Dear Coach,

Here at Norcross Soccer Academy, we are pleased that you have volunteered to coach a youth team. Some of you, we are sure, just can’t wait to start. However, for others, this may be your first encounter with coaching youth soccer, and you are understandably a bit apprehensive about the season ahead.

Since NSA is primarily a volunteer-based organization, we recognize that many people that initially volunteer as parent coaches may not possess a strong background in soccer. Therefore, to assist you as a volunteer coach, NSA has hired a professional resource dedicated to the development of the Recreation Program and its coaches.

As the new Recreation Program Director, Rich Mealey will work with you and other parent coaches to increase the quality of training provided to Recreation players. Although Roberto will not organize and conduct your practices, he will conduct preseason coaching clinics that will help you plan effective training sessions. Additionally, he will be a key resource for you to discuss a variety of coaching-related subjects. 

Additionally, NSA has a section of its website called the “Coaches Corner,” which is dedicated to information that will be of interest and use to coaches. For example, we plan to publish a number of materials, including a Coaches’ Toolkit and best practices from a number of experienced youth soccer coaches. These practical tips will be designed to save you time and make your job as a youth soccer coach much easier. The website is located at www.nsafury.org.

By having more knowledgeable coaches, we can develop Recreation players faster, who would then have opportunities to move into our Select Program if they elect to pursue that path. With this understanding, the Select Program has an inherent respect for the Recreation Program. We, at NSA, view these two programs as a tightly woven fabric, each relying on the other to form a strong and well-balanced soccer club.

Our goal at NSA is to offer a fun, safe and educational soccer experience for both boys and girls ages 4 to 18, and to promote good sportsmanship, friendship, and a deeper love for the game.

Thank you for volunteering to coach youth soccer at NSA. By doing so, you join a team of people that are committed to youth soccer and truly demonstrate that soccer is not just a spectator sport!

Best regards,

James Welch, President

Norcross Soccer Academy