More than coaching tactics, formations, and game plans, great coaching is about the people.
That theme echoed throughout the Soldiers to Sidelines (STS) Soccer Coaching Virtual Certification Seminar, powered by Wounded Warrior Project, where veterans, service members, military spouses, Gold Star family members, and aspiring coaches gathered virtually for four nights of learning from some of the most respected minds in soccer.
By the end of the seminar, 161 Soldiers Coaches were certified.
From former U.S. Men’s National Team captain Carlos Bocanegra to National Soccer Hall of Famer Steve Cherundolo, professional coaches, youth development experts, and leadership specialists, participants explored what it truly means to build players, teams, and cultures that last.
The seminar opened with keynote speaker Steve Cherundolo, former U.S. Men’s National Team defender, World Cup veteran, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.
Cherundolo shared his coaching philosophy centered on authenticity, relationship-building, and creating environments where players can thrive. He emphasized that successful programs are not dependent on one individual, but rather on a culture that empowers players and coaches alike.
When discussing coaching under pressure, Cherundolo encouraged coaches to serve as a “thermometer” rather than a “thermostat” for team emotions, reading and managing energy levels rather than adding stress to challenging situations.
For coaches working with younger athletes, his message was simple: prioritize touches on the ball, enjoyment, and development over winning at all costs.
Throughout the week, STS Director of Soccer Ben Freakley guided participants through the tactical and theoretical foundations of coaching.
Rather than focusing solely on formations and systems, Freakley emphasized teaching principles that help players solve problems independently. Discussions centered on managing space, time, and numbers, the three key elements coaches can influence in training and competition.
Participants explored various coaching methodologies, including play-train-play, progressive training, coaching within the game, and constraints-based learning. The common thread was empowering athletes to think, adapt, and make decisions for themselves rather than relying on constant instruction from the sideline.
The message was clear: effective coaches create environments where players learn through experience.
Day two featured former U.S. Men’s National Team captain Carlos Bocanegra, who reflected on his playing career and discussed his current work developing Atlanta Football Club.
Bocanegra stressed the importance of creating environments where young athletes feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and growing without fear of criticism. He spoke about balancing player development with competitive goals and challenged coaches to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term results.
His presentation reinforced a recurring theme of the seminar: coaches have tremendous influence over whether players remain engaged in sports.
Professional coach and mentor John Passarella provided an in-depth look at periodization and session planning, demonstrating how coaches can structure training throughout the week to maximize performance while minimizing physical, cognitive, and emotional fatigue.
Passarella shared practical examples of recovery sessions, small-sided games, positional activities, and match preparation strategies that help players progress while maintaining a consistent team identity.
Participants learned that effective training isn’t simply about working harder, it’s about understanding when to push, when to recover, and how to align every session with the team’s overall objectives.
Greenville Triumph SC Assistant Coach Joel Tyson highlighted one of the game’s most overlooked areas: set pieces.
Drawing from collegiate and professional experiences, Tyson explained how intentional preparation around throw-ins, free kicks, corner kicks, and transitions can dramatically impact results. Rather than relying on memorized routines, he encouraged coaches to teach principles that allow players to adapt and make better decisions during key moments.
His session reinforced the importance of attention to detail and preparation, particularly during situations where teams have opportunities to gain a competitive advantage.
Day three shifted toward long-term athlete development.
Veteran coach Ralph Lundy shared lessons from decades of coaching experience, emphasizing the importance of attitude, skill development, fitness, and tactical understanding. He advocated for competitive, challenging environments that encourage players to continuously improve while maintaining a love for the game.
Goalkeeping expert Liam Curran explored the evolution of the modern goalkeeper, highlighting the growing importance of decision-making, communication, and involvement in team play. His presentation focused on developing confident goalkeepers who can contribute beyond simply stopping shots.
James Wagenschutz concluded the evening by examining the physical pillar of player development. Rather than isolating fitness from soccer, he encouraged coaches to integrate physical development directly into game-based training. Topics included movement literacy, speed development, recovery strategies, and age-appropriate physical preparation.
Together, the sessions emphasized a holistic approach to player growth that extends beyond technical ability alone.
The seminar concluded with a powerful focus on leadership, communication, and personal growth.
STS Founder and CEO Harrison Bernstein challenged participants to think deeply about effective coaching through the lenses of knowledge, communication, preparation, and environment. He introduced the CARE framework—Connection, Authenticity, Rapport, and Empathy—as a foundation for meaningful coach-athlete relationships.
Former NCAA Division I head coach Stefanie Golan expanded on these themes through her presentation, “Coaching Beyond the X’s and O’s.” She discussed the importance of selflessness, preparation, reliability, and building strong relationships with teammates, coaches, support systems, and oneself.
Internationally recognized coach and author John O’Sullivan concluded the week by addressing the realities of coaching today’s athletes. His discussion focused on building resilience, maintaining standards, creating athlete-centered environments, and navigating the challenges young players face in an increasingly digital world.