Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Dietrich.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sam. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have played soccer ever since I can remember. I began coaching soccer in college while finishing my Bachelors in Education. I have been teaching in the public school system for over 10 years as well as coaching soccer in the evenings and on weekends. I started an after school program called the “Buccaneer Soccer Academy” a couple years ago at Mt. Bethel Elementary (where I currently teach PE). It was so popular that I changed the name to the “Cobb Soccer Academy” and it now runs in multiple schools. It was a natural fit to bring soccer directly into school systems since I have been doing both for years. I have coached for various clubs such as the YMCA, NASA, and Georgia United. I have also coached for various Cobb County high schools, as well as the Olympic Development Program. I currently have an Education Specialist Degree in Coaching Pedagogy from Valdosta State University and a National “A” License from the U.S. Soccer Federation and am a member of the coaching staff for Atlanta United.
Part of the reason I began this program is because I have twins (Wesley and Maxine) who are two, and I have always been asked the best methods to get kids involved in soccer at a young age. The Cobb Soccer Academy allows kids from various levels/abilities to learn and play the game of soccer with their friends at their own school. It creates a safe and fun environment for kids to either begin to learn to play, or fine tune their skills. I love being able to bring these experiences into the elementary school to help kids develop and enhance their passion for the game as well as a love for being active!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
So far, the schools have loved the idea of bringing in a soccer after-school program!
Cobb Soccer Academy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in allowing kids at the elementary school level to begin and/or enhance their love/skills for soccer. It is a great feeling to watch a kindergartner come in who may have once been nervous to try the sport, but is now thriving in it! It is a joy to watch kids learn moves that they might typically not have been exposed to until they are much older. Typically, parents have to take their child home from school, and then take them to a soccer practice. It is incredibly convenient for the parents to know that their children are learning the game, while being able to play with their friends at their own school!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moments come from watching kids run into a practice session with gigantic smiles on their faces! It is incredibly rewarding to be able to teach kids a love for the game, and a love to be active. I also enjoying hearing from a student about how they used one of the moves we have worked on in training in a game. The kids love sharing about how they are learning, and the parents do as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CobbSoccerAcademy.com
- Phone: 217-714-4308
- Email: CobbSoccerAcademy@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cobbsocceracademy/
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