Now that I have returned home safely I wanted to thank Sonoma Academy (where I serve as the Athletic Director and girls soccer coach) for their support in making this experience happen. It is great to work at a place where professional development and growth is encouraged and supported. Also, I am appreciative that Sonoma Academy is always willing to allow me to share my experiences with soccer fans.
I originally signed up for a coaching course in France, but unfortunately it didn’t have enough participants to make it happen. I had already purchased a flight and Sonoma Academy supported me to design my own professional development course. It was a little more extra work, creating my own program but the overall experience was amazing.
In addition to the learning and growth around coaching (soccer) as well as supporting female student-athletes in my role as Athletic Director, we are also planning and international trip next spring that will examine gender equity in sports. The trip provided amazing learning opportunities and provided me with some valuable contacts as well.
A few highlights:
Games – the chance to watch and analyze nine live games, seeing thirteen different countries play. It was interesting to arrive early, watch the teams warmup and prepare, all over a different version with the same goal – to be physically and mentally prepared to play when the opening whistle blew. I had seats that provided a more tactical oversight view and others closer to the field which provided a chance to see the intensity up closer. Both provided a great lens for learning and analyzing. As expected, the most interesting part was analyzing the different systems and styles of play, both individual and collective.
Live games
Arranged meetings (and impromptu meetings) and club visits – these were especially informative in learning more about the French system and clubs, but also about women’s soccer around the world. I enjoyed visiting ACC Cambrai, VAFC and Le Havre, all playing at different levels in France as well as having access to different resources. Although many of the clubs were on summer break, they were welcoming and willing to share information with me which I appreciated.
As expected, some of the most interesting conversations weren’t planned in advance, but happened in stadiums, at meals, while walking through the city or to games. These conversations gave me valuable context in better understanding the role women’s soccer plays around the world, including past, present and a hint of the future.
With English Professional Footballer Association (PFA) staff – They are studying four teams at the tournament, including Germany, USA, France, England. I was absolutely blown away by the amount of research they did in advance on the US system, player pathways, structure, youth, college, professional, and international.
With English Football Association (FA) marketing team. Very interested learning more about how they are marketing women’s soccer in England
With parents of Lucy Bronze, England player who played at University of North Carolina. Interesting hearing their perspectives on Lucy playing in US, England and France where she currently plays with French club Lyon (European Champion).
At ACC Cambrai
At ACC Cambrai
At VAFC
Stadium conversation with French Federation staff – growth mindset leads to great conversations
Dutch fans – interesting hourlong conversation walking from the stadium to the city center
These boys both play for VAFC (professional youth club that we visited). We attended the Italy v Brazil game and learned more about being a young aspiring professional
With women’s director of top Chilean club Colo Colo before US vs Chile game
With my daughter Sally, who played and now assists me at Sonoma Academy. She joined me for four games and it was a great chance to learn from her and her past experiences as a female soccer player.
Special thanks to my wife Renee for her support while I was gone and to The Press Democrat for providing the platform to share my experiences with interested soccer fans.
