Hi BRYC Coaches! I'm Joan Smith, the Training Director for BRYC Recreational Soccer. The 2022-2023 season is my 10th year in this position (AMAZING!)

What I'd like you to know is I was in your shoes (or maybe... cleats?). James and I started coaching with nothing but good intentions... no soccer background, very limited soccer knowledge, VERY scared with 16 sets of expectant eyes looking to us for guidance and knowledge. I often wondered if we were crazy. What did WE have to offer? What we had, and what we still have, is a firm belief that soccer is good for our kids. It teaches life skills on so many levels, how to be a team player, how to get along with lots of different personalities, how to be open-minded and always willing to learn and to try, how to be selfless and most important that "winning" can be defined in many ways, it’s not just the score at the end of the game.

Did I say that soccer was good for our kids? I mean our coaches too, because soccer makes you use all these skills as a coach. The coach always sets the tone for team. Parents and players will all be looking to you and follow your lead through the toughest situations.

James and I have been coaching for 13 years. We’ve learned a lot... sometimes the hard way. My ongoing mission in the Training Director position is to make it easier for all of you, our coaches. I want you to know that you have resources, and where to find them. I want you to have the opportunity to interact with our other BRYC coaches and share best practices and thoughts. If you are a long-time coach, I'd like to pair you up with a newer coach so they have a go-to person for answers and for reassurance. I also want you to have access to professional training yourselves, so that you can grow as coaches... and that, in turn, will make BRYC grow as a club.

As James and I have progressed as coaches, we’ve tried many different things with the team through the seasons. Some worked, some didn’t. But we felt it was always important to try new things, because you never know what will be the thing that makes it "click" for the team. I tell you this so you won’t be surprised when you see new things. I'm always switching up our programs, trying new things for the kids and for the coaches just to see what "clicks".

We hope that you take advantage of the programs offered, and that you find them helpful. I LOVE BRYC! It's a great organization, and our volunteers are FABULOUS! I hope that you come to love all of it... the kids, the coaching, the club... as much as I do!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me and let me know what thoughts you have to share. I look forward to seeing you on the pitch!

Sincerely, Joan Smith