John is an elementary school teacher and has a good handle on young athletes. He is a well known goalkeeper and has played local club and University level soccer. It's a small world because John played with my brother in their youth club days.
John has been with the 1999 boys since we started their program at U9 (his fifth year).
The 2002 boys team experienced a coaching change this season with Coach John going from the parent side to the bench. Last year's coach took his boys to another club in another city.
Hopefully the 2002 parents understand that John has been through this process already and they trust him to do what he feels will make them all better players.
It's difficult having Coach John as the 1999 second team coach. The boys really like him and some are A-OK with being on the second team, even if we select them for the first team. That is a tongue-in-cheek comment as it only cements his reputation as a good guy and good coach. Some parents left last year because they felt he wasn't coaching with enough venom, going for the "big win". I hope they found what they were looking for. Be careful what you wish for ... because you might get it.
I hope John has a fun season with his new team. It's a great age-group to coach and I look forward to watching their progress.
As a side note, Coach John and his sons have EXCELLENT soccer hair. You can't coach that.