Personal Coaching Philosophy
Kirk Simpkins / 2017
Establishing a fun, competitive and character building space where athletes can develop soccer skills and sportsmanship virtues reinforced with consistent ethical behavior from coaches, players and parents is essential. Passion, hard work, personal growth, mental toughness and having fun are values that will be infused throughout practices and games. Unfortunately, professional sports has aided in creating a culture of “winning at all costs” that has trickled down to the youth levels and influenced poor decision making by coaches, administrators, players and parents. The “win at all costs” mentality has no place on my team and therefore will be discouraged at every turn. In order to positively impact athletes, it is critical that an environment of “sportsmanship” is developed where consistent ethical decisions are made and reinforced via “in the moment” coaching of athletes. With the right ethical environment a culture of character development will thrive.
Furthermore, our youth are pulled in many different directions today; school work, and a multitude of extracurricular activities all put pressure on our young athletes to perform at extraordinarily high levels. An athlete centered coaching model that focuses on intrinsic motivation and rewards will help build knowledge, confidence, technical and tactical skills, as well as team unity and cohesion. In addition, a Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model will assist in ensuring training is age appropriate and follows a logical progression in sport skill evolution. Moreover, a willingness to allow players to work through the process of play will be critical in building their mental capacity, sport skills and moral foundation. My goal is to decrease the daily stresses shouldered by athletes by creating an outlet for positive release of anxiety, pressure and the realities of today’s intense world.
I will demonstrate my commitment to the team in a number of ways; effective communication via athletes and parents, ethical coaching behaviors, planned training sessions that challenge athletes physically and mentally and connecting with each athlete to understand their personalities and motivations. Furthermore, I will use various coaching techniques to further drive athlete motivation and passion for the sport; positive reinforcement, guided discovery, performance feedback, small session games, imagery and self-talk. I am cognizant of and take seriously my interactions with youth athletes and strive to purposefully developed positive thinking, passionate and hard-working athletes with mental toughness to aid them in accomplishing their goals all while having fun doing it
Furthermore, our youth are pulled in many different directions today; school work, and a multitude of extracurricular activities all put pressure on our young athletes to perform at extraordinarily high levels. An athlete centered coaching model that focuses on intrinsic motivation and rewards will help build knowledge, confidence, technical and tactical skills, as well as team unity and cohesion. In addition, a Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model will assist in ensuring training is age appropriate and follows a logical progression in sport skill evolution. Moreover, a willingness to allow players to work through the process of play will be critical in building their mental capacity, sport skills and moral foundation. My goal is to decrease the daily stresses shouldered by athletes by creating an outlet for positive release of anxiety, pressure and the realities of today’s intense world.
I will demonstrate my commitment to the team in a number of ways; effective communication via athletes and parents, ethical coaching behaviors, planned training sessions that challenge athletes physically and mentally and connecting with each athlete to understand their personalities and motivations. Furthermore, I will use various coaching techniques to further drive athlete motivation and passion for the sport; positive reinforcement, guided discovery, performance feedback, small session games, imagery and self-talk. I am cognizant of and take seriously my interactions with youth athletes and strive to purposefully developed positive thinking, passionate and hard-working athletes with mental toughness to aid them in accomplishing their goals all while having fun doing it
I am a youth soccer coach with the Geauga Soccer Federation in Northeast Ohio and have been coaching for the better part of 20 years. On this site you will find my coaching resume, coaching philosophy, instructional videos and writings that I submitted while working towards my Masters in Sports Coaching Education from Ohio University. I currently coach U9 - U13 level travel teams competing within the Ohio Travel Soccer League (OHTSL). I am passionate about helping to develop skilled soccer players, continuing to learn and grow as a coach and furthering the sport within my community.
Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with youth level participation exploding. As soccer continues to grow and expand across the country the demand for well versed and qualified coaches in the sport is becoming significant. Parents and communities are not only looking for strong soccer programs, but also coaches who believe in athlete-centered coaching, where skill development and moral values take center stage. The sport is intense and play is physical! Skill development and ensuring the safety of the athletes is of utmost concern. There is no room in the sport for coaches or programs with a "win at all cost" mentality!
Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with youth level participation exploding. As soccer continues to grow and expand across the country the demand for well versed and qualified coaches in the sport is becoming significant. Parents and communities are not only looking for strong soccer programs, but also coaches who believe in athlete-centered coaching, where skill development and moral values take center stage. The sport is intense and play is physical! Skill development and ensuring the safety of the athletes is of utmost concern. There is no room in the sport for coaches or programs with a "win at all cost" mentality!
Formal Education
Certifications / Continued Education
Founder Geauga Federation SC, Inc. - 2016
United Soccer Coaches Association - Director of Coaching Diploma - Aug 2021
USSF - 2020 - C License Provisional
USSF - 2018 - D License
USSF - 2017 - E License
USSF – 2016 – F License
Concussion Certified yearly
Lindsay Law Certified yearly
Member United Soccer Coaches Association 2014 – present
Master's Sports Coaching Education - Ohio University 2017
Founder Geauga Federation SC, Inc. - 2016
United Soccer Coaches Association - Director of Coaching Diploma - Aug 2021
USSF - 2020 - C License Provisional
USSF - 2018 - D License
USSF - 2017 - E License
USSF – 2016 – F License
Concussion Certified yearly
Lindsay Law Certified yearly
Member United Soccer Coaches Association 2014 – present
Master's Sports Coaching Education - Ohio University 2017