STAFF CONTRIBUTION
for the good of the game
Rob Herringer // United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching
For most of my career , I ’ ve had the privilege of being part of the United Soccer Coaches ’ coaching education department . My journey began when I enrolled in the National Diploma course at Penn State University in 2002 . As a new coach , I initially did things the way my coaches had done them — it was all I knew . Fortunately , my educator for the National Diploma was Jeff Tipping , who had just been appointed the Director of Coaching Education for the Association . He took the time to guide me in the right direction , not only during the course but throughout my career . He showed a genuine interest in helping me , and without his influence — and that of many other educators at United Soccer Coaches — I wouldn ’ t be where I am today . Simply put , our courses and the educators who lead them can change lives . I am living proof .
Fast forward 22 years , and I now have the opportunity to create life-changing experiences for others through our organization . Since my first day on the job , I ’ ve been encouraged by the tremendous support we ’ ve received from various sources . I often say the best part about working for United Soccer Coaches is meeting and collaborating with so many talented individuals who are dedicated to providing positive , meaningful experiences in their communities . I am constantly inspired by the growth I see in our sport , and I ’ m eager to contribute in any way I can .
One organization that has supported our recent efforts to evolve United Soccer Coaches ’ educational programming is U . S . Soccer . Many coaches I speak with agree that further collaboration between United Soccer Coaches and U . S . Soccer is essential for advancing coaching and the game as a whole in America . I ’ m thrilled to play a small part in the work we ’ re doing together .
On October 25 – 27 , 2024 , United Soccer Coaches held Phase
3 of the Blended Advanced National Diploma at Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City , Kansas , home to U . S . Soccer Coaching Education and Sporting Kansas City . This opportunity to host a course at a stateof-the-art facility was made possible by Scott Flood , U . S . Soccer ’ s Manager of Coaching Programs , and with logistical support from Bryan Turner throughout the weekend .
The Blended Advanced National Diploma curriculum focuses on training teams through functional and phase-of-play methodologies . Student coaches learn to work with and analyze groups of players ( goalkeeper + backs , midfielders , and forwards ). Additionally , the curriculum covers team management , tactics within the field ’ s thirds , match analysis , psychology , and sport performance . Completed over three phases , student coaches receive approximately 40 hours of instruction . It is one of the most valuable courses for coaches working with players aged U16 and older .
Teaching this course with Dave Simeone , Director of Education Programs , and Apprentice Educator Ed Moore was both fun and insightful . We had the privilege of working with student coaches from six states and Canada , with field sessions supported by players from the KC Fusion and Kansas City Legends soccer clubs . The combination of top-notch facilities , committed student coaches , skilled educators , and enthusiastic players created a meaningful learning experience for all involved .
Collaborating with key partners in the game is essential to providing the highest quality educational programming to coaches nationwide — it ’ s what ’ s best “ for the good of the game .” And what better time to connect and work together as we prepare to host the World Cup ? I ’ m excited to be a part of this journey and to help make a real difference . n
18 | Soccer Journal