5 Things I’m Missing About the United Soccer Coaches Convention

Unfortunately! I wasn’t able to make the trip to Anaheim for the Convention this year. However, I figured I’d put down a few thoughts that may bring benefits into view of anyone who is at the Convention.

1. Sessions – Over the years the types of sessions that I’ve focused on have changed. When I first started attending the Convention, I went to as many field sessions as possible. Eventually, I started attending more psychology based discussions. Bill Beswick was always standing room only but then I really got into the work of Dan Abrahams (check out his podcast and follow him on socials). As my coaching turned into more administrative duties as well, I started attending finance sessions. My co-author and I hope to present in Chicago next year to talk about our book that uses soccer to explain finances to people. Regardless of your changing interests or role, there is always something to check out.
2. Friends/Colleagues – For years, I traveled to the Convention with one of my colleagues and best friends. There is nothing better than getting a long weekend immersed in your greatest passion with one of your best friends. In addition to that, there are friends that I basically only see at the Convention each year. It’s great to catch up with all of these people from my past and meet new people.
3. The Energy – I know this is an amorphous one but I always walk away from the Convention energized. Whether I got a new drill, networked with a possible collaborator or just sat in all of that soccer with a problem in my program; I love coming away from the Convention feeling like I got a shot of adrenaline.
4. Proximity – Despite the size of the US, the soccer world within it is not extremely big. Yes, millions of people play the game and it’s widespread. However, at the Convention, a lot of the big players (figuratively speaking) are there. I’ve met a variety of former heroes including Ricky Davis (who is the reason I started playing). David Copeland-Smith (Beast Mode Soccer), who has trained many of the USWNT over the years, was part of our social crew one year. There’s no real reason to get star struck. They’re at the same place for basically the same reason, a love of the game.
5. The Women – Whoa! Don’t get the wrong idea! I’m a single guy in my 40s but that’s not what I’m talking about. When I first attended the Convention decades ago, it was not exclusively men attending but it was pretty close. Over the past few years, the number of women attending the Convention seems to have increased exponentially. As a father of a teenage girl (who hates soccer damnit!), I love the idea of our female soccer players getting influenced and inspired by women coaches who are dedicated to their craft. The women’s game has so many positives at the moment. I hope that the trend continues this year with female attendance.
6. Exploring (an extra one) – Anaheim would have been a new city for me. Regardless of the weather, my tradition when I travel is to go for a run every morning through the city. For me, it’s the best way to get to know the area. At the Convention specifically, I enjoy walking through the Exhibit hall without a purpose. Most of the stuff that is there, I’ve seen before. However, as technology gets better and cheaper, it’s great to see what can be done to help soccer players at any level get better.

So if you’re at the Convention, enjoy it! There are so many reasons to be there. Hopefully you’re surrounded by people you know taking in the energy and content.

Stay classy San Diego Anaheim!

Pete