June 23, 2008

RUSTON - Several soccer coaches from Northeastern Louisiana took part in a coaching clinic last weekend, hosted by Louisiana Tech head coach Kevin Sherry in conjunction with the Continuing Education Department at Tech.

"It was a great day," Sherry said. "The participants were very enthusiastic and a joy to work with. I hope that in some small measure we can help the growth and level of youth soccer in North Louisiana by helping the coaches at the grassroots level."

Sherry taught about the psychology of coaching, how to organize a soccer practice, gave drills to be taken away and gave fundamental technical information that can be passed along to youth players.

He said that a major goal of his was to develop the level of soccer in the local community, and that a major key was giving parents and coaches of youth players the proper support and help.

"If the parent-coaches are doing the right things at practice, then this can only help the children develop to a higher level and ultimately go on to enjoy and appreciate the most popular sport in the world," Sherry said. "If we can help the local soccer community, there is no reason why we can't ultimately see players coming through and eventually representing the Lady Techsters at the collegiate level."

Sherry and his Lady Techsters are preparing for what promises to be an exciting season of soccer at Tech. The season opener is set for Aug. 29 at North Texas, and the first home game is Sept. 5 against Stephen F. Austin.