Lafayette Alumni who Earned a License...

[Rainbowcycle]

How many Lafayette alumni talented players earned a USSF or NSCAA Coaching Degree?

Do we need more USSF A, B, or C licensed coaches in Louisiana?

Any great high school player envisioning to play at the next level, should aim at acquiring a USSF or NSCAA coaching license or diploma...

E, D?! Every coach should learn their A, B, C's, if they want to challenge the world of soccer on young athletes around them; but I don't know after all, if we 're talking about the same pieces of paper!?

It is correct that USSF and NSCAA licensing courses have a lot to offer...; but not so much from their lectures and field workouts, as from the intermingling of high level coaches' talk around a table at night in a cosy pub, while having a healthy foreign drink...

That's where most of the pertinent learning takes place, I can vouch for it having gone to several of those: at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill...where I met Anson Dorance; at the Cocoa National Soccer Training Facility, in Florida...where I had the pleasure to meet "Timo" and Bob Gansler with the US National Team of the time, and Tony DiCicco National Goalkeeper Coach at the time; at Trinity College, in San Antonio, in Texas, where I met Barry Gorman and John Bluem among others...; all that while attending those licensing courses.

When you take the time to pick these experienced coaches' brains; about their hands on experiences and when you, yourself share your moments of glory or ... your nemesis' nightmares with them, you come out with even greater and newer perspectives for your mission as a coach and everything becomes easier...

The Barry Gorman, the John Bluem, the Jim Lennox, the Shellas Hyndman, the Jay Miller, the Dave Simeone,the Mike Parson, the Jeff Tipping, the John Cassaboon, the Peter Broadley, the Paul Payne, the Hylton Dayes, the Gregg Ashton, the Jim Gallagher, the David Williamson, the Gallimore, the Chris Petrucelli, the "Mutch", the "Timo", the Kerrigan, the Savard, the internationally known psychologist Dan Freigang, the Purgavie, the internationally known nutritionist Kris Clark, and the list goes on and on...

When you have a chance to speak to or meet during your coaching career, even if only briefly, with those coaches, and on top of that with national coaches like Anson Dorrance, Bob Gansler, or Tony DiCicco...; and I probably left out a bunch of other "great ones" who don't have to be particularly notorious to be very efficient teachers of the game and also very knowledgeable in their own ways, you can't help to change your philosophies for the better just by filtering these icones' genuine soccer enthusiasm.

Those are whom you learn the science of soccer from, when they share with you their life long experiences dealing with soccer at the colllege, national, or international levels, and all the pressures and chess game it entails.

Most coaches have such big egos, meant in a positive way, which translate into a priceless charisma.

You only have to funnel their charisma, into having them share with you, and you with them, the ropes of the game exponentially.

Diplomas and degrees, in my mind are merely signs of acceptance by your peers with no other meaning, if it weren't that you have acquired sufficient experience and science yourself to leave your marks on your professors...in return, as well.

Self-made women and self-learned men, will understand what I am saying here...

Nonetheless, Universities and colleges require at least a USSF B, if not an A license. I foresee, that pretty soon, High Schools will have to start having the USSF "C" requirement.

Louisiana already has put the requirement of a "C" to coach a Select Team, if I am not wrong...? Confirm that with us please, and tell us if it is strictly enforced!

The Lafayette Youth Soccer Association encourages all coaches to get at least the E if not the D license!

I am encouraged to know that one of my former players followed my advice on getting that coach's license in particular: Dwayne Bergeron, whom I had the privilege to coach to the U17 State Finals with the Baton Rouge Select Generals.

He attended and played at Comeaux High school and went on to play at the college level earning a BS degree at the same time, then went on to play at the professional level, went to Europe to showcase his talents, and came back earning his master's degree...

... and his USSF "B" license!

Lhssoccerfan, mentioned a very interesting Lafayette High Alumni Game...I wonder out of that very impressive list of players: how many of those wonderful young men made the smart move to acquire a USSF or NSCAA Coaching Degree?!

Please fill us out on on this...!



Have a great Mardi Gras and ya'll go out and catch some beads!

So long, Rainbowcycle!

