Interview with Coach Doug Altizer                                         Decatur High School Head Soccer Coach Proud Accomplishments: Georgia State High School Champion The Westminster Schools Georgia State Open Cup Champion Datagraphic Soccer Club Georgia State Men’s Open Cup Champion Melchester United S.F.S.F.L. League Champion S.F. Celtic California Men’s Over 30 State, Western Regional Champion S.F. Greek American While coaching High School soccer, what impact has the local club soccer programs had on your success as a coach? The impact by local clubs on the quality of play at the high school level is tremendous. The clubs train and develop younger players that we get in the high school. By the time a player reaches us in ninth grade they should be competent in most of the basic technical areas of the game. High schools with strong club programs in the area tend to be some of the most successful programs over the years. The strength of GSA, GFC, Brookwood Steamers, TYSA and the like have contributed to my personal success as well as the strength of Gwinnett. This is not a new thing. Back in the 1980’s when I played club and high school the stronger clubs fed into certain high schools and those schools tended to do pretty well. What reason would you give aspiring high school soccer players ,who have not played club soccer in the past, as to why it is important to find a good club team in their local or extended area? Players must develop year round to be competitive. A good club experience is crucial to player development. What experience do you have with club soccer in your community or neighboring communities? The majority of my coaching experience has been in the club system. When I lived in California I was on staff with the San Francisco Viking Soccer Club, Bay Oaks Soccer Club that served the Berkeley, Oakland area and I also worked with Lamorinda Soccer Club. I had the good fortune to work with some great players most of whom were standout players at the high school level. Here in Georgia I had a team for a couple of years at Tophat. Most recently I coached the TYSA U-19 girls team that formed the nucleus of the Decatur girl’s team that went to the state semifinals last year. What advantage does a high school program with a great club feeder system have over schools that don’t have a strong foundation of club programs in their area? It is very difficult for high school coaches to develop players year round due to the rules and regulations of the GHSA. We can not really work with kids in the off season so it is the clubs that fill the player development role during that time. Do you have a positive story about your experience with club soccer as a young man or as an adult? As a player I had the opportunity to play for a now defunct club called Datagraphics. One year my U-19 team the older team managed to get to the state cup final and as it turned out our younger team also made it to the state cup final. This was the same group of guys that we practiced with and scrimmaged against all year. Luckily we ended up winning in PK’s to go on to regionals, but that game was as much fun as any game I have ever been in. From a high school coach’s perspective, what would you like to convey to all the club parents out there who sacrifice their time, money, and energy, for the betterment of their children? I think is important for parents to understand that most high school coaches really respect the club system and appreciate what it brings to the high school program. I just want kids to love to play the game wherever they participate. Parents make it happen for their kids. I take my own kids to practice, coach one of my sons teams, and try to participate as much as possible with their club so that the experience of playing soccer can be fun. Parent support is crucial. What would you like to convey to all the hard working club players who are dedicated to improving their skills and vision? Keep at it! We love to see players improve! What clubs and club coaches have had a positive impact on your coaching career, and why? Bob Evans who was the old director at the DDY in the 1970’s, Danny Hay from Datagraphics, John Rootes from World Cup soccer camps. What do you love about the game of soccer? The sport allows every type and level of player access and enjoyment and builds relationships between people. What do you love about coaching high school soccer? The intensity and excitement that the players get from playing in front of crowds and for their school. Who is your favorite professional soccer team? I have always followed AC Milan & Bayern Munich Who is your favorite professional soccer player? Active player Toni, all time Bekenbauer Who is your favorite college soccer team? The University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears) Who taught you the game of soccer? Bob Evans We salute Doug Altizer for his contributions to Georgia High School Soccer and wish            his Decatur players all best in the their upcoming 2007 season !!!!