Ricky Clarke - Director of Coaching

Philosophy
Ricky’s coaching philosophy is very simple… “I want to provide all players with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of the game, with emphasis on maximizing ball contact within a structured session. I want to teach the techniques and tactics necessary to construct a highly skilled, possession-based game. This promotes confidence in the player’s own ability, and further facilitates their soccer and overall education”.

Experience  
Ricky has considerable experience working in the youth soccer industry in the USA and abroad. During the past 7 years he has been a Soccer Academy Director and a Regional Director for a company based in Long Island, NY. These leadership roles provided Ricky with tremendous exposure to coach education, business management and sales.  He was also responsible for directing and coaching in numerous elite player development programs based throughout the tri-state area. As the Academy Director, his main responsibilities included overseeing all Residential and full-day academy programs in the NY tri-state area.

Soccer Background
With a passion for coaching and youth development, Ricky has achieved several notable awards including; USSF ‘A' License, NSCAA Premier License (with a distinction), NSCAA Goal keeping License and the English FA Coaching License. Ricky’s coaching experience is also impressive.  He has worked at all levels of youth development including leading coaching several teams to state championships and joining the New York State ODP program.  Since moving to California in January 2008 he has also become a California Youth Soccer League state course instructor.

During the 2005 Ricky was chosen to work for the English Football Association during their USA tour. The tour involved hosted a number Youth soccer clinics ahead of the international friendly games. The coaching position involved running soccer skill sessions for children in and around the New York Metro area.

Ricky also has a tremendous playing background. Ricky played semi-professional soccer in England for Harpenden Town FC and Langford FC. During his University career he represented Luton University at Two National University Finals, also becoming the first player at Luton University to score in a National University Final against Bath University in 2001.

Personal
Ricky has a Bachelors Degree in Sport and Fitness, and lives in Alameda, California with his Fiancé Leigh. Ricky is the youngest of three boys in his family, Ryan and Ross, are his older brothers and both have families that reside just outside London, England. Ask if he misses anything about England, he responded with ‘my parents’.  

Why US Soccer Coaching?
The Youth Soccer industry within the USA has developed into a hugely competitive arena. In addition to nationwide coaching organizations most communities now have a plethora of local coaches also offering their own professional training. US Soccer Coaching strives to offer a collaboration of First Class Professional Coaching, Customized programs for each client and Professional support network that no offer Professional Soccer Organization can offer.

With these three reasons in mind, this is why I considered it a privilege to work alongside US Soccer Coaching Coaches and potential clients.