Rob Walker: Coaching Background, Style & Philosophy

 

Background:

 


·         B. A. St. Martin’s College, English / Education

·         Classroom Teacher, Middle School / Junior High

·         Coach (Recreational, Competitive, High School, Senior Men’s & Women, State ODP, Regional ODP and National Teams Program)

·         US Soccer “A” License

·         State Licensing Instructor

·         National Licensing Instructor, US Soccer

·         Experienced writer of soccer coaching curricula

·         Presenter, WSYSA Soccer Fair, NSCAA National Convention

·         Player Washington State Youth and Senior Divisions

 

Highlights:

 

  • Coach of Washington Youth Players to Germany, 1985
  • Coach, Federal Way Force, 1984-86 WSYSA Finals, Champions in ‘84
  • State Coach, WSYSA ODP, 1986
  • Goalkeeper Coach, WSYSA 1987-2000
  • Region IV Staff Coach Boys / Girls 1988-90, 1992-2000
  • Coach, Thurston County Inferno Extreme, WSYSA Finalists and Champion, 1997
  • US Men’s Olympic Staff, GK Coach Prior to ’96 Games
  • US Women’s Olympic Staff, GK Coach, Algarve Cup, 2000
  • US Soccer National U-14 Girl’s National Camp, GK Coach, 1998-2000.
  • Region III Boy’s ODP Coach, 1998-2006 (Camp, US and Foreign Tours)
  • Mountain Brook Soccer Club, Director of Coaching, 2000-2006
  • Coach MBSC Thunderbolts ’90 AYSA State Finalists, 2005
  • Coach MBSC Angels’ 90 AYSA State Champions and Region III Quarterfinalists, 2005
  • Hired to become Coaching Director Federal Way United, 2006
  • Hired to become St. Martin’s University Men’s / Women’s Director of Soccer, 2006

 

Coaching Style:

 

  • Friendly yet directed, can be fiery in the moment, players know they have 100% support in the game. 
  • Uses a variety of methods and strategies in training to get the most of individuals, groups and team.
  • Finds systems to fit strengths of team; flexibility within a system is important as well as having option to play one system or another.

 

Philosophy:

 

  • Practice is important—lays the foundation down in terms of “how to play” the game
  • Skill is essential to the game, offensively and defensively.
  • Variety in training is important, but so is hitting on the “right” things often.
  • Enjoyment comes from the challenges of the game and the friendship that comes from solving those challenges.
  • No one can play perfectly; preparing for success and from making mistakes and then overcoming those mistakes is what develops a player and a team.
  • On the best of days we celebrate with our teammates and on the worst of days we pick our teammates up.
  • Respect for players is paramount; respect from players comes from doing a professional job with them.