OPINION
EVOLVING SOCCER COACHING IN AMERICA :
Embracing Diversity and Mentorship for a Stronger Game
Fraser Kershaw
As American soccer continues to grow and evolve , one crucial element must be integrated into coaching strategies : diversity . The everchanging melting pot of the United States offers a rich tapestry of cultures , languages and playing styles that can significantly enhance the way soccer is taught and played within the country . The sport ’ s inherent flexibility , creativity and adaptability are mirrored in the diverse backgrounds of American players , presenting a unique opportunity for coaches to enrich their teams .
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN SOCCER
Diversity in soccer is not merely a nod to cultural inclusivity but a strategic advantage . According to a study in The Sport Journal , successful soccer teams around the globe often reflect the cultures and environments from which they originate , giving them a competitive edge ( Smith , 2023 ). For years , the Brazilian teams were recognized for their flair and creativity , while most German teams were celebrated for their focused discipline and efficiency . These examples are the cultural influences that could translate directly into the playing styles that can be strategically utilized to strengthen the team ’ s overall performance .
In the U . S ., coaches can draw from a vast array of influences . A coach in California might incorporate the fast-paced , possession-based style of play influenced by Latin American soccer . Meanwhile , a coach in New York could leverage the tactical resilience often associated with European styles . By blending these diverse approaches , American soccer can develop a unique and powerful identity that reflects the nation ’ s rich diversity ( Jones , 2022 ).
CASE STUDY : HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND MODERN COACHING
The journey of American soccer coaching is steeped in history , exemplified by figures such as Steve Sampson , a pivotal figure in American soccer who managed the Costa Rican Men ’ s National Team , L . A . Galaxy and the U . S . Men ’ s National Team . Sampson perhaps laid a foundation in American soccer that still exists today and he was known as a manager who lost the fewest number of games out of all the others . And recently , Fraser Kershaw completed a century-long coaching legacy in 2021 , building upon the foundations laid by U . S . Men ’ s National Team head coach Bill Jeffrey , a key coach for the U . S . Men ’ s National Team during the 1950 World Cup . Now Sampson and Kershaw live a few feet from one another in the small town of Avila Beach , California , a small , incorporated town . The career of Steve Sampson leading the Men ’ s National Team reflects the evolution of soccer in the U . S ., from its early days when Jeffrey upset the number one ranked English team in the 1950 World Cup with players who were construction workers , dishwashers and talents out of St . Louis and New York City .
That was then . Now the U . S . has so much more to work with regarding the vast cultural essence of American soccer . Kershaw , who stems from the U . S . Men ’ s Coach Bill Jeffrey , Walter Bahr ( 1948 ) and Barry Gorman , all with roots in Altoona , Pennsylvania . Gorman ( 2002 ) and Bill Jeffrey both one-time presidents of the United Soccer Coaches and Bahr respectively was given the United Soccer Coaches Honors All-American Award in 2003 ( UNITED SOCCER COACHES , 2024 ). continued on page 32
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