[lhssoccerfan]

I'll let them respond, but as far as I know Mark DeClouet is refereeing games. Many of them are still playing, like Tommy Robinson and Dave Horton. And you're right, Dwayne was a tremendous player. I think you were still coaching at Comeaux back then or maybe he came along after. You walked right by me at the LHS/St. Amant game. Love the haircut. I looked right at you and you didn't even recognize me... I even told you hello...

[Rainbowcycle]

No, Lhssoccerfan, I was at St. Thomas More. My friend Coach Amos Batiste was there back then, and he was the one who inspired me and the rest of Lafayette mostly by putting on a superb game show for the players: with flag, national anthem, pre-game and half-time music show, players' introduction and all the rest of the decorum we find at the stadium.

The players deserve that game decorum for putting on a great show on the pitch, and the parents as well for putting up with them...just kidding !

Belated thank you, Amos! You do a tremendous job at Northside! The greatest coaches are not afraid to take up impossible challenges and then prove everybody wrong! Your tournament is one of the better ones, if not the best , I attended in Louisiana at the high school level...! May God bless you!

Sorry for not giving you away Lhssoccerfan, I personally like to keep a low profile myself and would like to preserve your confidentiallity as well.

As you well know, I am not the kind who will boast any of my accomplishments on the board... I would rather have the numerous players, I coached show how nicely they turned out in life, through their college degrees earned or by their accomplishments at the next soccer echelon... or by their successful weddings. Actions speak louder than words!

So long, Rainbowcycle

[happyjack]

[glow=red,2,300]As you well know, I am not the kind who will boast all my accomplishments on the board... I would rather have the numerous players, I coached show how nicely they turned out in life, through their college degrees earned or by their accomplishments at the next soccer echelon... or by their successful weddings. Actions speak louder than words[/glow]

Don't like to brag? May want to go back and read that first post. There is more name dropping in that post than on Celebrity Journal and Entertainment Tonight combined...LOL at your modesty.

[Rainbowcycle]

Sorry, to disappoint you...those are not accomplishments...they are merely names, as you say it yourself, of guys you might want to meet to broaden your horizons.

By the way where have you been Happyjack?!

We need some clever posts from you too...join in, we're having fun!

So long, Rainbowcycle

[manchurianman]

Rainbowcycle said:

How many Lafayette alumni talented players earned a USSF or NSCAA Coaching Degree?

Do we need more USSF A, B, or C licensed coaches in Louisiana?

Any great high school player envisioning to play at the next level, should aim at acquiring a USSF or NSCAA coaching license or diploma...

E, D?! Every coach should learn their A, B, C's, if they want to challenge the world of soccer on young athletes around them; but I don't know after all, if we 're talking about the same pieces of paper!?

It is correct that USSF and NSCAA licensing courses have a lot to offer...; but not so much from their lectures and field workouts, as from the intermingling of high level coaches' talk around a table at night in a cosy pub, while having a healthy foreign drink...

That's where most of the pertinent learning takes place, I can vouch for it having gone to several of those: at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill...where I met Anson Dorance; at the Cocoa National Soccer Training Facility, in Florida...where I had the pleasure to meet "Timo" and Bob Gansler with the US National Team of the time, and Tony DiCicco National Goalkeeper Coach at the time; at Trinity College, in San Antonio, in Texas, where I met Barry Gorman and John Bluem among others...; all that while attending those licensing courses.

When you take the time to pick these experienced coaches' brains; about their hands on experiences and when you, yourself share your moments of glory or ... your nemesis' nightmares with them, you come out with even greater and newer perspectives for your mission as a coach and everything becomes easier...

The Barry Gorman, the John Bluem, the Jim Lennox, the Shellas Hyndman, the Jay Miller, the Dave Simeone,the Mike Parson, the Jeff Tipping, the John Cassaboon, the Peter Broadley, the Paul Payne, the Hylton Dayes, the Gregg Ashton, the Jim Gallagher, the David Williamson, the Gallimore, the Chris Petrucelli, the "Mutch", the "Timo", the Kerrigan, the Savard, the internationally known psychologist Dan Freigang, the Purgavie, the internationally known nutritionist Kris Clark, and the list goes on and on...

