Ernest Hemingway famously said
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
I recently completed the NSCAA Master Coach Diploma which was a collaboration between the NSCAA and the University of Delaware. The Master Coach Diploma took just over 6 months to complete from start to finish and proved to be an incredible journey. Starting off with pre-course assignments entered around a real life scenario and pre-course book to read, the tone for the course was already set. The residential component of the program took place in Delaware and we were very fortunate to have some wonderful speakers brought in to provide us with different insights into the modern game.
- Oliver Gage – Houston Dynamo Performance Analyst
- Shayne Hall – Head of Prozone Education
- Mateus Manoel – Sporting KC Sport Sciences
- John Pascarella – Sporting KC Assistant Coach
After the residential component was complete, we were given an overview of what to expect over the coming 6 months along with another terrific book to read. To be eligible for graduation each candidate was expected to complete:
- Apprenticeship Visit Min. 3 days in a professional environment
- Apprenticeship Report
- Project Proposal
- Book Review on Drive by Daniel H Pink
- Attend biweekly webinars
- Complete webinar reflections
- Complete SafeSport Qualification
- Implement and Document our Project
- Present Project to Review Panel at the NSCAA Convention 2016
- Present Project to Peers at the NSCAA Convention 2016
For those who know me well, would know that the past 6 months have been incredibly hectic with attending courses, coaching and my personal life (such as Getting Married!). Reflecting on the journey, I can honestly say that it was worth the effort, work and the countless hours as I have come away from it a much better coach, leader and human being.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Matt Robinson, Andrew Donnery, Jeff Schneider and my mentor Paul Marco for leading this course. I also have to thank John Pascarella for being my apprenticeship visit host. Without a doubt I also have to thanks my classmates as I have learned a great deal from them and forged new friendships that I will certainly benefit from immensely.