I started coaching with the Mission Soccer Club about 15-years ago. I coached my brothers' team, a group of kids about ten years younger than me and who took soccer a lot less seriously than I did. I don't recall anything going as I planned however I learned a lot about levels of community soccer I had not been exposed to previously. From parents who want to give players treats at half time even if not everyone gives best effort, to players wearing jackets under their jerseys, and that some kids don't care if their boots are untied...

In that first year, I recall speaking to the assistant coach one day after training and they mentioned how great it would be if the players listened to me and tried to apply what I had been coaching. At the time, I didn't recognize that the fault laid with me as the coach and not with the players. My role as a coach was to create an engaging environment for kids to learn to love soccer. I had to create challenging, fun, and dynamic practices and matches that players wanted to participate in which would drive them to want to get better and welcome feedback. I wanted to highlight the importance of taking time to reflect on our efforts and recognizing where we can improve. Our best can always be improved.

Since that year, I have stayed connected with our club, either coaching in different programs or playing in our men's program. I have also sought opportunities at different levels of grassroots soccer. I have coached in the BCSPL, the Provincial Program, with the Whitecaps Academy, and was most recently the Assistant Technical Director for Ridge Meadows Soccer Club.

I am excited to begin working with you all. We will continue to progress our club with appropriate programing for our community. Some players will want to participate in soccer to hangout with their friends, some players will want to participate in soccer to stay fit, and some players will want to be pushed to realize their potential through soccer; and we will offer all that.