Girls programs?

From the "Too many teams???" thread

"I have very recently had similar discussions with a few select soccer coaches whose opinions I value. I can tell you that for the most part, DOC's of larger clubs do not actively manage the teams under their direction. This extends well beyond the three clubs you've mentioned. Some clubs do setup guidelines or training programs for their coaches. I believe Liverpool, Sting, and possibly FC Dallas are among those (and there are surely others). From what I've seen, however, this applies more to academy training than select. In most clubs, once a team hits select age, the coach is virtually free from any type of oversight."

A while back there was alot of bashing of the Andro SC's "lack of a girl's program" and that it was the reason the girl's side lacked the success of the boy's there. From what little I have seen, I had the same observation as Justasport.

Does anyone have a different view? What makes a good "program"?

The DoC role has a very flexible definition. That role can be whatever the person filling the space wants it to be.

If the person in the Director of Coaching role just wants the title (and the $$$) then all he has to do is announce to the other coaches at his first meeting, “I respect that you all know your teams. I’m here to help so just let me know if you have any questions. Here’s my contact information.” (If you don’t know your club’s DoC… Or know who he/she is… Or have never seen him/her on the fields… this is probably the type of DoC your club has.)

A DoC cannot force himself onto the club’s coaches and their teams. A DoC should serve as a resource for ideas and consultations.

If a DoC wants to impact his/her organization, that requires quite a bit of effort. The DoC has to reach out to the coaches because few (if any) will reach out to them. The DoC has to EARN the respect of the other coaches to let them know he/she is a trustworthy resource that will benefit their careers and their teams. A good DoC should have a lot of experience, strong opinions, and an open mind. A good DoC must have a clear vision about coaching soccer and be excellent at explaining why their way is better than any other way. (Hopefully most of you have this type of DoC in your clubs.)

A good DoC can create a good program. A good DoC can create a system where coaches cooperate and make one another better. A good DoC can lead a club foward. A bad DoC can be like a shadow and allow teams to float independently with little or no direction. Whether they’re a good DoC, or a bad DoC, they’ll cash the checks either way.