When you have a chance to speak to or meet during your coaching career, even if only briefly, with those coaches, and on top of that with national coaches like Anson Dorrance, Bob Gansler, or Tony DiCicco...; and I probably left out a bunch of other "great ones" who don't have to be particularly notorious to be very efficient teachers of the game and also very knowledgeable in their own ways, you can't help to change your philosophies for the better just by filtering these icones' genuine soccer enthusiasm.

Those are whom you learn the science of soccer from, when they share with you their life long experiences dealing with soccer at the colllege, national, or international levels, and all the pressures and chess game it entails.

Most coaches have such big egos, meant in a positive way, which translate into a priceless charisma.

You only have to funnel their charisma, into having them share with you, and you with them, the ropes of the game exponentially.

Diplomas and degrees, in my mind are merely signs of acceptance by your peers with no other meaning, if it weren't that you have acquired sufficient experience and science yourself to leave your marks on your professors...in return, as well.

Self-made women and self-learned men, will understand what I am saying here...

Nonetheless, Universities and colleges require at least a USSF B, if not an A license. I foresee, that pretty soon, High Schools will have to start having the USSF "C" requirement.

Louisiana already has put the requirement of a "C" to coach a Select Team, if I am not wrong...? Confirm that with us please, and tell us if it is strictly enforced!

The Lafayette Youth Soccer Association encourages all coaches to get at least the E if not the D license!

I am encouraged to know that one of my former players followed my advice on getting that coach's license in particular: Dwayne Bergeron, whom I had the privilege to coach to the U17 State Finals with the Baton Rouge Select Generals.

He attended and played at Comeaux High school and went on to play at the college level earning a BS degree at the same time, then went on to play at the professional level, went to Europe to showcase his talents, and came back earning his master's degree...

... and his USSF "B" license!

Lhssoccerfan, mentioned a very interesting Lafayette High Alumni Game...I wonder out of that very impressive list of players: how many of those wonderful young men made the smart move to acquire a USSF or NSCAA Coaching Degree?!

Please fill us out on on this...!



Have a great Mardi Gras and ya'll go out and catch some beads!

So long, Rainbowcycle!

Rainbow
I guess I along with a lot of other people on this forum wonder why you aren't coaching a top level (or any level) high school team now. From your post you seem to have all the answers but unless I'm mistaken you aren't coaching any team. Why is that? It's obvious that YOU consider yourself a highly talented coach. I would think that any school in your area (or any area) would have offered you a job as soccer coach. Would you kindly tell the board where your last coaching assignment was and why you parted from your last HS coaching job. How many district or state championships did any of your high school teams win under your coaching?

Let people on the board know of your accomplishments or dissapointments as a high school coach. What level license do you hold, I would be disappointed if after all the clinics you attended if it wasn't at least a "B" or maybe even an "A". With all the answers you seem to have I'm surprised LSU didn't interview you for their coaching job.

Just a wondering Manchurianman

[Rainbowcycle]

Dear friend Manchurian, I would like you to read the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee "To Kill a Mocking Bird", or if that is too stringent to watch the movie with Oscar Winner Gregory Peck...

When you'll tell me how you feel about the main issues raised in that novel, I might be more inclined to tell you a little bit more about myself; although it seems you already have many of the preconceived, bigoted, and intolerant answers made up, if we consider the malicous way you have of bringing up your so called questions!?

USSF "A" licensee Ricky Zambrano, USSF "A" licensee George Fotopoulos, Former National Pool Player Danielle Fotopoulos and Collegiate National Champion in Division I with Florida, and now USSF "A" licensee Brian Lee at LSU... Manchurian, what do you attribute this musical chair game to?

One thing I am certain of, if I were to coach here in Louisiana I would put my stock in the local players more than in having European players, or out of state players become the majority of our college teams: what does that tell our players...?

They are not good enough, or that we the coaches don't instill enough self-discipline, determination in them to finish their job; that we don't show them to find resilience, and passion in them for the game of soccer or for life in general? I am always eager to see how many of them end up with a college degree...Hats off to future nurse Ellen DeClouet, or Master of Science holder and USSF B licensee Dwayne Bergeron.

