Developing a Model Soccer Club

Soccer clubs of all levels and sizes play vital roles in their communities, yet most face challenges that prevent them from achieving their goals each year. This book documents the practices of the best-run clubs and provides straightforward guidelines to bring these practices to your club. This book is required reading for all administrators, coaches, and parents who want more from their club! More than anyplace else, player development occurs (or breaks down) at the club level. With this in mind, soccer organizations should make it a top priority to study the best practices of other soccer clubs and work to bring these practices to their own members. This book examines eight critical components of the "Model Soccer Club", and provides specific examples and guidance for each element that will allow you to separate your club from your competitors. All clubs, regardless of size, history, or geographic location, will benefit greatly as they apply the principles detailed by the authors in this groundbreaking text. As a group, the authors (Robert Parr, Terry Eguaoje, Tom Condone, and Matt Fansher) represent 65 years of collective experience in coaching and administration of soccer programs. Whether you are a parent trying to ensure your child is in the right environment as a soccer player, a coach who wants to understand the key steps to take as players develop, or an administrator responsible for the operations of a soccer club, this book will provide you with invaluable guidance that will challenge many of your assumptions and put you and your club on the path to success!
About the Author: Robert Parr is the Director of Coaching for the Arkansas State Soccer Association. He holds a USSF "A" license, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and USSF National Youth License. Previously, he was the WPSL Head Coach for the Puerto Rico Capitals, Head Women's Soccer Coach at Georgia College, and coached for the Georgia State Soccer Association ODP. He also was the DOC for the American Soccer Club in Austin, TX, the South Texas Men's State Team Coach, and a South Texas YSA Staff Coach for ODP and Coaching Education. As Head Coach of the University of Texas Men's Soccer Team, he led the program to a National Collegiate Club Championship in 1990, three other National Tournament appearances, and an overall record of 80-25-16. He is the co-creator of SoccerROM.com. Terry Eguaoje is the Director of Coaching for the Mississippi Soccer Association. He holds a USSF "A" License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA National Youth Diploma, and USSF Goalkeeper License. As a Student Assistant, he helped Kennesaw State University win the 2003 NCAA Div II Women's National Championship. Terry was the DOC for the Fusion Soccer Club in Houston, TX, worked for the Texas Premier Girls Academy Program, and was on South Texas YSA staff for both ODP and Coaching Education. He authored "Bridging the Gender Gap" to help sports administrators recruit and retain more female coaches. Tom Condone is the Executive Director for Tennessee Soccer, and was previously the Director of Coaching. He is an instructor for US Soccer and US Youth Soccer, and has served on the ODP coaching staff for Region II and III. Tom holds a USSF "A" License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, NSCAA National Youth Diploma, and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. He has held head coaching jobs at Spring Hill College, Rutgers University-Newark, and Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he was the 2001 NAIA Region XII Coach of the Year. Matt Fansher is the General Manager of Soccer City OKC, LLC, and spent 7 years as the Director of Coaching for the Oklahoma Soccer Association. Previously, he worked for the Edmond Soccer Club in Oklahoma and was named the "Boys' Coach of the Year" by Oklahoma Soccer. He holds a USSF "A" License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, NSCAA Regional Goalkeeping Diploma, and has instructed coaching courses for US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. He has coached at the collegiate, high school, and club levels and on Region III ODP Staff.