During the summer I began my National Soccer Coaches Association of America Master Coach Diploma. This is the highest coaching diploma offered with the NSCAA organization. This opportunity was made possible with the help of a professional grant here at Darlington that is made possible by the Thatcher Foundation.
I had to complete a one-week residency at the University of Delaware. There were many components, but the trip to the YSC Academy/Philadelphia Union Academy was, for me, the most enjoyable presentation on the course. The Philadelphia Union play in Major League Soccer. Working at an international boarding school, this presentation had the most relevance to what we do at Darlington.
The facilities were great. You walk in to see a close-to-full-sized indoor turf field. This field is fully enclosed with a clear plexy glass to allow parents to watch but not to make comment. There is a welcome area with bathrooms and a concession stand. There is also a smaller turf field that could be used for the younger ages. The weight room was not what I would expect. It was not packed with heavy weights, but rather equipment that is weight bearing for the athletes. Outside was a full-sized turf field that is used by the Philadelphia Union Development Academy teams.
Having the opportunity to see the U18 team train was a bonus! The real insight came when we crossed the road to visit the school that the players attend. The school challenges the students, but in an environment that is catered to the demands of a soccer player. What I found really interesting was the structure of the Philadelphia Union. You have the Union Futures Program (U8-U11), Union Developmental Program (U12, U14, U16, U18), Bethlehem Steel FC (USL/Union reserve team), and Union First Team.
We had the chance to listen to Brendan Burke, head coach for the Bethlehem Steel. He told us how the Steel are the link for the youth players of the Union and the first team players of the Union that need game time or are recovering from injury. The school works with the players that are going to train with the Steel so that their class time is not missed and is made up at an appropriate time.
The Steel also train at the same complex as the Union first team, which really helps the Union youth players that are put into the mix with the Steel team experience what it is like being around the Union first team set up.
The course now meets once a month online and I will graduate with my NSCAA Master Coach Diploma in January at the NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles.
