Soccer certificate
26 complete first module of master coaching certificate program at UD
8:45 a.m., June 24, 2015--Twenty-six participants successfully completed Module 1 of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and University of Delaware master coaching certificate program held June 6-12 at UD.
The program was created and designed to meet the needs of elite-level soccer coaches and consisted of a week-long residential course that included on-field sessions, classroom lectures, group projects and presentations.
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In August, a 13-week online component consisting of lectures, discussions, practical assignments and assigned readings will begin.
Also in the fall, the participants will complete a one-week apprenticeship at high level soccer environment such as Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, an NCAA Division I men’s or women’s soccer program or a foreign based club.
In the final requirement of the course, with the guidance of an NSCAA and UD-approved mentor, the participant will develop and implement a comprehensive project that will contribute to their professional growth.
The participant will present the project for jury review in January at the NSCAA National Convention in Baltimore. The credential awarded to the participant is a non-credit certificate issued by UD and a diploma issued by the NSCAA.
“It was an incredible week of learning and sharing. We were very fortunate to have an outstanding faculty who were very effective in engaging the participants in discussion and practical application exercises,” said Matthew J. Robinson, UD professor and director of the program.
Presenters included Ian Barker, director of education for the NSCAA; Bob Gansler, head coach of the 1990 U.S. Men’s National Team that competed in the 1990 FIFA World Cup and former head coach of the MLS Kansas City Wizards; John Pascarella, assistant coach and goalkeeper coach, and Mateus Manoel, head of fitness and performance for Sporting KC of MLS; Oliver Gage, director of performance analysis for the Houston Dynamo of MLS; Paul Marco, head men’s soccer coach at Binghamton (New York) University and NSCAA national staff member; and Andrew Donnery, NSCAA national staff member, director of the Freemont (California) Soccer Club and head coach of the U-17 Men’s National Team of Bermuda.
“My take away from the University of Delaware and NSCAA’s master coaching diploma were exclusively positive,” said Barker. “The quality of the learning environment provided by the University of Delaware coupled with the quality of the presenters was of the very highest order. Along with solid content and equally solid educators the program came together through the open mindedness, intellect and overall contributions of the students. I am delighted to be associated with this program and proud to have the NSCAA working in collaboration with the University of Delaware.”
The program also included presentations by Shayne Hall, head of education for Prozone, the leading performance analysis company in international soccer. Prozone is the preferred performance analysis software of teams in the English Premier League, MLS and the national teams for the U.S. Soccer Federation, among others.
Hall said, “We are very proud to be associated and to deliver educational content to the master coach course. The master coach course provides a well-structured curriculum that will prepare the participants in the role as a high level club, college or professional coach. Performance analysis is as an essential skill of a master coach and by educating them on Prozone, it enables them to gain objective feedback on performance and that in turn drives the development of training sessions for a team and individual players. We look forward to working with UD and the NSCAA in future endeavors.”
The program also included a field trip to YSC, the home of the MLS Philadelphia Union Academy program, where presentations were made by the YSC and Philadelphia Union Academy staff. Participants also attended the Philadelphia Union and FC New York match, where participants completed an assignment utilizing the performance analysis concepts presented by Prozone and a follow up lecture and discussion using the data gathered by software.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the NSCAA that also includes offering the advanced director of coaching course,” said Robinson. “Also, we could not have done the course without the assistance of UD men’s soccer coach Ian Hennessey, who provided valuable support, as well as the world class services offered by Bill Sullivan and the staff at the Marriott Courtyard.”
“We are also proud of the fact that UD continues to be recognized as a leader internationally in the development of elite coaches.”
Robinson, along with Jeff Schneider, instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology in the College of Health Sciences and co-director of the master coach course, also lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) funded International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) and the International Coaching Apprenticeship in Basketball (ICAB).
In eight years the two programs have educated over 200 coaches, in 25 sports from 85 countries.
“We welcome the chance to contribute to the growth the soccer in the United States through educating soccer coaches and leaders while impacting our friends in many sports from around the globe through our Olympic coaching program,” Robinson added.
About the NSCAA
Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kansas, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence and serve the soccer community.
The NSCAA is the world’s largest soccer coaches’ organization with members at every level of the game. The membership is primarily made up of coaches, but also includes administrators, referees and others in the soccer industry.
The NSCAA provides its members ways to enhance the game of soccer by providing a national education program, interaction and networking opportunities, and membership benefits.