I ask you, and the other coaches, and the players and the parents for a round table to overhaul a system that just don't seem to cut it at the higher level... low numbers are there to prove the lack of presence of our talent to play on Louisianan college teams.

Stop fooling yourself Manchurian and look at how many of our local players played for our ULL Women's Division I Soccer Team during this 2004 season?!

So long, and don't you dare dodging this one, or I'll be really disappointed in you.

So long, Rainbowcycle.

[rocksccrstar]

Some of the greatest coaches I know and have known throughout my years were either unlicensed or had a D or E level license. I don't know that I agree that in order to be a great coach you must be licensed or that you need to go sit "at a cozy pub" and hash it out with coaches who have made it to the higher levels. I have an E license or maybe a D (I don't even remember) and a Master's degree in Kinesiology (Sport Administration) and neither one of these things has taught me more than actually playing for several years and coaching rec and now high school. People learn through hands on experience. Did you learn how to drive a car by reading a book? No you got in the car and someone showed you and you practiced, Do you read a book about soccer and instantly you are a great player? No you practice, practice, practice and play, play, play. So I believe that coaching is a hands on process, I am not saying that the other things, classes, colleagues insight do not add to it, but nothing takes the place of actually getting out there with a bunch of kids and learning, with them.

Now as far as Louisiana goes or Lafayette, I don't think it matters if any of those talented players got a license, maybe they don't want to coach. I was confused why you asked that. Not all great players would want to coach nor would they necessarily make great coaches.

Rainbow please don't take this as a personal attack, you make good points in your argument, however I think getting to the next level whether it is coaching in college or at a national/international level is a combination of what you do with a team, who you know, and how you sell yourself.

And now my two cents----anyone that can coach a U-4 or U-6 team is a God in the coaching world----nothing is better to teach a coach patience

[hdkjga]

Rainbow,

I am curious, what level coach are you, and what do you feel was the greatest benefit of taking the coaching clinics for the various levels. i am curious, because it is something I am interested in doing in the future when I am able to coach a team. I have been able to witness non-licencsed coaches all the way through C-license. I can honestly say that in my opinion, you do not have to have a higher license to be a good coach. As long as you have a good working knowledge of the game, I don't think the 2-day to 1 week clinics and however many dollars, determine a bad coach vs. a good coach. I don't think they hurt however, so if someone is really interested in being a coach at higher levels, then take the courses, but if you only want to coach youth soccer, then I would recommend taking the referee course rather than the upper level coaching courses. Knowledge of the game and patience with the players are more important in my mind. That said, I have no personal experience with coaching clinics, therefore, I am hoping that those with the experience, share it with those of us who haven't. Any help is appreciated.


-h

[usasoccerboy]

I can promise you that if you attend a professional liscense course, you will be a better coach after than when you went in.

Being knowledgable about the game is only part of it. Knowing how to spot problems the instant they happen, stop, correct, and resume play in a brief amount of time is crucial to being a good coach. This is not easily attained by experience. It takes lots of practice and teaching. This is the main contribution to coaches in the liscensing system. It is difficult, but fun.

[bouree]

As a referee and a former coach, I have to say I highly recommend every coach take the referee course or at minimum, have a licensed referee instructor give a "mini-clinic" to their team. I promise, you won't regret it...

[Rainbowcycle]

I don't really understand how you are going to be a better coach after having taken a referee course???

Wouldn't that add up to merely reading the rules of Scrabble on the back cover...thinking it will cut it to qualify you or by the same token your daycare center for the Scrabble Championships?

Extrapolating from what we have heard from some of you, you are ready to close all schools starting this Thursday after Mardi Gras, and rely on hands on learning experiences from our children to make it successfully in life.

Nothing better then a sound old fashioned school education using the Socratic methods to achieve our goals...in soccer that's to say!

wlfrocksccrstar, I entirely feel for you, when you say you are a God when you coach U5 or U6... I have been there myself 4 years, and there is nothing more humbling than to experience that age group...It should be a must in any coaching licensing course to teach and learn patience and respect for the unexpected !

