Spor | Soccer |
Position | Assistant Coach |
University | Central Methodist University |
Major | Masters in Athletic Administration |
I decided to coach soccer in the U.S. because I’ve always been very passionate about the college lifestyle and the sportsmanship of the students. I’ve been to the US a few times before my coaching position and found the importance of college sports in the US to be mega cool!
My players usually have their breakfast time in the cafeteria in the morning, then there are lectures until about 12 o’clock: from 12 o’clock the cafeteria is open again for lunch. In the afternoon there are still lectures until about 4 o’clock and then comes the Fuball program. (weight room/ pool recovery/ video analysis/ gameday) In the evening there is again dinner in the cafeteria.
I did my master’s degree. The lectures were quite simple, but I still learned a lot. The master’s program was also not too demanding, so I was able to concentrate on soccer on the side.
The training was usually very intense and at a high pace. We always brought in a lot of variety and always planned “fun units”. We didn’t have anything like fitness tests. The facilities were good, except for the playing field (artificial turf, which was also used by the Fooball team). Otherwise, there was a very modern gym, a pool, and an indoor artificial turf.
Similar to a normal day, with the difference that on away trips it sometimes starts earlier and players are released from lectures earlier. On long away trips, there are occasional overnight stays in hotels. For us coaches, there was of course a lot of preparation and follow-up work to do.
Train daily at the highest level and compete with up-and-coming athletes from around the world.
The USA offers you the best universities in the world: the academic content and methods are first-class and internationally recognized.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop personally in a short period of time: gain experience with other cultures and learn perfect English.
One thing is for sure: You will stand out positively for future employers with your international education.
The team had its own physio assigned who was always available to help on the sidelines at practices and games. Actually, the physio was always available and also came along on away trips. Players could write to the physio on Whatsapp and arrange to meet him in the physio room. That was extremely uncomplicated and very effective for the players.
It was a mega cool experience, with unforgettable moments. I met a lot of cool people, some of whom I’m still in regular contact with. I would do everything exactly the same again.
I would recommend it to everyone because you get so many great experiences that last a lifetime. Through the lifestyle, you quickly make friends and the environment consists only of young and sports-minded students. Also, Americans are very hospitable and know how to have a good time.