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Interview with Coach Les Meenan
Chattahoochee High School Head Boys Soccer Coach
interviewed by ridgwaysoccer.com
Proud Accomplishments:
-3 time region coach of the year.
-Once Fulton Coach of the year.
-Reached state playoffs in all but my first year as coach (6 consecutive).
-Div 1 college player and captain.
-Recruited from Ireland on a full college scholarship.
-Played for professional teams in Ireland and England.
Question: What advice would you give to young players entering high school who want to play soccer for their high school
team?
Enjoy it and have fun. High school soccer is a great opportunity to become involved in school activities. It is a great motivational
experience and the sense of camaraderie within the team is something that has to be experienced to be believed. Also, come prepared,
you will be more successful if you are in good shape. Come into the season ready to play and let the coach do his work by making the
programme strong.
Question: What training would you recommend for a high school player who is dedicated to improving him or her self in the
off season?
Ball control and fitness. Again, make sure you come into the season in good shape. This will mean you can concentrate on learning the
system and getting to know your team mates. Do sprints mixed with endurance training. Your recovery time is the most important factor
for your fitness level in soccer.
Question: What advice can you give to those athletes who are not as talented as the top players in the state, but want to
get better and compete on the high school level?
Concentrate on the basics. Control and fitness can easily be worked on in your own time. In my opinion the only difference between a
good player and a great player, is a great player doesn’t give the ball away, concentrate on your passing and your first touch.
Question: What special skills do you think a successful coach must possess to lead his or her team during the season?
A coach must be very practical and realistic. You have to look at the strengths and weaknesses your team has and build your
programmes around that, for example, don’t play long balls if your players are better with the ball at their feet.
Question: How has being a teacher helped you become a better coach?
As a teacher I am aware of the importance of communication. I try to break everything down as simply as I can and then build piece by
piece. Being a teacher also helps me to see the kids in the soccer program as individuals so I try to be aware of things that are important
to their individual development as well as the team.
Question: Do you have any players that graduated that are playing College Soccer? If so, who are they and where are they
playing? Do you have any advice for them?
I have players at school in Davidson, UNC, Clemson, USC, Georgia Southern, Berry, amongst others. My advice would be to have fun.
Play every game like it’s your last. You never know what lies around the corner and if one day you are told that soccer for you is over, I
hope your last game was the best one you ever played.
Question: What advice would you give to student athletes who are struggling academically in school?
Success off the field will lead to success on the field. Your grades are the most important area of your high school career. They should
be your #1 priority as soccer can only get you so far.
Question: To whom or what do you attribute your ability to be a successful high school coach?
I’ve played for great coaches and bad coaches. I’ve seen how players respond to different styles. I hope I’ve adopted the good things and
dismissed the bad things. My rule of thumb is to always be always fair. If you do something good I will be the 1st to congratulate you, if
you mess up, I’ll be the 1st to point it out.
What do you love about coaching high school soccer?
I’ve coached club, ODP, and high school soccer for the last 10 years, but I love HS because it is like playing in the world cup. No amount
of money can allow you to play for another school, there is no trading players, or draft picks. You are given a group of players to work
with and you have to make them successful. In club, it is too easy to recruit a strong squad, too easy to throw money at the team. High
School means you play for that team, you represent that school, and it should be a privilege to put on that shirt.
Who is your favorite professional soccer team?
Glasgow Celtic
Who is your favorite professional soccer player?
Roy Keane. He was always in control of the game and he led by example. He was a coach and motivator on the field
Who taught you the game of soccer?
When I was 13 I played for a coach in Ireland called Jim O Hea. He taught me about tactics, working on my strengths, and making
changes to adapt to different situations. He instilled a thirst for knowledge within me and I became a “soccer student”.
We salute Les Meenan for his contributions to Georgia High School Soccer and wish
his Chattahoochee Cougars all the best in the their upcoming 2007 season !!!!
