1. “What your involvement in the game should be about?”
Dave Clarke
Quinnipiac University
US Soccer
Connecticut FC

2. Biography Master’s Degree-Journalism, Quinnipiac University
Master’s Degree Candidate-Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University
BS Degree-Physical Education, Central Connecticut State University
United States Soccer Federation ‘A’ License
United States Soccer Federation National Youth License
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Advanced National Diploma
English Football Association Preliminary Coaching License
Football Association of Ireland Preliminary Coaching License
KNVB (Holland) Academy Certificate
US National Staff Coach
Analyst & Assistant Coach, US Soccer U17 WNT
License Staff Coach, United States Soccer Federation
Head Women’s Coach, Quinnipiac University, NCAA I
Coach, Connecticut FC Girls Under 17 ECNL
Coach, Connecticut FC Academy Program
Parent, three CFC NPL players
Discuss Bio in terms of diversity of experience, player, coach, teacher, club, premier, national team, college. Father of three players and two refs.
45 years of organized experience in the game.

3. For whose benefit?
“There is a significant conflict between how children learn and how elite programs operate. Until very recently, talent development programs were designed without any reference or consideration to healthy development, and treated children like mini adults. Let’s be honest, though, most elite sports programs are not designed to meet children’s needs; they are designed entirely for adult ambitions”.
- Richard Bailey, Ph.D Physical Activity, Sports & Human Development
Discuss how the youth game is now a business and driven by parents interests living vicariously through their kids or hoping for financial reward.

4. Don’t Chase a Dream
1.4 women’s scholarships for every 100 high school players
0.7 men’s scholarships for every 100 high school players
Average women’s soccer scholarship is $8,404
Average men’s soccer scholarship is $8,523
High School player has a 0.015% chance of turning professional in soccer
College player has a 1.9% chance of being drafted by a MLS club
The chances of earning a soccer scholarship or pro contract are minimal.
More academic money available so better to hire a SAT tutor than a personal coach.
Approx. 127 high schools in Connecticut but only 7 D1 colleges – Do the MATH!

5. 10,000 Hour Rule Myth
There is a lot of confusion about the 10,000 rule that I talk about in Outliers. It doesn't apply to sports. And practice isn't a SUFFICIENT condition for success. I could play chess for 100 years and I'll never be a grandmaster. The point is simply that natural ability requires a huge investment of time in order to be made manifest. Unfortunately, sometimes complex ideas get oversimplified in translation.
- Gladwell
Discuss Gladwell’s quote which has been taken out of context by soccer and other sports coaches.

6. Why Play? Player plays for fun or a life time activity
Player making High School varsity roster
Player making a NCAA college roster
Player earning an athletic scholarship
Player signing a professional contract
Player making US National Team Pool
Player playing for USA in a World Cup cycle – U17, U20, Senior
The reasons why kids play the game.
Should always start and end with playing for fun or a life skill.
In better a small percentage may achieve the other goals.

7. Help Your Player Develop
Fun environment
Importance of training – Team v Individual
Coaching v Teaching – What is the difference?
Good coach/teacher v Bad coach/teacher – Do you recognize it?
Playing the right way – What does it mean?
Encourage failure or mistakes – 1v1, playing from the back, etc.
Encourage creativity
Only one team can win but every player can be successful
Applies as a parent and as a coach.
Discuss each one.
Compare coaches to the best and worst teachers you had in Elementary school. What do they have in common?
Is there a right play to play?
What does development mean? Is is a sales pitch?

8. Role of the Parent Support your player or referee – be their #1 fan
Live through their goals and ambitions not your own
Encourage them to play on their own, watch a game, follow a player, make mistakes, have fun
Ask how the practice/game went? Was it fun? Did you work hard? Did you try your best?
Enjoy the car ride to and from games and practices – it is a chance to talk to your son/daughter
Enjoy the weekends away – create memories
Your role as a parent.
Discuss each one.
Resist the temptation to talk about winning and not playing well. Let the coach take that role. Be your kids #1 fan.
Make the car ride and the trips to games a positive family experience.

9. Any Questions?