skip navigation

Tri-Cities Otters Partner with Tennessee Soccer to Develop Coaching Education

By USL-Academy.com Staff, 03/05/21, 12:00PM EST

Share

Otters Invest in Coaching Education to Benefit Future Youth Players

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - The Tri-Cities Otters Academy has recently partnered with Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) to host a series of coaching clinics in East Tennessee, led by Otters Head Coach David Strickland and the Tennessee Coaching Education Leadership. Strickland currently holds his USSF A License and is adamant on sharing his coaching experience with youth coaches in his community through the USSF Grassroots program. 

“Investing in coaching education is the best way to help improve the coaching and the future of our young players,” said Strickland. “This is the most impact we can have as the Otters Academy to help develop new talent on multiple levels through coaching education.”

The coaching clinics will offer 7-v-7, 9-v-9, and 11-v-11 in-person modules and allow attending coaches to receive their USSF Grassroots Certification once all in-person and online modules have been completed. 

“The partnership between TSSA and Otters will bring modern coaching methodology to the Tri-Cities area,” said Sammy Giraldo, Director of Coaching Education and Development for TSSA. “This will in turn give local coaches the tools necessary to impact soccer at the grassroots level and continue the development of soccer athletes with the implementation of age appropriate and research-based coaching methodology. We strongly believe that education is the foundation for continued success in the development of our athletes and by partnering with Tri-Cities Otters we now have the chance to continue to impact coaches on a broader scale.”

In addition, the Tri-Cities Otters will cover the cost for two coaches to attend from each club that has agreed to partner with their USL Academy team. Agreements have currently been made with Johnson City FC, Blount United, FC Alliance, TC United, Johnson City Parks and Rec and several local colleges. 

The coaching clinics will ultimately serve to boost the soccer community within northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina through enhanced coaching methodology and education, which in turn translates to better opportunities for youth players within this region and a chance to become involved with the Otters USL Academy. 

The first event will be held on March 6-7 and will feature all three USSF Grassroots in-person modules and training sessions. The Otters will continue to work with TSSA to host more coaching clinics throughout 2021. 

To learn more about the coaching clinics and upcoming events visit, www.ottersoccer.com

Latest News