Interview with Coach Harry  Kustick                                    Eagles Landing Girls High School Soccer Coach Theme # 2 – The Importance of Club Soccer Proud Accomplishments: 1997 GACA Coach of the year 1993 and 1999 GACA Region Coach of the year 1997 and 1999 Journal Constitution Area Coach of the year 1992 and 1999 State All Stars Coach NSCAA Advanced National License Eight state playoff appearances State runner up in 1997 Four region Championships While coaching High School soccer, what impact has the local club soccer programs had on your success as a coach?   Strong club programs have significantly raised the level of play of the high school players.  Good coaching and the opportunity to play matches has with club teams have provided the opportunity for players to continuously improve their skills and understanding of the game. What reason would you give aspiring high school soccer players ,who has 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?   To increase opportunities to train and play.  Soccer requires a high degree of skill that is built through ongoing training. What experience do you have with club soccer in your community or neighboring communities? I have coached at the club level and worked with DOC’s to improve communication and support. 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?   Opportunities for players to get continuous quality training and match play experience. Do you have a positive story about your experience with club soccer as a young man or as an adult? I enjoyed coaching club players.  The competitive environment promoted improved play from the kids. What are some of the local club programs in your schools area that benefit your high school program? Henry County Thunder, Peachtree City Lasers and Fayette Lightening Have you ever coached at the club level, if so, when and where? What positives did you take from that experience?   RYSA 1995 – 96.  Enjoyed working with kids and supportive parents. 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?   That high school soccer is equally important to a players development.  To many club parents think high school is marginalized.   Parents need to understand the different circumstances and demands that a high school coach works under.  They need to reinforce the importance of loyalty and work ethic with their children that is often demanded at the high school level. What would you like to convey to all the hard working club players who are dedicated to improving their skills and vision? Every chance you get to play is an opportunity to improve your game.  Do not see one setting as more important that the other.   Train and play as hard as you can regardless of whether it is for a club or high school team. What clubs and club coaches have had a positive impact on your coaching career, and why? Peter Montieth, Walter Gray, Angus McAlpine.  These guys were coaching before the club system as we know it existed! : What do you love about the game of soccer?   The freedom each player has on the pitch.  The ability to make decisions on what you see happening in the game.  The high degree of skill and fitness required. What do you love about coaching high school soccer? Developing an understanding between 11 individuals about what is going on during a match.  Watching players develop their physical, mental and psychological abilities. Who is your favorite professional soccer team?   Chelsea in the EPL Who is your favorite professional soccer player? Edgar Davids (Dutch National team),  Wayne Rooney (Man. United) and Reculme (Argentina) Who is your favorite college soccer team? North Carolina Women Who taught you the game of soccer?   Taught myself early on… after that, Barry Gorman, Mike Bertocelli, Dave Sayward, Doug Allison and several others We salute Harry Kustick for his contributions to Georgia High School Soccer and wish            his Eagles Landing Girls all best in the their upcoming 2007 season !!!!