Every month on the Surf Nation coaches newsletter, we aim to recognize one of our coaches who embodies our values, exceeds our standards, and leads by example on the sidelines and in the community.
This month’s coach is Jeff Koegel from Reading Rage Surf. Jeff took some time to share his influences, views, and sources of inspiration with us recently:
Why do you coach?
I coach because I love the game and enjoy working with kids. There is something very special about seeing kids put in so much time to achieve their individual and team goals. I enjoy every part of the process.
Who were some of your first real influences when you started your coaching journey?
I started coaching youth soccer while playing in the USL D3 Pro League. Most veteran players in the league were involved with youth coaching in some capacity, and I learned a lot watching those guys. Eric Puls, a teammate then and currently the director of coaching for Reading Rage Surf, offered me a youth coaching job. Eric had a lot of influence on my coaching methods from the beginning.
Is there a team (past or present) on which you model your playing style?
The US Women’s National Team under Emma Hayes is an ideal model for our young girls. They combine team soccer, individual brilliance, and a winning attitude that comes with good leadership. That grit and toughness should be a staple of American soccer at every level.
Is there a player (past or present) that inspires you when you watch them play?
As a youth player, my favorite players were Diego Maradona and later the great Brazilian striker Romario. I spent many hours in my backyard trying to emulate those players.
What’s your favorite book related to coaching?
Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success by John Wooden. It is not a soccer book, but it has a lot of great content about leadership in general.
Which professional coach do you admire and why?
Johan Cruijff brought a style to Barcelona as a head coach that changed how the game is played worldwide and how most youth coaches currently teach the game. He deserves credit for having a significant influence on the current great coaches.
How would you describe the training environment that you look to create?
I think a good session will involve considerable technical work. Players should be put in situations in which they need to use creativity and their learned skills to succeed. There should always be competition between the players and a high level of intensity. Above all, the kids should have fun and look forward to returning.
What do you feel that Reading Rage Surf does better than anyone else as a club?
One thing that I appreciate about Reading Rage Surf is that there is consistency throughout the club in regards to methods of training and style of play. Coaches are given specific exercises each week and there are regular coaches meetings to reinforce what we are trying to do as a club at training and in games.
