CREATION OF GAP

In the summer of 2016 I began assisting players that wanted to stay on the ball in their offseason through private training. I began with Gracelyn Herrington, a friend’s daughter who played in Hardin County. The word spread and interest began to increase, I ended the summer with around 11 clients. I continued throughout the 16/17 season utilizing then, Liverpool FC America’s facility in Beaumont to train clients during training hours and interest continued. I realized that unaffiliated supplemental training was not something offered, you were either a part of this or that club/affiliation. All of which are very important, they provide team training and game environments which are vital to every player. However, in many team training environments with anywhere from 12-18 players it can be difficult to focus solely on individual skills, complete understanding, and strengthening players’ weaknesses.

This conclusion created GAP Performance Training in August of 2017, an unaffiliated program which focuses on individual and small group training which pays close attention to players that want to improve existing skills, develop new skills, or elevate their level of play. GAP focuses on bridging the gap between a players existing level to their maximum potential and also the gap between weekly sessions and seasons. Training players from every level and affiliation welcomes select players and recreational players to the program from all of Southeast Texas. They have the same goal, to out touch the competition while enhancing their work ethic, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, and growing their passion for the beautiful game. Weaknesses are a part of the game and being able to work on those without fear of losing play time or being cut from a team allows players to develop confidence which they can take with them to their full time club/affiliation. GAP continues to grow throughout Southeast Texas and has primarily been hosting training in Beaumont/Lumberton but has spread its reach to Port Neches and intends to continue to extend its reach in the future. The program is on the fringe of adding soccer specific strength and fitness programs full time as well in the coming months through its Strength Coach, Cody Richings.

COACHING

I began coaching with Beaumont’s Gusher United in 2012. I shadowed then Director, Thomas Shenton, before being appointed head trainer of 2 teams. Over the next four years (2012-2016) I coached 4 teams per season while maintaining a steady career as a Civil Project Manager. Over the past two years (2016-2018) I have slimmed down my training at the club to two teams to coincide with my full time career responsibilities. I have been a part of the club as it has transitioned from Gusher United to Liverpool FC America to its current Dynamo|Dash affiliation. I have coached in the clubs Academy program (U10) and more predominantly on the Competitive side (U11+). All of these teams participated in Houston’s Division I program currently run by United Soccer Clubs and previously by STYSA for Competitive and at one point CTAP (Challenge-Texans Academy Program) for the Academy programs. I currently hold my USSF National D license and National Youth License.