Meredith Waropay, Contributing Writer
Millburn Soccer Club recently hosted a Special Topics Course presented by New Jersey Youth Soccer. The course featured interactive learning activities designed specifically for the needs of the club. It also covered planning, activity design and the structuring of training sessions for player development. A primary goal of the course was to teach about managing interactions as well as encouraging self-regulated learning and parent engagement.
The NJYS Coaching School focuses on continued education through State and US Soccer Coaching Certifications. The program strives to provide the needed training requirements for development as a soccer coach while helping NJYS members grow essential skills related to leadership and coaching.
NJYS Coaching School staff worked in advance with Millburn Soccer Club to plan the coaching education event based upon areas identified for the continued professional development of the organization’s staff. Attendees actively participated during the field session activities that offered opportunities for experiential learning. Lou Mignone, NJYS ODP Youth Coaching Director, led the Special Topics Course at Millburn, guiding attendees through a workshop-style session featuring small group interactions, brainstorming, role playing, large group discussion and instructor field session demonstrations.
“The program was great,” said Jakob Halpern, Co-President of Millburn Soccer Club. “As a club, we were thrilled with the suggestions on how to effectively communicate with players, and you could see Lou making an impression with our trainers. We would love to schedule more of these programs and open them up to a larger audience.”
Raph Viana, Director of Go 2 Soccer, also reflected on some of the areas of focus during the workshop.
“I found the program very worthwhile, mainly the interaction between coaches and parents,” said Viana. “I thought it was great to learn about the importance of keeping parents informed and engaged. I also liked the idea that themed weeks were also helpful in having players achieve specific goals throughout the year.”
NJ Youth Soccer recognizes that coaching development can play a significant role in shaping better environments and experiences for players across our state. Our staff looks forward to future initiatives of this nature to serve the coaching education needs of members.
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer