"When we create a coach we impact 16 players a year."
--Vanessa Martinez, Ph.D FIFA Technical Committee
@ the Women's World Cup 2015 in Winnipeg addressing the NSCAA World Cup Coaches Experience
How can we create an environment that develops coaches who have learned the value of our techniques, discipline and add long-term value to their life skills?
For the past four years...
Our best coaches have been our students
On and off for the past four years we've experimented with an Intern program as part of the LeftFoot Coaching Academy model of developing great players, coaches and people who care about the culture of "LeftFoot". We've learned by mistakes, successes and chance how to structure a tangible experience for over twenty students through trial and error.
At sixteen, more students drop out of soccer for a variety of reasons, but amazingly enough we see an uptick in desired involvement from some students because they want to be at "home" with us. We've had tremendous success re-engaging the love of the game through many of our high school students.
"Our primary mission is to create great people; leaders of the business or coaches on the field from the ranks of our students who will inspire the next generation of Lefties."
Founder, Christian Isquierdo discussing the Intern program in 2011.
Our best players aren't our best coaches, but our best coaches have been students!
Challenges
The challenge over the years has been three fold:
- The students want to be here. They get to play, get touches and fall in even more love with the game.
- There are still operating costs to develop them as leaders and coaches, and offer "free development" perks.
- They should get paid for being great employees when they're ready to lead, engage and instruct.
How do you want your student to stay engaged with the game of soccer?
The LeftFoot Internship program started as an idea for Paul Koski, Rayni Pemble and Anna Morrison in 2012 as a way to include, mentor and invest in our future development. Rayni and Anna "donated" 40 hours to the Academy to learn about the Academy and demonstrate commitment. Paul was in his second year at the University of Minnesota in Construction Management.
Early Beginnings
When we started the program in 2012:
- "Interns" would volunteer 40 hours to practice, play and basically demonstrate consistent committment
- It was designed to "weed out" the players that couldn't make a serious commitment.
- Interns would propose a Senior Project that LeftFoot would invest in to make the Academy better but would also allow the student an independent project to manage.
- Projects needed to be tangible, concrete, able to be replicated and contribute to the overall mission of the Academy.
The challenge was to create a model that could be replicated, scaled and would grow a coach or leader in years from the ranks of our students -- but also keep kids involved to give them the leadership experience in a small business that they loved.
How can we grow great coaches and leaders in the community dedicated to the culture of LeftFoot who understand our process and discipline related to the principles of dedication, patience, and time honored practices they've learned as soccer players?
LeftFoot Reboot 2016
In January of 2016 the unexpected occurred; a lead coach quit and we had to throw a new coach onto the main field before they were ready. Lauren and Sydney were Senior Interns who took over the Entry role of the Academy which the previous coach had to leave in order to sustain the functions of the Academy.
They received a "black shirt" and became the inspiration of the LeftFoot 2017 model. Their availability as interns, former students, and reduced "training" time allowed LeftFoot to put TWO great new coaches on the field within two weeks instead of the previous eight weeks.
They both benefited from our new Coach Commission Structure introduced in 2016. Lauren and Syd were both earning upwards of $16/hour for coaching and over $3,000 for college. A light bulb went off, and we said, how can we keep doing this?
From Lauren....
"When I started at LeftFoot in 2012, I was a super awkward and uncoordinated soccer player. With the helpful guidance of Christian, I gradually morphed into a better player with more refined skills. I tore my ACL in 2014 and Christian kept me involved with the internship program so I was able help out with administration tasks and republished all of his blogs over three months. He let me work out in all of his sessions, guiding me back to health.
After I recovered, I became the first Senior Intern Leader with Sydney, the year we won the State Championship at Benilde-St. Margaret's in 2015. It was awesome to be coached by someone for a couple years and then coach beside them. This was the best thing that had happened to me. I tried to get as many hours as I could because I loved it so much. Applying to the Air Force Academy was hard for me, and the constant support of Christian and Andy really helped me persevere. Even when I thought I didn't get in, Christian was my rock for me to 'keep the faith'.
LeftFoot not only improved me as a soccer player, but it improved my mind. I learned to push myself way past what I thought I was able to do. LeftFoot helped shape me into the person I am today, and it along with all the wonderful people I worked with will always be a part of my life."
But it hasn't been just them...
Through the years, Dani Nelson created the Low Instep Drive iBook, Rayni Pemble took over Membership systems and Coaching Attire Program, Zack Fennesey became a coach in the Academy, Kaija Eckholm did One on One Coaching and Mara Flahtery ran our Social Media campaigns.
However, while some of them would coach, others would administrate, and some did both, we didn't have clear guidelines and expectations that would allow the Senior Academy program to enrich their lives as students AND employees. The fact that we did create some remarkable projects by mentoring students through significant goals, their experience was successful not only to them but for the hundreds of LeftFoot students who wanted to be like them. Our questions became, how can we create clarity about the process?
Students who became coaches earned roughly 3x the amount of interns who just "played" in sessions.
For the players that went on to play college soccer, their experience as LeftFoot Interns, trainers, and coaches helped them excel at school by continuing to support what they loved doing while making some good money. Parents, who have visions of their kids playing college soccer, viewed this program as a way to help increase their odds of learning how to 'work hard and enjoy the pain'.
Most college freshman and high school seniors struggle with the transition from "team" based training to individual responsibility while still holding a job. Or worse, they get thrown into club coaching with little mentorship, guidance and support. The LeftFoot Coaching Academy Senior Academy is designed to bridge that transition from student to leader or coach, from paying to learn and play to earning an income by coaching or leading with the brand of LeftFoot Coaching Academy at their back that they can use locally and beyond.
The Senior Academy is part of a definitive progression of milestones along the way that enable players to go through achievements and standards that would allow them to grow into a coach, a contributor, and a future leader within LeftFoot, just like Paul, Rayni, Dani, Anna, Zach, Kaija, Syd and Lauren started.
They have been Ms. Soccer, State champions, Star Tribune Player of Year, Division I, II & III, club players in college, and just...great kids looking to be at LeftFoot as much as they can. They've inspired boys and girls that are just starting at LeftFoot by showing them how hard work, patience, discipline, love and a great sense of humor makes life and soccer rewarding.
What we know...as we build toward the future.
The Senior Academy is a four year journey through LeftFoot for continued development as a young adult. It begins a separate process in the journey of being a soccer player, collegiate athlete, coach and future leader within the soccer industry or the professional work place.
While students can start at any time, it's imperative that we start around the sophomore year to identify qualified students that want to play in college or become leaders at LeftFoot as they think about their future involvement with soccer.
It Starts at Sixteen
We know the reality of a high school student trying to fit in soccer, jobs, extra training, social life, school, college trips and hormones. Being at LeftFoot through those transitions has allowed a community of "interns" to connect everything into a tight network of friendships, employment and fun over the past three years.
Is this you:
- A Junior in high school: You need to start the journey, but get really busy. Although you start driving, you need responsibility, accountability and your parents don't want to risk too much. You do best when you start in the spring leading into the summer of your senior year.
- Seniors in High School: You would be here every day if you can and get paid! Do you want to play in sessions, coach, and be able to contribute? If you are preparing for college you'll need extra training, touches and meaningful employment to balance your needs for professional development and regain/strengthen your love of soccer. Beginning in November of their Senior Year we can start at 5-10 hours a week through April and take 2-3 Senior Leaders and give them 10-20 hours a week plus coaching.
If it is...
- Mom and dad will need to invest in your future. but want to know what's on the other end. Parents want to see results in terms of an ROI that puts money in their kids' hands, develops future employment opportunities and continues to enrich their lives as people..
- You'll earn volunteer hours through your Junior Internship Practicum.
- Going into college you can count on hours to earn money for school, gas money and expenses.
- If you want you can return from college with a summer job, touches through winter break and a place to return to when you need to be inspired.
Coach Education & Licensing
Dr. Tyler Bosch and Christian Isquierdo, M.A. have invested considerable time and energy in developing LeftFoot Coaching Academy through a progressive series of skills based on the idea that we'll work with a player for FIVE years between the ages of 10-15. At each step of the way, we made sure to develop the skills players need as the progress through the journey of youth soccer.
We know that LeftFoot Coaching MUST develop a licensing model for future coaches and we need to begin with the foundation of our own students who can demonstrate the value of the skills building in their own lives.
Our licensing model enables students to begin One on One Coaching through our online system to deliver sessions that have templates, content and quality that has been delivered through the years by Dr. Bosch and Christian.
These students can be involved, earn an income and expand the capacity, intelligence and coaching knowledge of the LeftFoot Coaching Academy in a way that is progressive, realistic and all inclusive.
The Foundation Coach License
Milestones Mark the Path
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in High School through college Juniors participate during the Winter and Summer Programs through the Senior Academy as students.
The Senior Academy has five stages of growth and development, each referred to as Licenses and Practicums to identify the milestones of each progression.
Senior Academy
- Junior Internship Practicum
- Foundation Coach Practicum
- Foundation Coach License
- Junior Coach Practicum
- Junior Coach License
Overall Program; Ages 16- 20
- 40 hours of training, playing and leadership development
- 10 hours of Coach Education for One on One and Young Coach licensing
- 40 hours of Practicum Experience for One on One Coaching and Training Partner
- 200 hours of Coaching and Development for Junior Coach Licensing
Senior Academy Tuition
Designed for students still receiving instruction in dedicated Senior Academy classes that want to participate in the Junior Internship Practicum and the Foundation Coach Licensing
Tuition Program with LeftFoot 2017:
Bronze Plan
- 26 Total Sessions, includes summer programming.
- 12 Sessions: January - March 30th
- 8 Sessions: November - December#
- $210 Coupon toward Summer Programming^
- $910 for Tuition paid in 6 installments of $132*
- $630 prorated for Seniors in High School (January- August)
- $275 for Membership Guidance includes guidance hours with the student for college prep, program planning, access to online content.
Total Price for Senior Academy Bronze Program: $1,185
- # not included in prorated price.
- ^Summer Programs 2017 (link)
- * Tuition Plans include Membership and are paid in 6 installments of $132 with a downpayment of $395
Gold Plan
- 39 Total Sessions
- 14 Sessions: January - April
- 13 Sessions: November - December
- $420 Coupon toward Summer Programming
- $1,365 Tuition, paid in 6 installments of $182*
- $910 prorated for Seniors in High School (January- August)
- Designed for Juniors and Sophomores in High School.
Total Price for Senior Academy Gold Plan: $1,640
* Tuition Plans include Membership and are paid in 6 installments of $182 with a downpayment of $547
Junior Intern Practicum
- Prerequisites:
- Senior Academy Tuition or Junior Academy Tuition
- 16 years of age with a valid Driver's License
- Creative Series designation within Academy.
- Ability to demonstrate Foundation Series progressions.
- Minimum 12 sessions for one term in Tuition Plan with Membership ($695)*
* Does not include summer programming
Our Junior Internship Practicum (JIP) can be done in 5 weeks or less, most dedicated students complete their 40 hours of practicum work and project within 7-10 weeks/ 2-3 months.
Opportunities:
- 40 hours of Practicum Experience as a free Practice Partner in evening sessions. (split into 30/10 increments - see below)
- Applies for an interview and position as a - Foundation Coach Licensee.
- Required Development of Academy Technical Spark (this is a Spark) - 8-10 hours
- Value of over $900 in terms of hours per session value for 32 hours of Training Partner participation.
Foundation Coach- Practicum Course
Prerequisites: Creative Series Student, Junior Internship Practicum project.
- $299
- 10 hours of Coach Education over 4 days (2.5 hours on the weekend)
- One on One Technical Progressions for students at LeftFoot between the ages of 9-14
- Access to Online LeftFoot Resources for Technical Development and guidance
- 15 hours of Coaching Partner Practicum hours to schedule in Senior Academy, Junior and Youth Academy as a Practice Partner to lead sessions and finish their JIP project. (over $700 value)
Foundation Coach - Licensing
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Foundation Coach - Practicum Course
The Foundation Coach License is designed to assist the coach by developing a schedule for themselves complete with client management skills; now that they are empowered to coach One on One sessions at LeftFoot or outside of the physical Academy within our Front Desk Scheduling System our focus in on empowering the Foundation Coach to earn 20 hours of One on One Coaching with students and providing assistance to the Master Coach in the Academy programs.
Mentorship and ongoing support to develop their ability to create an entrepreneurial business for themselves as they build their ability to lead groups within the Academy Series progressions is part of the ongoing Licensing program.
Previous Coaches in our Academy as High school and College students have earned between $2,500 and $4,000 in a nine month period.
Licensing Requirements:
- 20 hours of One on One Coaching (paid at 25% of fee)
- Supervised One on One Session (Video)
- Final written project to include reflection pieces of One on One Coaching experience and Technical/Game Spark
Licensing includes ability to coach as a Coaching Assistant within the following progressions:
- Coaching Assistant: Youth Academy Series
- Coaching Assistant: Junior Academy Series
- One on One Coaching: Foundation Series
- Summer Intensives
- Summer Accelerators
Payment for coaches is consistent with our Coaching Commission Structure for all LeftFoot Coaching licensees. Coaching Assistants receive an hourly wage to assist within regular Academy Series sessions.
One on One Coaching: Foundation Series is a 30% commission based on the rates the student pays.
Junior Coach License
In 2014, Zack Fennessy and Anna Morrison began coaching in the Academy running sessions alongside Christian. Many of the sessions that Anna and Zack ran were Christian's sessions from earlier that day or week. They both joined him again in 2015 and 2016 on the field and in sessions of their own. Now on the verge of graduating college we want to let Zack "get a real job", but also grant him a license to coach the LeftFoot Way.
How do we create more Zacks and Annas from our ranks? What did we do and can we do it again - but even better?
Junior Coach License
What we know and propose going forward with our Junior Coach Licensees while in college:
- Total overall development of 200 hours of Coaching in both Youth Academy & Junior Academy Series Progressions as a Young Coach.
- A minimum of 50 hours of One on One Coaching
- Paid client management within the Academy under supervision for sales
- 20 hours of Coaching Development
- 15 hours of Training Partner Practicums
Cost: $199 while in college to supervise, learn and develop coaches that are playing in college to earn 45% of Academy Series sessions and develop into a Master Coach at the Junior Academy level.
Get Started Today
We need our Junior Intern Practicum students to enroll in either the Senior Academy Tuition program or go directly into a Foundation Coach Licensing program.
While we only have about 24 spots open in our Senior Academy Program for 2017, we need commitment from families that we can grow and evolve this program as we continue to enroll licensees into our coaching model.
LeftFoot 2017
Participate
Scheduling allows kids to start at 4:30 pm with a Coaching Progression in which Christian will work directly with the Senior Academy students to continue their own skills building progressions. With full field access, 6 players and Christian's innovative design all players are working, learning and developing.
Practice
During the next sessions (Youth Academy or Junior Academy) our Senior Academy is working IN the session with younger players as Training Partners, or doing their practicum work. All sessions finish at 7:45pm with clean up and closing chores, we are usually done by 8:10pm.
Practicum
On Fridays we all get together for Coaching Education, Practicum Design work and feedback. These Open Hours allow students to work independently on their projects, get feedback, guidance and get ready for collegiate work.
Recommended workload :
- Juniors - once a week
- Seniors - twice a week