August 14, 2018

Coach Reflections: Why we coach

Across the country summer ends and our coaches prepare for their fall soccer seasons. It is a year-round, non-stop, soccer mentality. A tough mindset to maintain but in the end “it is not just about developing a better soccer player but developing quality human beings” says Nike Player One Coach Ben Maxwell. Maxwell a Scotland native, leads camps across the Bay Area. “At Nike Soccer Camps, we believe in a personal approach… Players need to love their environment to maximize their development potential” says Maxwell. Maxwell is just one of our coaches who find value in running camps with a purpose. A purpose to mold young athletes into better teammates, students, and individuals.

“Each summer I get to share my passion of a game that has done so much for me, with young aspiring players,” says Lev Kirshner, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at San Diego State University. “A main emphasis of camp is that we want players to leave with an increased skillset and passion for the game. The most rewarding part is hearing the players tell their friends and parents how much they enjoyed the experience,” says Kirshner.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic. Mike Brizendine, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Virginia Tech offered his reflections on this summer. “The camaraderie and teamwork that occurs at camp is something special,” says Brizendine. “At camp we strive for a cohesive experience. We want to provide our athletes with skills that translate directly to the pitch and beyond.” 

2018 saw an epic summer filled with World Cup action, intensive training and skill advancement. Players left camp ready to use their improved skillset for their upcoming club and school seasons. We turn the focus to 2019, where our favorite athletes and coaches look to build on a successful 2018. We look forward to making 2019 our best year yet.