Thank you usasoccerboy for sharing the drastic transformation you undergo after you go through those soccer licensing courses... it closely reflects the changes we go through from being small children growing up, passing the puberty stage through adolescence, on our way to adulthood, to finally find some confidence in ourselves and much needed wisdom..."E", "D", "C", "B", and "A" for adulthood!?

I guess many of us are still grown up children kicking the ball around with no particular goal in mind other than to have fun....with a referee badge of courage to whistle what we find good and not so good, and I guess there is nothing bad with that after all!

So long, Rainbowcycle!

[hdkjga]

It was a simple question Rainbow and you still haven't answered it. I was curious about your experience with these coaching clinics and instead you proceed to politely slap bouree and me about our support of the idea that coaches should take the referee course. Thanks for the helping hand........


"Wouldn't that add up to merely reading the rules of Scrabble on the back cover...thinking it will cut it to qualify you or by the same token your daycare center for the Scrabble Championships?"

Does going to soccer camps make you a championship player with out knowing the rules of the game?



Next time, just answer the question please.

Thank you,
-h

[Rainbowcycle]

It is always helpful to know the rules of the game you participate in...of course, and any dad or mom who wants to guide the children into that sport should start by knowing those rules inside out...

Consequently, the referee course would be an excellent way to start to build on a solid and sound foundation. In fact every player should be required to take the course.
I personally have encouraged my players to referee for different reasons:

1) It pays well: if that is a plug for the younger ones...sometimes at the end of the season you pocket as much as 600 or 700 dollars. That was a few years back.... correct me if I am wrong.

2) It makes smarter players out of them.

3) It makes the little ones feel good and loved, when they see their big "brothers and sisters" monitoring their games in such a kind way.

Where I disagree, is when some say that dads and moms will learn the coaching skills at the same time as their players... with all the trials and mistakes that will evolve out of that process.

I am speaking about "high school level, recreational, high rec, premier, travelling and select here..." and not U5 to U10 where fun and only fun should be encouraged.

Starting with select U11, coaches must have followed a rigorous training to impart knowledge, tactics, strategy of the game of soccer to their players in a very structured and academic way...

Experience only, as a player, to coach does not suffice, therefore you need cerfitified courses.

Besides, as some of you have pointed out not all achieved players become good coaches, and not all excellent coaches were top notch players either, but at least it helps understand the players standpoint better.

You do have after all players' coaches and game coaches... Which ones do you recommend?

I would recommend to every college player interested to coach to get their USSF License "C" and then "B" as soon as possible even when they ARE STILL JUNIORS in college, DON'T WAIT AND GET IT IN THE SUMMER and next WINTER BREAK!

The professional future for professional coaches is a very realistic one, especially if high schools will start demanding for only on staff personnel to coach...which is very much needed with the polical games that goes on nowadays.

Once you become a licensed coach, you can put yourself in the players' shoes, as a former succesful player yourself, and understand what goes on in their psyche.

Psychology plays a great part at that level where skills and talent are present because since most started playing at age 5, they know how to dribble that ball better than anyone else. That is one of the reason I started the "Brains or Skills Win at this Level" thread on this board... What do you impart on your players to win in the playoffs... more psychology than anything else... using appropriate tactics and strategy.

That is where the licensed coaches comes in to bring the players up to the next level, to select them on their city's "unique" best team and to qualify them through state, to make a statement at the regional level, and hopefully leave their mark at the national competition of their age group: U16, U17, and U18.

Presently, in Lafayette we have watered down teams numbering two or sometimes three in the same age group... which gives our city no chance whatsoever to rival with Baton Rouge, left alone New Orleans...

Politics, politics or a feodal system that requires a much needed overhauling?! Why so many split parents, and split teams, some players even decide to play for other cities, when we have the best players in the state right here in Lafayette and could win it all???

We have a long way to go here in Louisiana...because we don't like to change what we presently have. WE are a bunch of loafers...

You hear even some players on this board saying they are satisfied with the status quo. Everything is fine Everything is smooth, there is nothing better out there.

Unfortunately, there is something better outside the door, and many don't want to let it in... !

As I have said before In have a solution, but I won't present it, as long as I am left at the door when I knock on it, and am even afraid someone will open it and slam it right back at me...

