Nick Fernandes, the new junior varsity soccer coach, has been working hard to develop his young players. He started coaching about ten years ago volunteering for his son’s recreational team in Prospect. 

“I enjoyed coaching a lot more than I did standing on the sidelines, ” said Fernandes. 

But, he did not know all the specifics of the soccer world, so he decided to get some training. He got his national licensing in order to coach soccer at a higher level. During that time, he coached the Prospect Soccer Club from ten-to fifteen-year old kids and later became president of the league.

In fact, most of the kids he coached are now playing club soccer.

Fernandes does want to keep progressing in his career as a soccer coach. His next goal is to get his “C” license, which would allow him to coach at an even higher level. It is a big hit financially and physically because you have to travel so far. The coach has had to travel to Colorado and Calfornia for licensening.

The biggest challenge has been the schedule for the new coach. He has earlier times to coach instead of working at night. He is used to the busy schedule though.

“Last season, I had three teams that I coached by myself at the travel level. I was training kids four days a week and I had up to three games on the weekend,” said Fernandes.

The coach has had some great memories with his players. His favorite memories are some of the goals his players have scored.

“Training to me is very serious because that is where the foundation is for what you are going to be doing in the games,” said Fernandes.

The coach is very proud of all of his players and believes that all of them contribute in their own way to the team’s success. Some of them score really well or play good defense so everyone helps the team.

“I am very happy with this team and I hope they grow,” said Fernandes. “I am looking forward to many years of great soccer.”