Varsity Soccer Head Coach Richard Williams grew up in York, England where he first got involved with the sport. He is the newest addition to NDB’s soccer program.
The Catalyst (TC): What is your experience playing soccer? Did you play in a club or in school?
Rich Williams (RW): I have played soccer since I was about five years old … [I] played for school. I played for club, like [a] professional team, as a youth, and then played in college.
TC: What can you tell us about your past coaching experience, and how you started in the first place?
RW: So, I first started coaching when I graduated [from] college. So, when I was 22, 21 years ago. And, I thought it was going to be easy. But, I took my first coaching badge, and I really struggled. I’d gone from only worrying about myself, to now having to worry about all teams. So, initially, I found it difficult.
TC: Outside of NDB, what other coaching do you do? Do you play in a league yourself?
RW: So, right now, I’m director of coaching for Belmont United Soccer Club.
TC: What has it been like coaching at NDB so far?
RW: It’s been a lot of fun. We have a good group. We have a lot of talent and ability. So yeah, it’s been great.
TC: What values do you want to instill in this team?
RW: I really want a culture of respect across the whole group. We treat each other equally, we work hard and we hold each other accountable. We’re honest, we’re good teammates and we look after each other.
TC: What is a lesson you learned from playing soccer that high school athletes should know?
RW: I think … the great thing about soccer is teamwork. Sometimes, if you’re having a bad day, your teammates can help you and support you through that. So, that’s the great thing … about team sports.
TC: What fuels your love for soccer?
RW: Soccer has been my whole life, pretty much. It’s been my release from … any stresses or anything, all the way through my life. And, it continues to be … Now, I’m lucky enough to work in the sport.
