Amplify our season: Spring 2025 Coaches Training
The TLC Advantage: Teamwork, Leadership, and Commitment in Your Coaching
On March 1, 2025, New York SCORES hosted its annual Spring Coaches Training designed to equip coaches, teachers, and Coaching for Change Academy participants with the tools needed to cultivate their students’ potential of skill building through soccer, poetry, and civic engagement.
Programs Director
Maya Stephen
The day commenced with a warm welcome from Director of Programs Maya and Grants & Programs Manager Charlyn, who outlined the agenda and facilitated an interactive icebreaker of a ‘Would You Rather.’
Grants and Programs Manager
Charlyn Jordon
Writing For The Community:
Who are we, what do we represent, and why do we matter?
Creative Writing and Arts Specialist Eda Faison’s presentation focused on creating a direct impact by highlighting the importance of relatability, cultural celebration, and identity as key tools for empowerment. He advocated for inclusive intellect by explaining that interconnected subgroups within every community or organization collaborate to create a larger, more dynamic whole.
“We will show their potential more than just by being content... push boundaries,” said Eda. This call to action urges our trainers to help develop the youths’ identities, recognize their influence, and build stronger and inclusive communities.
Breakout Sessions
As we convened, we shared our insights, ultimately concluding that the physical concerns within our communities—such as spacing, safe zones, and protecting children from danger—were paramount. We recognized that these physical aspects also significantly impacted mental well-being. We maintained an ongoing discussion throughout our training and incorporated these principles into our daily practices.
Play–Practice–play
The afternoon session transitioned to a practical demonstration of soccer coaching techniques led by Coach Leo and Coach Maya, with the assistance of Coach Charlyn. Each section was in its part of the field and included two activities. Each demonstration, supported by visual aids, offered coaches valuable tools to implement during training sessions.
Coach Leo showcased The Three Lane game activity of dynamic positioning, emphasizing constant movement and spatial awareness. This practice gave the coaches a first-hand perspective of how players quickly identify and move into open spaces, fostering adaptability and quick decision-making in play!
Coach Maya, assisted by coach Charlyn, demonstrated the Rondos activity. Maya and Charlyn illustrated the benefits of rondos, a drill designed to enhance passing accuracy, ball control, and pressure defense.
After our demo session, we gathered to share our feedback on direct teaching. We identified effective strategies and discussed engaging actively by learning from our players instead of solely teaching. We focus on encouragement but also understand the importance of vision. Younger players thrive on immediate play, which helps us tailor our approach. In comparison, older players need structured timing and strategic vision to succeed.
Being Active
We concluded our last session with an administrative and processing event. Coaches, teachers, and C4CA members explored new resources, including attendance tracking and contact information, and discussed the potential for best practices. The overall message of the day empowered participants and encouraged active engagement in a safe environment. We are confident that the knowledge and skills gained will be valuable for our educators as they continue fostering growth and achievement in their communities.
Special Guest Zahkiya with ASNY Staff
Learn to take charge. Play, Practice and Play!
By Shelby Ramos – Marketing and Communications Intern
