Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.— OAKTOWN FC Coach goes across the country to attain National Diploma offered by United Soccer Coaches.
At the end of OAKTOWN FC’s inaugural season, head coach Emilio Navarro-Perez was on track to continue his coaching education.
While many players and families of OAKTOWN FC enjoyed their winter break, Emilio flew across the country to collaborate, network, and learn from other coaches involved with the beautiful game.
Emilio recalls this amazing opportunity as one of validation and realization that coaching is his passion. His Mentor coaches were Vince Ganzberg and Deb Raber. Vince Ganzberg is the education content coordinator for United Soccer Coaches and Deb Raber is the head coach of the women’s soccer team at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Both Vince and Deb have had extensive careers in coaching and teaching the National Diploma Course in order to help soccer coaches become more effective in teaching the game. Both admired the work of the 99ers (the US Women’s National Team that won the 1999 World Cup). Vince shared one drill the late great Tony DiCicco used to do with them, and Deb actually worked with him in the WPS, when he managed the Boston Breakers.
The experience was one to remember. Emilio recalls, “It was great seeing coaches at various levels of the game, both domestically and abroad that attended this great coaching experience.”
Ultimately, the experience for Emilio was humbling and rewarding. Humbling in that Emilio was able to represent OAKTOWN FC at a national coaching event, and rewarding knowing that OAKTOWN FC will have a more educated, more passionate and more equipped coach to lead them.
Some names to remember
Emilio worked with many coaches from various levels in the game, and former players who are embarking on their coaching journey. Many coaches that Emilio met were plying their trade at various levels of the game. Here are some to name a few:
Jane Walsh DIII Salve Regina
Kellen Kasiguran DII Gordon College
Evren Gunduz HS Dover-Sherborn
Michael Augustson Club St. Vrain FC
Ethan Shim DI West Virginia University
Jlon Flippens DI University of Maryland
Coach Emilio with mentor Coach Deb Raber.
Coach Emilio with mentor coach Vince Ganzberg at Central Broward Regional Park after Emilio’s coaching field session.
A Note from Emilio
During the week long intensive course, both Deb and Vince were impressed with the energy of the group of coaches involved. One moment that stood out and touched me was on the final day.
Before saying goodbye, Vince said, “‘The biggest question is, would I want this person coaching my son? To all of you, Yes.” He followed up by saying that our coaching group was a “great group”.
Having grown up playing soccer in the streets and having a passion for the game as a child, it meant a lot that my mentor coaches, in particular Vince, challenged me to be a better coach. During reflection of my coaching trial, he stated, “You know the game.”
He is right. All my life I had an inkling that I knew the game, now I leave Florida knowing, for certain, that I do know the game. All I have to say is, Thank you coach Vince and Coach Deb.
The most gratifying moment for me was returning home and being excited to go back to work to coach. I truly feel grateful to be able to serve my community of East Oakland and players from there.