BY KYLE MARIE MCMAHON
Youth sports are about so much more than scores and standings—they’re about confidence, friendship, and the joy of discovering what you’re capable of. For NCFC Youth coach Mike White, that’s what keeps him coming back to the sidelines season after season. What started as a way to spend more time with his daughters has become a deeply rewarding role, shaping young athletes both on and off the field. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into youth coaching—what it takes, what challenges you might face, and why it’s worth it—we spoke with White to share his experience and insight into what makes coaching such a meaningful way to give back.
How and when did you get started coaching soccer with NCFC Youth, and what inspired you to take on this role?
I started coaching four years ago as an assistant coach for the middle school boys and girls soccer teams at Discovery Charter School when my oldest daughter started school there. My initial thought was that it would be something fun to do, a way to be more involved at the school and it would give me an opportunity to continue to share soccer with my daughter. That year both of my daughters wanted to play soccer outside of school so we signed up for NCFC Youth and I volunteered to help coach their team. Last year I continued to expand my coaching development and completed my US Soccer “D” License. What inspires me to coach is seeing the growth and development of youth players. Not just with their soccer skills but their self-confidence and social skills. Being part of a team and having a strong group of friends is one of my favorite things about soccer and what I love to cultivate as a coach. And as a dad of two girls I want to be able to help grow the women’s game in our region.
What age group(s) do you coach, and what’s your favorite part about working with that particular age range?
Right now my main age group I am coaching 11–14-year-olds at the middle school level. What I love most about coaching this age group is that we have the opportunity to teach the fundamentals of the game and give players the ability to start to love the game. Middle school soccer is sometimes the first time some kids are exposed to soccer and able to play soccer. To be able to introduce it to them and to get them excited about all the aspects of it is something I really enjoy. To help them make close friends, learn dedication, accountability, and being active is something I love to see. This year my NCFC team is moving to the U16 division so I am going to be coaching some high school players. I am very excited for this new phase of coaching and the challenge of helping these older players as they continue their development.
How do you approach developing both soccer skills and life skills in your players?
Fundamentals and using soccer as an outlet is what I like to bring to my coaching. My players sometimes get annoyed with me at practices because we do “boring” drills. But I believe that having fundamental footwork, passing and other basic skills (especially at the U11-U14 level) are what will help you develop into a confident and effective player. At the younger age groups the fundamental skills are all you need to be competitive and win games. I like to have discussions with my players about how these skills will be beneficial and have them think and provide their own answers as to why and how we use these skills. This same belief translates to what we do in life. Having fundamental life skills of communication, being able to work with others and having self-confidence will help you grow into the best person you can be. Soccer has also always been an outlet for me to escape the stress of everyday life or any other thing that may bother me. I still play in several local adult leagues and when I cross the lines I focus only on soccer and allow myself to not worry about my work, what needs to be done around the house or anything else going on in my life. I always want my players to have the same mentality and to carry that with them when they play soccer. Forget about school, homework, boyfriends/girlfriends and everything else may cause stress in your life. Allow yourself to have that time on the pitch to be your time, and to have fun playing a game that allows you to be outside, active and social.
What does it mean to you to watch your players grow – both as athletes and as kids.
Every year on my middle school and NCFC Youth teams we have players where you see them grow as players and human beings. It makes me so happy to see a player gain confidence in either their soccer skills, their self-confidence or becoming a leader on the team.
One of my favorite examples is a player that was so nervous about being put into a game, and telling her one of my favorite Mel Robbins quotes “What if it all works out?” Before entering the game we stood at the midfield line and I said, “What if you go out there, have fun and it all works out?” She entered the game and scored a goal for us. That instance left her more confident and wanting to learn more.
Another instance was working with a player that played the same position I like to play and working with them on some skills and game situation actions to work on. To work on those things with them and then see put them into action in a game. And to see them light up when what we have practiced work in a game and give them an advantage is so great to see.
