CAN), John Saunders (Princeton Soccer, NJ) and Marty Stanley (Dynamic Dialogue CEO) as well as many well known Northwest area coaches who have been instrumental in moving the game forward here. We are, in fact bringing ‘specific’ education to the masses. In our back yard – Seattle!
The future for this sort of forethought and educational agenda is infinite. Especially when you consider that the proposed type of ongoing education is unparalleled in clubs, leagues and states in the Pacific Northwest, which makes the proposed calendar so attractive to those willing to learn. This endeavor also goes to prove that clubs, no matter size, strength, success or age, can work together for a higher goal – Developing the coaches that develop the players. At the very core of being a coach, is that not what we are here for?
The last line of the previous paragraph is something I will tackle in later articles, but for now make sure that we consider the future of our players in the PSPL lies in the knowledge and aspirations of the coaches.
