After hearing from players and parents, an amazing panel of Rush Coaches and Directors discussed concepts and ways to improve how players, parents, and coaches go through one of the most stressful periods of the season.
July 26, 2021
Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts
When Chris P. , Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, suggested that we should dedicate the whole month to analyze Tryouts, we decided to give the same priority to every party involved: Players, Parents, and Coaches.
That’s why Chris hosted two wonderful webinars, first with players and later with parents, and received some key suggestions and concerns for this stressful part of the season. Let’s now hear from the coaches.
- Daouda Kante – Kansas Rush.
- Randall Porter – Kansas Rush.
- Paul Furlong – Lobos TN Rush.
The goal of the discussion was to check if clubs grew during the process and how the experience could be refined for all involved. The process is stressful for all, that we all know.
Is it a regional, National or a state to state problem? How can we conduct the process more efficiently and effectively? And what methods do you feel that would provide coaches an easier way to measure performances that they can later share with players who didn’t make the top team, or didn’t make the team at all? Those are some of the questions posted during the meeting.
Both parents and players suggested that communication must be clear and face to face , whether the player made the team or not. Paul Furlong highlighted that aspect as well, stating that communication, even if it’s already adequate, should always be a priority to improve.
Another point that was remarked by Paul and Randall related to the individual experience that each child has with their coach. They both emphasized that putting better coaches with the younger age groups helps to develop them , not only from a technical standpoint but also to ensure these are coaches committed to the group and willing to go above and beyond expectations and minimum standards. Moreover, their objective is to provide a consistent experience regardless of league or level.
On a different note, Randall pointed out the incidence of state rules. In their case, tryouts must be run on the same day as the other clubs. That affects the dynamic of the process, as from a business standpoint, they are in need of making offers on day one or get ready to lose players from the club.
Complementary to this concept, Paul made a comment on how success tends to breed success . For example, if one branch had a strong 2010 group, players from other branches would migrate there. At Lobos, the pathway is defined early and the Developmental and Recreational branches do lots of work to help these players develop into the travel program, Some of the initiatives taken are weekly training sessions with competitive coaches and holding consistent meetings. Kansas Rush, with the same objective, holds a couple clinics in the fall and spring with the travel coaches.
Thanks to Paul, Randall and Daouda for their contributions, Kristian Bates PA Rush TD shared via email some of their secrets and couldn’t join us as he was in Greece with Rush Select. And congratulations to TN Lobos Rush for having 4 teams at USYS National Championships in Florida this summer!
Now it’s time to hear from you, coach. Did we miss any key point? How would you improve the Tryouts period?
The post Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts appeared first on Rush Soccer.
Local Partnership Aims to Expand Youth Soccer and Community Programs Across the Gulf Coast
We are excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for goalkeeper development led by Ben Munger, current Assistant Coach at the University of Texas women's soccer program! About Coach Ben Ben Munger brings outstanding credentials and expertise to our local keepers. Currently serving as an Assistant Coach at the University of Texas, Coach Munger has specialized in goalkeeper development throughout his coaching career. Under his guidance at Texas, the Longhorns set program records with six consecutive clean sheets and goalkeepers have earned conference honors and championship recognition. Prior to Texas, Coach Munger's impressive coaching resume includes: Assistant Coach at Samford University where he mentored All-Conference goalkeeper Morgan McAslan Goalkeeper Coach at UAB where he developed Conference USA Goalkeeper of the Year Kelsey Daugherty Assistant Coach at Akron where he coached MAC All-Freshman Team goalkeeper Amani Jiu Coach Munger was also an accomplished goalkeeper himself, earning USA South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors during his playing career at Maryville College, where he ranked third nationally in NCAA Division III in save percentage. Registration Information Date: May 14th Sessions: We are offering 2 sessions that are 1 hour each. Each session would be capped at 6 goalkeepers to ensure quality. Cost: ONLY $50 per player Age Groups: Birth Years 2012-2015: 5pm – 6pm Birth Years 2008-2011: 6:15pm – 7:15pm Location: Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex Registration is now open! Please follow this link to register your goalkeeper for this valuable training opportunity: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/57612N362 Space is limited, so we encourage you to register promptly to secure your spot. With Coastal Rush's commitment to player development and providing pathways to collegiate opportunities, we're thrilled to bring Coach Munger's expertise to our club. This camp aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality training and development for our players. We look forward to seeing your goalkeeper at this special training event!
Introducing the Coastal Rush Coaching Staff for 2025-2026 Coastal Rush is excited to announce our coaching staff for the upcoming season. Our team brings together experienced professionals dedicated to developing young talent and advancing our players to the next level. ECNL-RL Assignments: Boys: 2013 Boys - Ryan Goldsmith 2012 Boys - Kyle Sealy 2011 Boys - Kyle Sealy 2010 Boys - Dean Logan 2009 Boys - Dean Logan 07/08 Boys - Peter Fuller Girls: 2013 Girls - Michael Munoz 2012 Girls - Chandler Castleman 2011 Girls - Bert Gatica 2010 Girls - Rob Simon 2009 Girls - Rob Simon 07/08 Girls - Austin King Leadership Team: Sporting Director: Bill Elliott Registrar: Whitney Sumrall Coastal Rush Program Director: Kyle Sealy Managing Director: John Guidroz Support Staff: Girls Program Advisor: Joe Bartlinski FL Girls College Placement Advisor: Jason Providence FL Boys College Placement Advisor: Felipe Lawall AL College Placement Advisor: Nick Cooper Pre-ECNL Director: Michael Munoz Goalkeeper Director: Rudy Seelman Our coaching staff is committed to providing the highest quality training and development opportunities for our Coastal Rush players. Together, our leadership team and support staff work to create an environment where players can achieve their full potential both on and off the field. If your interested in tryout out for a Coastal Rush team go here
