A team of GIS representatives spent some time in Philadelphia recently, attending the United Soccer Coaches Convention, the largest coaching convention in the world.
The GIS team went to the Pennsylvania-based convention, networking with some of the most well-known worldwide sporting organisations.
The United Soccer Coaches Convention was attended this year by such organisations as Ajax, CONCACAF and the football associations from Scotland, Ireland and the United States, as roughly 12,000 coaches attended.
The GIS representatives also attended some of the 200 workshops and coaching sessions which were on offer, held by the convention’s list of highly respected coaches and managers from world football.
While in Philadelphia, GIS was invited to visit Philadelphia Union’s Academy complex to see the facilities that produced the Aaronson brothers (Brenden of Leeds United and Paxton of Eintracht Frankfurt) and Auston Trusty (of Birmingham City on loan from Arsenal) among others.
The convention is held each January, with next January’s scheduled to take place in Anaheim, California.
Richard Cross of GIS said: “The convention is a vital event for GIS to attend as we grow in the Americas.
“It was particularly exciting chatting with UCFB and GIS Alumnus that were in attendance with their respective employers and to see the meteoric rise one can make in this industry is such small amounts of time.”
Dr Mike Walsh, director of football and UCFB and dean of School for Sports Coaching and Performance at GIS, said how pleased he was to attend the convention.
“It was great to be part of the world’s biggest coaching convention, connecting and networking with different organisations and clubs within the football industry,” he said.
“It was great to observe coaching sessions and attend workshops hosted by coaches and academics across the globe.
“It would be great next year for GIS to present a workshop based on staff current expertise within coaching and analysis which bridges academia and practice.”
Connor McGillick, programme leader for MSc Football Coaching and Analysis (link), added: “It was an amazing experience to connect and network with so many people who are passionate about the football industry, with current and prospective coaches, analysts and scouts all in attendance.”
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