Each month we feature one ASA coach to learn more about his or her background and personal story and this month (June 2019) we’re featuring Coach Jonathan!
What programs do you coach at ASA and how long have you been coaching with our club?
I currently coach boys U9 Gold and boys U10 Black teams and and am staying with the same age group but different levels next year. I have been with ASA for a little over a year and a half.
When did you begin coaching? What got you interested?
I have always thought about coaching, even at a young age. Nothing too serious as my thought was to help out with the younger age groups. My current teams are actually my first two teams I’ve coached although I have been assisting on and off throughout the years with other clubs and summer camps as well.
What is one of your favorite things about coaching for ASA?
The commitment and organization of the club are two things that stand out and that I didn’t see much of growing up myself. Everything from curriculum to logistics are always worked out and improved on every year which makes for a great experience for players and coaches alike.
Where did you grow up and what’s your favorite soccer memory from your childhood?
I actually grew up in Northern Virginia, first in Arlington and then in Falls Church so I know the area well. Playing soccer has given me many memories that would not otherwise have been possible so it’s a tough to pick one. Seeing ASA prep for summer international trips reminds me of my first trip which was to Holland when I was 13 years old. I traveled with my team at the time and we were able to play a few games against top youth teams such as Ajax and PSV. We were also given a tour of Ajax’s famed training complex and that is something a young soccer player never forgets.
When you’re not coaching what do you like to do in your free time?
I have very little free time as a family man with work and coaching. My 5 year old son is beginning to take over most of my free time as I have begun training him as well. He is beginning to play soccer and the players on my current teams know how demanding I am so he is in for some “fun” work.
Who’s your soccer hero and why?!
I was a midfielder throughout my life so my soccer hero was Zinedine “Zizou” Zidane because he was a midfielder as well. That being said, the best I have seen is Ronaldo Fenomeno (Brazilian) due to the things he did on the field with the ball.
And finally….give us one fun fact about yourself.
Fun fact: I have an appreciation and respect for the young goalies, I was once put in as goalie at 7–8 years old for a team I was new on and got scored on more than five times. Never played goalie again. Tough job.
Thank you Jonathan! We hope you enjoy some “free” time this summer with your family and little one. 🙂
