A MESSAGE FROM THE UNITED SOCCER COACHES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
85 YEARS & BEYOND
I’ m not sure if, in 1941, the group of college coaches gathered in a ballroom in New York City could have envisioned that what started that day would, 85 years later, become the largest single-sport coaching association in the world. When I think about that, I’ m reminded of the quote“ A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” To trace that incredible soccer journey, one should read“ Relentless: The Story of American Soccer and the Coaches Who Grew the Game” by Tim Schum. Tim was the long-time editor of the Soccer Journal and served as president of the association, as an academy staff coach and was the recipient of several major United Soccer Coaches awards, including the coveted Honor Award. His book touches on the role of what was then known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America( NSCAA) and its impact and influence on the growth of soccer and coaching education in the United States.
The intent of the mission statement, set down in 1941, was to promote the sport of soccer in the United States, and provide an educational environment for individual coaches at all levels of the game to improve their coaching skills. It was their belief— and it still holds true today— that better coaching would develop better players. Though the association’ s name changed to United Soccer Coaches, much has remained the same. But other changes reflect the growth of the association as well as the growth of soccer in the U. S. Today, United Soccer Coaches has developed programs that establish it as a leader in the soccer landscape. Its coaching education program is considered among the finest in the world. A key component is the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention, billed as“ The World’ s Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches.”
In addition, the extensive United Soccer Coaches awards program recognizes the achievements of outstanding players and coaches at all levels of the game, presenting more than 11,000 individual, coach and team awards through its All-America, Scholar All-America, Team Academic Awards, Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, and special organizational contribution awards such as the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame and Honor Award.
That long-ago first step in that hotel ballroom led to a recent experience in the hotel coffee shop at our recent 2026 National Convention held in Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Roberto Martínez and Garry Monk, two of our very special international presenters, while waiting in line for our coffee order. Several attending coaches very politely approached both men and asked for a picture and just to say hello. Neither hesitated and they were gracious with their time and more than willing to speak with these attendees. Here were two international coaching icons spending time with fellow coaches, behaving no differently than when they were spending time on the touchlines with a fellow coach at a World Cup match or English Premier League match. It is that bond as coaches that epitomizes what United Soccer Coaches is about. It’ s a family of coaches who are passionate about the craft of coaching, with a passion for developing players so the game continues to grow and develop.
The challenge for us today is, how do we, as an association, continue to build on the foundation that was laid down 85 years ago?
The answer to this question comes from our members and other coaches who see value in joining a community of coaches. So, who is the community?
It’ s our current members who have been part of an association that has, for many years, provided them with experiences and opportunities that allowed them to grow and develop as coaches and bond with their fellow coaches from all levels of the game. This can range from the age group they work with, to the gender they coach, to the location and socio-economic make-up of the community in which they work. We urge our current members to share with the next generation of coaches how being part of United Soccer Coaches enhanced their coaching journey in so many positive ways. From attending a national convention— the largest single gathering of coaches anywhere in the world— to accessing the many educational resources provided by United Soccer Coaches, to belonging to an association of coaches that has continued to serve the game for 85 years.
Many of us joined as young coaches because membership was something that others felt was important to our development as coaches. I would challenge our members to do the same for those coaches who will become the“ next generation.” It is from this new generation that we will find coaches who share the same passion for growing the game as those who gathered in a hotel ballroom in 1941.
Let’ s not limit this to just coaches but extend the message to those who support our sport, from administrators, officials, parents and others who share the same passion. We all play a vital role in supporting and growing the game in our local areas and beyond. United Soccer Coaches will continue to be the voice of those who do just that.
To those current members, as well as our future members, I would challenge you to become the next“ leaders” of this association so that the“ thousand-mile journey” that started 85 years ago continues to take the next step forward— today and beyond. Through our coaching communities, educational offerings, and our convention and awards programs, we have the people, tools and momentum to move this association forward.
I’ ve quoted the Chinese proverb about the“ thousand-mile journey” in this message and now I want to leave you with an African proverb:“ It takes a village to raise a child.” At United Soccer Coaches, we believe that“ It takes a village to raise a Coach,” and we all have a part to play so that our sport continues to grow and thrive.
Sincerely, Paul Payne
United Soccer Coaches’ 78th President
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