This week in 'Five for Friday', Soccer Banter was fortunate enough to be able to speak with Joe Cummings, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). After spending the last 10 years going to their annual convention, we felt it would be good to hear from the man running the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world. Cummings has worked at all levels of the game from coaching youth soccer to working in WUSA, MLS and WPS. Follow the NSCAA on Twitter: @NSCAA
Soccer Banter: As CEO and Executive Director of the NSCAA, what exactly does that role entail?
Joe Cummings: The CEO/Executive Director of the NSCAA manages the national office staff and the day to day operations of the association.
SB: For those that might not be familiar, what is the NSCAA, why would someone want to join and what do you see as the benefits of it?
JC: The NSCAA is the largest soccer coaches’ organization in the world with over 30,000 members, across all levels of the game. The opportunity to exchange ideas with coaches on a daily basis and to meet these coaches at our annual convention or education offerings is the most important reason to join.
SB: I am sure you hear this statement often from non-soccer people, and hopefully it annoys you, but what do you think when you hear, "when will soccer ever make it in America?"
JC: I do hear this question often and I am always troubled by it, for I am never sure what it means. If the question means media attention, I get it, but when I look at participation numbers, the growth of MLS, the economic impact of the sport and the attention being paid to soccer in the states by international teams and federations I am convinced that we are on the right path.
SB: When you first started as a coach back in the 70's what were your professional goals then and did you ever imagine that would would do all you have within the game?
JC: My first coaching experiences were at the youth level and I am sure that I thought about next steps, but for me the career shaping decision was one of choosing the business/administration side of the sport or the coaching side of the sport. In choosing the business/administration side of the sport I have had opportunities I never would have dreamed of, for certain.
SB: You have a long and storied career in the game of soccer at all levels including WPS and MLS, but what is your most memorable or satisfying experience working in soccer?
JC: For me it has always been about events and the thrill attached to making those events happen. I was with the New England Revolution as Director of Operations in 1996 when MLS launched and General Manager with the Boston Breakers for WUSA and WPS when those leagues launched. You add in managerial responsibilities for Olympics and World Cups and now the NSCAA and it is the incredible connection you feel when events kick-off. Nothing in my professional career matches that feeling.
Soccer Banter: As CEO and Executive Director of the NSCAA, what exactly does that role entail?
Joe Cummings: The CEO/Executive Director of the NSCAA manages the national office staff and the day to day operations of the association.
SB: For those that might not be familiar, what is the NSCAA, why would someone want to join and what do you see as the benefits of it?
JC: The NSCAA is the largest soccer coaches’ organization in the world with over 30,000 members, across all levels of the game. The opportunity to exchange ideas with coaches on a daily basis and to meet these coaches at our annual convention or education offerings is the most important reason to join.
SB: I am sure you hear this statement often from non-soccer people, and hopefully it annoys you, but what do you think when you hear, "when will soccer ever make it in America?"
JC: I do hear this question often and I am always troubled by it, for I am never sure what it means. If the question means media attention, I get it, but when I look at participation numbers, the growth of MLS, the economic impact of the sport and the attention being paid to soccer in the states by international teams and federations I am convinced that we are on the right path.
SB: When you first started as a coach back in the 70's what were your professional goals then and did you ever imagine that would would do all you have within the game?
JC: My first coaching experiences were at the youth level and I am sure that I thought about next steps, but for me the career shaping decision was one of choosing the business/administration side of the sport or the coaching side of the sport. In choosing the business/administration side of the sport I have had opportunities I never would have dreamed of, for certain.
SB: You have a long and storied career in the game of soccer at all levels including WPS and MLS, but what is your most memorable or satisfying experience working in soccer?
JC: For me it has always been about events and the thrill attached to making those events happen. I was with the New England Revolution as Director of Operations in 1996 when MLS launched and General Manager with the Boston Breakers for WUSA and WPS when those leagues launched. You add in managerial responsibilities for Olympics and World Cups and now the NSCAA and it is the incredible connection you feel when events kick-off. Nothing in my professional career matches that feeling.
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