DC Stoddert’s USSF E Course Attracts 36 Coaches!
by DC Stoddert Coaching Director Len Oliver
Despite Saturday’s inclement weather, Len Oliver was able to complete his USSF weekend ’E’ course from June 19-21 at the Jelleff Club. The 36 registered coaches came from as far away as the Philippines, Stafford County and Richmond, Va. As an added feature, DC Stoddert Administrator, Tom Gross, ordered attractive white polo shirts for all DC Stoddert coaches in 
the course, which proved a genuine hit.
Len, ably assisted by Tim Lucas, Coach of the Northern Virginia Royals (PDL) and with the VYSA State Staff, led the candidates through a series of exercises. The course proved highly interactive, with coaches bringing in their own experiences from the field. Coaches received an introduction to USSF methodology in coaching, risk management, the FIFA Laws, Care & Prevention of Injuries, and extensive field work on teaching soccer techniques (dribbling, passing heading, receiving, and shooting), attacking and defensive tactics, small-sided games, re-starts, and conducting their own coaching sessions. One of the course highlights was Lucas conducting an hour-long goalie session with Anna Cerf, Cindy Dunbar’s travel-playing goalie, a session absorbed by all the coaches.
Even Saturday, when the heavens opened up, Len and Tim made adjustments by going inside the Jelleff Club for some lectures, then using the Jelleff Gym, thanks to Bob Stowers, for several technical sessions. After the rain abated, the coaches moved outside to continue the technical work but also getting into the tactical side of the game.
Photo: Len Oliver (top row, left) and nine new E License holders.
According to Len, the E course makes the transition from coaching younger kids “to the real game”—with positional play, goalies, and introduction to soccer tactics and “tactical awareness.” Some of the E candidates will terminate their soccer coaching education with the E course, others will go on for the D License and higher. The course encompasses both goals. As Len stated:
“We try to prepare the coaches to coach their kids with more understanding
of the game, but we also are aware that we have to prepare them for the next
level. This means understanding ‘coaching from the game,’ the importance of
‘coaching practice,’ and review of the types of questions coaches will get in the
oral exams common to the D course. All are in this E course.”
Participants seemed to enjoy the coaching experience:
The E course was a great learning experience. I’m a long time sports fan, so the opportunity to meet a legend of a sport I love was a big deal to me. I also have great respect for what you’re doing for the sport of soccer, not just in our Nation’s Capital, but obviously internationally as well…., I wish you many more years of teaching and coaching soccer. I will always be proud to say, ‘I took my E Certification from Len Oliver.’
--Kent Craig, Loudoun Soccer
Coach Len and Coach Tim: It’s been truly a memorable experience for me and I will truly make use of the things I’ve learned in the Philippines. I’ll be staying here until September so I’ll be able to get my certificate personally. I’ll keep in touch, wishing you all the best and more power to you!
--David Javellana, Philippines
posted 6/25/2009 by MCL
