The Columbus Crew have experienced success at every level. Everybody knows that the Black & Gold were the 2002 U.S. Open Cup Champions and the 2008 MLS Cup Champions. But, their youth system has been just as prolific, having been the 2010 and 2011 Super-20 National Champions as well as the 2010 and 2012 McGuire Cup U-19 National Champions. Even more success at the lower levels has made them one of the top youth setups in North America. Don’t take our word for it; Soccer America recently ranked them at #15 nationally.
One of the big reasons for all of these accolades is the work of Crew Juniors Director of Coaching & Player Development James Field.
“James has been an invaluable member of our Crew Youth coaching staff for the past 2 ½ years,” Crew Juniors Executive Director Andrew Arthurs stated. “Specifically, he has been a leader in the development of our curriculum and youth programming for U14, which place the emphasis on player development over results. Through this work, the quality of player – and the level of play – in our U12-U14 age groups in particular, is very exciting.”
Field has a great reputation in the youth soccer community, viewed as one of the best young coaches in the entire country. He has experience on both the coaching and administrative sides. In other words, he develops players and programs to be their very best.
Having qualified coaches like Field is a step in the right direction for American soccer, but it is just that, a step.
“We need to create an artificial environment that provides an opportunity for unstructured play that compliments the regular structured training contacts that players receive each week,” Field commented. “Players need an opportunity to express themselves in an environment in which they can have no fear of failure. This may be as simple as a providing one or two days per week for two hours, where players play small sided games, with no coaching or officiating, just facilitators if needed. This will not happen unless we facilitate this environment for the players.”
Field also advocates for players being students of the game, something that has been lacking in recent years.
“It is a critical factor for players to continue to develop their soccer I.Q. at every opportunity and observe as many games as possible. Once you have seen how it looks, it is easier to replicate.”
A proper environment for learning the beautiful game is also essential. And Field knows that thanks to a celebrated youth career at Reading and Southampton in England. That experience has been crucial to his own development as a coach.
“I was really lucky when I was a young coach at Reading FC as I had an opportunity to be around a few coaches that went on to really big things in the game,” Field added. “Most notably Brendan Rodgers, whom is now the manager of Liverpool FC. The professionalism and the attention to detail are probably the two biggest things that I inherited.”
Field has a lot of faith in the American game and its future 5 years, 10 years, 25 years down the road. Getting the job done at the younger ages will certainly pay dividends in the future.
“For me the game in this country is expanding rapidly. The technical ability of players at the younger ages is better than what it was 10 years ago. The players are more passionate and they’re more knowledgeable about the game today. The coaching philosophies and methodologies are improving all of the time and the programming and exposure for players at the elite levels are changing for the better. I feel that the U.S. will be churning out large numbers of talented players in next 10 years.”
It is great to see a coach that loves the game and simply wants to passion that passion on to a new generation of players. It makes a world of difference in the development of a program, especially one with such a high profile.
“I just love being on the field and interacting with the players,” Field concluded. “I am lucky enough to be on the soccer field 6 days a week and have done that for the past 14 years. I have worked with a huge range of abilities and different ages along the way.”
You will be hard pressed to find a better role model or a better coach than James Field. He is the complete package with experience, passion, tactical knowledge, and the ability to connect with his players. It is no wonder that players are honored to call him their coach.
Expect to see his name again as he continues to climb the coaching ladder here in the U.S.
Korrio understands it is your passion for coaching kids that drives you. We also know that the less time you spend dealing with administrative, communication and automation hassles, and the more time you spend on the field, the happier you’ll be. And because you play a crucial role in our children’s lives, we want you spending as much time as possible coaching our kids. Korrio offers a modern approach to coaching by allowing new ways to communicate and develop a community on and off the field. Congratulations to the ISN Star of Coaching this month!