Hdkjga and Bouree, talking about being slapped in the face, I had my share of it as you well know on this board and in life and I am the kind of person who will tend you my left cheek...,so don't like the others, take advantage of my kindness, it lacks so much class and decency!

Your friend, Rainbowcycle.

[coachray40]

6 chapters in this forum from the War and Peace sized "Memoirs and Global Masterplan of Rainbowcycle" and for and still no answer.

[Rainbowcycle]

Hi Coach Ray, I enjoyed the game between your team St. Amant and Lafayette High.

I must say, I was really impressed by the way you handled yourself on the sideline. You were a role model for your players and for the parents sitting in the stadium bleachers. Cudos to you and to your team, which by the way I understand is very young...you got a bright future ahead with that group of fine young men.

Your goalie has the height and a lot of potential..., so does your center back "20", which might have been a little underused in my opinion...but that is just an opinion of course. I would have seen him more into an offensive mid who would have offered much needed support to your two awesome "Brazilian type" forwards.

Don't think for a minute, I didn't come to meet you after the game because I lacked respect for what you do; on the contrary, I respect you too much to see you right after a playoff loss..., or any loss in soccer for that matter, since I know that in those moments a coach needs some time alone to decompress...

I hope to hear from you....

Sincerely, from one fine coach to another, Rainbowcycle

[tsumi77]

Dear Rainbowcycle........... I've been reading your posts for a while now and even if there are some interesting parts, I must disagree with some others... I believe that ceritified coaching courses are a nice "plus" offered to all coaches who want to learn maybe a little bit more about coaching technics. BUT I do not believe it will make you a good or successful coach.
You said: Experience only, as a player, to coach does not suffice, therefore you need cerfitified courses..
I completely agree on the first part but really disgaree on the second!
Let me tell you what's needed to be a good coach more than anything else: a good knowledge of child's development and a good knowledge of the game... None of those are offered by courses, you're good with kids/teeneagers or you're not, and you know the game or you don't!!

So long, Tsumi77

[LoveTheGame]

Rainbowcycle: No question, you are passionate about soccer...and that is a good thing! However, I think you need to tighen up your prose so that it is easier to understand the points you try to make and/or to follow your logic. (And, I really think you should answer direct questions that are posed to you.)

Having said that, like Tsumi, I have to disagree with you on the importance of existing coaching courses. Now, IF these courses were to provide an increasingly robust age-appropriate season practice plan with age-appropriate skills identified...THAT would be helpful! Such plan(s) would combine "good knowledge of child's development and a good knowledge of the game."

And, even with such a plan in hand, like Tsumi said: "you're (either) good with kids/teeneagers or you're not..." I'm not sure how much of that kind of 'touch' can be learned in a clinic. A person can have all kinds of knowledge (IQ), but if he/she can't relate well to others (EQ), teaching effectiveness is limited.

[manchurianman]

Rainbowcycle said:

Hi Coach Ray, I enjoyed the game between your team St. Amant and Lafayette High.

Don't think for a minute, I didn't come to meet you after the game because I lacked respect for what you do; on the contrary, I respect you too much to see you right after a playoff loss..., or any loss in soccer for that matter, since I know that in those moments a coach needs some time alone to decompress...

I hope to hear from you....

Sincerely, from one fine coach to another, Rainbowcycle

I'm feel sure that FORMER MODERATOR Coachray40 would have been thrilled to meet you. Right, yeah right

[Rainbowcycle]

Manchurian, Coach Ray is a big guy, and I mean a really big guy. Don't you think he might be able to answer by himself, and that he doesn't need you to hold him by the hand in his reply?!

Every intelligent person knows that we don't all have to agree on everything... otherwise things would never change and move forward...

Don't believe for one second, Manchurian, that because Coach Ray and I disagree on a few points..., all right on many points, it doesn't mean that we don't have any feelings of mutual respect.

On the contrary, a good coach always respects his opponent, otherwise like in soccer, you'll find yourself with your foot in your mouth!

By the way, Manchurian, I and the others on this board, are still waiting on that report from you on "To kill a Mocking Bird" , don't think for a minute, you can let yourself of the hook that easily...!

So long, Rainbowcycle