USSF To Offer Coaching Education Trip To Spain
CoachesNet caught up with National Staff Coach Juan
Carlos Michia to discuss the upcoming coaching
educational trip to Madrid, Spain. Michia discusses
details about the upcoming trip, what a coach can
expect and much more.
To register, visit
http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/National-Coaching-Schools/National-Course-Schedule.aspx
Questions can be directed to
coachesnet@ussoccer.org.
Space is still
available.
CoachesNet: What
can a coach expect for attending the trip to Madrid,
Spain?
Juan Carlos Michia: “To
me the trip offers so many different things, from
enjoying some of the best soccer in the world, to
interacting with coaches you typically would not
meet, to learning about a different culture. We chose
Spain for these factors and certainly feel that our
group will learn a great deal and create some lasting
memories.
“Madrid
is currently home to three La Liga teams and is one
of the top leagues in the world. Being able to stay
on the campus where the Spanish National Team and
Real Madrid train will give coaches an inside
perspective that they might not normally get to
experience. We will also be able to attend two Real
Madrid games. Watching stars like Cristiano Ronaldo,
Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Sergio Ramos
and Iker Casillas will be a terrific
experience.
“Another
part of the trip that is sometimes overlooked is the
interaction amongst the group. Similar to a coaching
course, coaches have a great opportunity to talk
about soccer all day and learn from each
other.”
CN: Is
this trip open to all coaches?
JCM: “Yes,
this trip is open to all coaches. We have arranged it
similarly to the CoachesNet trip we took this past
March to
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The focus will once again be on youth development and
we plan to take advantage of the various clubs in and
around Madrid. Our goal is to offer coaches an
opportunity to learn from the professional teams we
visit, from youth on up to the first
team.”
CN: Can
“A”
license coaches earn Continuing Education
Credits?
JCM: “Yes,
“A” license coaches will earn eight credits for
attending. We feel
this trip and the Argentina trip
are
terrific opportunities for all coaches and “A”
license coaches in particular. When we began to think
about organizing these types of learning
opportunities, we felt it was important to target “A”
license coaches. We understand how important it is to
maintain your license and at the same time continue
to grow with the game. I think these opportunities
allow them to do both.”
CN: Do
attendees earn a license?
JCM: “We
do not issue a license but all coaches will receive a
certificate. For attending the Spain trip, coaches
will receive a U.S. Soccer certificate.”
CN: Is
there a curriculum that will be followed during the
week?
JCM: “The
trip will focus primarily on the development ages and
specifically how Spain develops youth players. We
feel like this gives our coaches an ideal learning
environment since a majority of them train youth
players.
“The
Spanish National Team, Barcelona, Real Madrid,
Sevilla and many other clubs in Spain play the game
the way many of us admire. What we want to learn is
how players like Xavi, Fernando Torres, Cesc
Fabregas,
David
Villa and Iker
Casillas developed. You watch these players and see
just how comfortable they are with the ball whether
they are under pressure or receiving a cross field
pass. Collectively, I think we can agree U.S. players
are not as technical as some countries. The goal is
to learn how coaches in Spain develop players and
incorporate some of their philosophies into our daily
training."
CN: How
do trips like these help coaches develop?
JCM: “I
think more than anything it allows coaches to expand
their thinking. For some coaches they may take with
them lesson plan after lesson plan and for others it
may be a few changes to a training session that will
make them better.”
CN: Can
you give example?
“National
Staff Coach Rene Miramontes, who led the CoachesNet
trip to Argentina this past March, was extremely
impressed with the one-day clinic that professional
club Estudiantes de La Plata organized. Their
willingness and eagerness to share their knowledge
was tremendous.
“Their
entire staff from U-10s to U-18s was involved. They
showed just how much energy and detail they spend
daily on technical exercises and team shape. How does
the back-four shift when the ball is switched? While
basic at times, it was great for our coaches to see
how detailed they get with the kids. These are the
things that make us all better.”
CN: Attendees
will stay on the Spanish FA complex. Can you explain
what it is like to stay at the City of Futbol
hotel?
View Map
JCM: “It
is truly a fantastic experience. It is a beautiful
campus and we will not only be able to enjoy lectures
and field sessions at the facility but we will also
be able to stay in the same place that Raul and Xavi
have stayed in.”
CN: Coaches
will be able to see two Real Madrid games; one home
and one away. What is the atmosphere like during a
Real Madrid game?
JCM: “You
cannot describe the feeling to be in Estadio Santiago
Bernabéu. You are talking about a beautiful stadium
with capacity for 80,000 people and 98 percent of
those people are Real fans. Home or away, the
atmosphere is terrific.”
CN: What
will a typical day include?
JCM: “Each
morning will begin with breakfast at the hotel. On
the weekends we will attend youth matches in the
morning to get a feel for the level of play at the
various ages. During the week we will attend first
team training sessions and take part in lectures. The
lectures will range from pre-season training and
preparing for the season to the coaching curriculum
the Spanish FA follows in their coaching schools and
the topics they teach. The evenings will be spent
enjoying some fine Spanish food. The days will be
filled and the dinners typically late so come
prepared to rest after the trip!”
Sample Schedule
CN: What
is included with the trip?
JCM: “Registration
includes a certificate of attendance from U.S.
Soccer, NIKE traveling gear, meals, accommodations,
two Real Madrid games and a full-time bilingual
guide. We have also arranged for a group flight from
Newark, N.J., that coaches can take advantage
of.
“U.S.
Soccer’s Coaching Education staff will also be
attending as it is a very good way for us to
interact, listen and discuss the issues, challenges
and successes coaches see with their clubs on a day
to day basis. Our knowledge grows when we share our
different experiences.”
Space Is Still Available, to Register:
Download
the
application form and
either fax (312-808-9708) or mail to:
U.S.
Soccer
Attn:
CoachesNet
1801
S. Prairie Ave
Chicago,
IL 60616
We
hope you will be joining us next year in
Spain!
Questions
should be directed to
coachesnet@ussoccer.org
Are You In The Net?
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U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago
IL 60616
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