Coach trip to America
Having already lead his brilliant Eagles team to a league title, one young manager is about to take his ‘soccer’ skills Stateside.
Coaching at grassroots level brings many rewards. There’s the joy of watching a team gel and improve, the elation of seeing the match winner hit the back of the net, and the satisfaction of knowing your players gave it their all even if they didn’t bag all three points. So what more could any coach possibly want? How about a three-month coaching gig in the sunny climes of North Carolina, in the USA? Well, that’s exactly what Jordan Simmonett, our U14s coach, and former Eagles player, has scored for himself this summer.
Currently working as a supermarket delivery driver, Jordan will be jetting off to the States in mid-May to spend a few months coaching football and American Football at a Summer Camp for 6-16 year olds.
Jordan’s been part of Canterbury Eagles for more than a decade, starting his Eagles career with the U12s with his friend Jack, whose dad was the manager, continuing right the way through to the U17s. Jack then got him into coaching in 2018, when he asked him to come and help manage the U11s side.
Commenting on his football journey and what it’s like to coach a kids’ team, Jordan said:
“I loved football from a young age. Growing up my idol was Steven Gerrard, and of course I’m a Liverpool fan. When I started playing I was on the left wing, but after one season I switched to centre back and have played there ever since.”
“Becoming a coach is as enjoyable as playing. It’s incredibly rewarding, not only do you build amazing relationships with players and parents, but you learn a lot yourself.”
“It’s definitely challenging. It’s not simply turning up and showing them how to win. There’s a duty of care; the boys in my U14s teams are going through a lot because of their age, it becomes about more than just football.”
Qualified as a BT Playmaker, his next aim is to get the Level 1 Coaching Badge and he would recommend being a youth coach to anyone who’s thinking of doing it!
“Do it! You definitely won’t regret it. The support from the other coaches has been incredible, especially from the likes of Jamie, Tony and Henk, as well as my co-coaches; Paul, Sam and Chris. They have all helped me towards developing an incredible group of young players and mentored me to become a better coach.”
“It’s the best feeling ever when you see a player come out of their shell. We have a lad who was shy and didn’t know much about the game. He’s now our go-to starter in defence and is one of the leaders of the team. To know you did something to help them get to that stage is just fantastic.”
Jordan as an Eagles player, front row far right.
First season as a coach, far right
Celebrating the u13s Division 3 title last season, back row far right.
The American Dream
A few years ago, when he first saw recruitment ads for Camp America, it was an opportunity that he thought was just too good to be true. But with perseverance and more research he’s realised he can get paid for doing the thing he loves, and see a bit of America too!
Jordan is quick to point out that it was his experience from coaching with Eagles that landed him the summer camp post. And while this undoubtedly contributed to him nabbing the job, his determination, sunny disposition and positive outlook would’ve been just as important!
And despite a few nerves (from him and his mum!) he can’t wait to get over there to start this next stage of his coaching journey. As an added bonus, he gets 30 days to travel around America before flying home in time to take his U15s Eagles into the 2022/23 season and back to reality!
Jordan epitomises the Eagles ethos – he’s even promised to wear his club strip on the soccer pitch so give us some international coverage! We’re really proud of him for flying the nest for a bit to take on this exciting challenge and wish him all the very best.
