Achievements
I believe that winning is important to help support self-esteem and provide fun, valuable memories but I will not sacrifice the growth of a player to achieve a win. Seeing a group of people grow as a team and achieve their potential is very satisfying to me. One of my greatest rewards is to be walking around the city and hearing “Hey Coach” from a current or prior player.
2018 - Nishimachi International School coed - KANTO PLAINS League CHAMPIONS
I helped the Vikings realize their potential by winning our first Championship in school history. During my first year as head coach, I took charge of a group of talented 6th to 9th graders (19 boys and 1 girl) who are limited by a training facility smaller than one half of a basketball court. On the way to the title, we learned to use the lessons from this tight space to our advantage, and ended the unbeaten records of the top two teams to claim the Championship away from home. I am proud that every member of the A & B teams featured in the League Final.
2020 - LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - GLOBAL SESSION OF THE MONTH AWARD
One of my recent coaching sessions was selected by Liverpool FC International Academy as the Global Session of the month! All academy coaches design their sessions in an online tool and each month the global leadership in Liverpool review hundreds of sessions to give this award. Here’s what Andrew Nicholas, our Global Director, had to say in an email sent to all coaches worldwide…
May’s session of the month award goes all the way to Japan for a second time! Creston’s Covid 19 session for his U9’s is a simple, clear session incorporating athletic development, ITP ball mastery, passing, turning, ball striking etc but with the emphasis on Fun and enjoying being on the pitch again. Important information and instructions at the start of his session are also included to help everyone to comply with local social distancing guidelines. We assess hundreds of sessions on our system each month from all the LFC IAs around the world so to be selected as the best session in any given month is an impressive accolade. Keep up the good work!
2020 - Nishimachi International School girls - kantO plains league final
No one expects much from the Middle School girls team at Nishimachi…no one except the players and the coaching staff who know that heart, believe and practice can elevate a team to demonstrate their potential. With only one player who plays football outside of the school opportunity, this group of 6th to 9th grade girls grew in skill and self-belief throughout the season. Reaching the Final with this amazing group of young women is my happiest achievement as a Coach.
Recruited and trained goalkeepers
One of the most difficult positions to find in youth soccer is the goalkeeper. Finding a player with the unique mix of attitude, skills and the desire or willingness to play goalkeeper can be a challenge. During my most recent two seasons as head coach, I’ve identified and actively recruited two goalkeepers with little to no experience in the game. I am proud to say they both developed their skills, performed above our expectations, and continued to expand their love of the game by joining club teams and seeking individual training. I can’t wait to see how this boy and girl develop over the coming years!
the lasting culture of the Velvet fog, fc
The picture on the left was taken at the 13th Anniversary game of the Velvet Fog, FC. I founded this club as player/coach in the year 2000, and we played three seasons per year in San Francisco. Wins were tough to come by during the first few seasons, but we built a large social circle from just 3 people who liked to kick the ball around. Despite being in a recreational league, we held organized trainings and taught at least 6 people how to play football for the first time. By 2002, we won our first League Championship by going undefeated in a single season. More importantly, we remain a tightly knit group to this day.
There are 6 marriages represented in that photo, and 4 of those couples met playing on the team. The VFFC allowed me to be their leader, their coach and taught me a lot about building cultures and friendships, and sticking together as a team.
