Youth Soccer Coaching
"The Benefits of Attending a Licensing Course"

Thank you for providing such an intensive quality program at the last licensing course. I personally experienced a very steep learning curve that was humbling to say the least.

I arrived in camp with less than stellar playing skills, weak grasp on the coaching topics, and tired and stressed out from my last few weeks of my life. Arriving on the field with my teacher/coach, Hans, expectations high standards and coaching were set, and my weaknesses were quickly exposed. Later in the day on Friday you happened by to witness my disastrous (or as you my say to our the group "some moron coach") presentation.

First Hans let me know where I was off, and then you took me aside and with body language and seriousness made corrections. I cannot tell you enough about the impact of those moments for me. I knew that I blown the license aspect of the weekend. This also hurt but very quickly I focused on the corrections and the course, and most importantly the degree of respect and strength that you gave to me in holding me accountable to real standards of coaching, education and role modeling. Finally, Hans was available to help me that night, and I got how important repetition of simple concepts can be until some degree of success is experienced.

I found that when I let go of personal license part, I relaxed, met after hours with Hans, studied and prepared during extra time after lunch and found myself, -albeit late-really beginning to get the program that was being presented. If I was to evaluate myself on the field I would have to recommend a retest with the comments of: First know your materials, demonstrate and get the practice moving, observe for corrections and success, stick with the flow as presented in the course, and most of all remember that you are coaching players not lesson plans, not lectures.

As I arrived back home soccer humble, but so truly well fed I find myself reading and understanding the defensive and attacking themes presented in the course. My practice plans are FUNdamental soccer based on demonstration, observation, correction, and progression with success. I was amazed that when I observed my team at scrimmage, taking notes how much more of the game I could see,-there was so much going on that I really had never picked up due to lack of understanding of the "simple" game, but most importantly by just not observing the game as a coach.

I really feel that this course has killed the "moron" and given birth to the beginning of a real teacher and coach. Again, I cannot thank you and your coaching staff enough for your presentation and assessments. I came away so much wiser, and with empowered with an even greater love for soccer. On a personal positive note, I was able to stay open minded and was able to not take criticism personally and learn.

Karl, your ability to focus, be patient, educated and be extremely creditable was exemplary. You are such a great mentor! It was truly an honor to share time with you and your world-class staff. Hopefully I will be able to learn with you again soon.

Your willing student coach,

By Jay H Herdt
Santa Rosa, CA