A MESSAGE FROM THE UNITED SOCCER COACHES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Grow the Game Through Learning
As we celebrate our 85th year as a coaching association, we can look back proudly on our history and look forward to serving coaches at all levels and the game of soccer in the United States. What began in 1941 with a small group of college soccer coaches gathering in New York City has grown into one of the largest single-sport coaching Associations in the world. One of the core missions of the association is to better the game through developing better coaches, and we do that through our coaching education programs.
By the time this issue gets into your hands, the Men’ s 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be here with the June 11 kickoff match in Mexico City. This once-every-fouryears event, along with other major international competitions for both men and women, provides coaches an opportunity to watch and learn from the best. And remember, we can continue to learn and grow as coaches by observing the game at all levels, whether it’ s a U10 training session or a World Cup final.
My first experience with United Soccer Coaches, which was then known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America( NSCAA), was a coaching course in Binghamton, New York. It opened my eyes to a way of coaching I had never experienced and laid the foundation for a career-long passion and desire to“ never stop learning” the craft of coaching. Investing in coaching education benefits not only the coaches but also the athletes they mentor. Coaching education encourages lifelong learning and adaptability, so as the game grows, we grow as coaches.
I am very fortunate to have learned from some of the best coaches while serving as a United Soccer Coaches Senior Academy Staff Coach. Two of those coaches shared some thoughts with coaches attending a course in San Fransico many years ago. Bob Gansler, former U. S. Men’ s National Team coach, told the coaches that“ coaching is teaching, just in short pants.” I think it’ s important to remember that we, as coaches, are teachers who can impact our players’ lives on and off the field. Former Canadian
National Team coach, Tony Waiters, told the attending coaches that“ coaching is a lifelong learning journey and the journey never ends” no matter how many wins you have or how many trophies you have lifted.
Coaching education can come in all forms and at United Soccer Coaches we are proud of our programming and the opportunities we provide to our members. In the last Soccer Journal edition, our Managing Director, Allison Pronske, authored a timely article titled“ Membership Matters.” It provided a snapshot of all the coach education programs we offer. I encourage you to take advantage of these educational offerings. Soccer coaching education can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of players, teams and the sport itself.
As the demands of modern soccer evolve, coaches must continuously enhance their knowledge and skills to keep pace with tactical innovations, sports science and the development of the modern player. United Soccer Coaches coaching education programs provide the foundation for understanding the game and its demands— technically, tactically, physically and mentally.
Ultimately, soccer coaching education is an investment in the future of our sport. Whether for youth teams, high school, college or professional squads, the value of coaching education cannot be overstated. As we watch the world’ s best at World Cup 2026, know that no player achieved this on their own. All had at one time or another a coach who used their coaching, education, knowledge and experience to help that player step on the field representing their country. Be that lifelong learner of the game for your players so that they can“ be the best they can be,” because that is all we can ask of our players and ourselves. Wishing you the best on your coaching journey. n
Sincerely, Paul Payne
United Soccer Coaches’ 78th President
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