SoccerToday Youth Soccer Coach Interview Series
Mike Barr is the Technical Director of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Barr is also a National Staff Coach for the United States Soccer Federation, Barr is a National Youth License Instructor, and holds the USSF “A” coaching license, the NSCAA International Premier License, the national youth license, and Scottish Football Association’s “B” license. A dedicated and motivated teacher and soccer coach, Barr is a nationally recognized expert on player development with a thirty year history working with top level soccer players and youth coaches.
SoccerToday interviewed Barr to get his feedback on youth soccer:
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your philosophy on youth soccer coaching?
Mike Barr: My coaching philosophy is clear – the goal is always to make youth soccer inclusive, less expensive and more diverse.
Diane Scavuzzo: How has soccer changed since you became involved?
Mike Barr: There are more youth soccer players traveling now then when I became involved. We have more soccer educational programs, the cost to play has increased and we now have well paid coaches and administrators, and technically more proficient players.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think U.S. Soccer needs to do to help soccer be more successful in the USA?
Mike Barr: U.S. Soccer needs to bring soccer to all children, not just the upper and middle class suburban children.
U.S. Soccer needs to focus attention on bringing soccer to the inner city and minorities throughout the country.
U.S. Soccer should raise the age of travel play, bring in and encourage more women coaches to pursue coaching positions.
Also U.S. Soccer should allow the Developmental Academies to be run only by MLS Teams.
Diane Scavuzzo: What makes a youth soccer coach successful?
Mike Barr: A desire to succeed, never becoming complacent in educating oneself and enjoying your profession.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the biggest problem in youth soccer today?
Mike Barr: Parents not recognizing what is best for their children.
Many young families get their children involved with soccer at the expense of their child’s overall development. There is the nudge factor of trying to keep up with their neighbors and listening to incorrect propaganda from some coaches who do not have the child’s best interest in mind. And, the number of tournaments and rankings of teams based on playing in certain tournaments.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has coaching taught you?
Mike Barr: Be resilient, constantly strive to be better and have a sense of doing what is right for children.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you want to achieve in the next 12 months? The next 24 months?
Mike Barr: I have written two children’s books about a little girl named Mollie Jean who begins her soccer journey. Hopefully I can get out to push the sale of these books. There is a donation made to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s partner “Red Card Cancer” with the purchase of each book. I also want to get more time coaching on the field.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you think small sided games will benefit development?
Mike Barr: I have been a big proponent of small sided games for a long time. Thrilled to see U.S. Soccer step up and mandate this decision. Extra touches, technical development and bringing tactical decisions into play because of playing small sided will enhance player development and make it more fun to play.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think about the birth year mandate?
Mike Barr: After next season, all these controversies will be forgotten.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you deal with multiple sport athletes? At what age do you believe players should focus exclusively on soccer?
Mike Barr: I think multiple sports are extremely important for over-all growth. I think when the player tells his or her parents he or she wants to focus on one sport without the push of self-serving coaches, that is a good time for both player and parents to begin a discussion of what pathway to pursue.
Diane Scavuzzo: How confused do you think the typical soccer mom and dad are about the numerous paths in youth soccer for player development?
Mike Barr: I would even have a difficult time as a parent and deciding what is best for development.
I would tell them to look to find a neutral soccer professional who will provide them with honest information in making a decision that could impact their child’s future. I see too often decisions made without the end product of those decisions in sight.
As a parent you have to see the big picture. Your young players will not be judged by winning tournaments or getting athletic scholarships. They will be recognized for successfully raising a family, giving back to the community and loving their own children.
Diane Scavuzzo: As a soccer coach, what do you consider to be your most difficult accomplishment? What was your biggest failure?
Mike Barr: It has taken me thirty years to realize winning is not the most important thing in one’s life. I believe — because my drive to win and be recognized as an exceptional coach — I did not have the correct priorities in raising my children. I look back and wish I did not push my kids into playing constantly but provided a well-rounded childhood of individual sports, music and the arts.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who was your greatest role model or mentor?
Mike Barr: Chris Jones, the former Villanova coach, who passed away at an early age and Bob Urban who was active in youth soccer and was responsible for getting girls playing in Pennsylvania. They both encouraged me to get my A License and give back to the community.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
Mike Barr: Not sure if this is a super power but I would like to have the ability to see all the positive things associated with one’s life on a consistent basis.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team? Who do you root for behind closed doors?
Mike Barr: My loyalty seems to shift each year, but right now I want to see Bournemouth and Leicester City achieve success. I enjoy watching PSG (Paris Saint-Germain Football Club,) play when they are on top of their game and their individual talents are on display.
Photo Credit: Mike Barr and Eastern PA SoccerAssociation Facebook
