John Barata
Oliver Ames High School Men’s Soccer Coach
Easton Soccer
New England Futbol Club
Over 200 HS wins and has a 3-peat with his team
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
Soccer has been a part of my life from the very beginning. My father was my coach, my mother loved the game, and our family revolved around soccer. I grew up not just playing but truly living the sport. When my playing days wound down, I knew I wanted to stay involved in some way. Coaching became that natural next step as it allowed me to continue my journey in the game while giving back to others. I don’t just see it as a job, I see it as my “career ministry.” Coaching is my way to mentor, inspire, and impact lives through soccer, and I feel blessed that I get to call this my life’s work.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
I’ve been a United Soccer Coaches member for more than 20 years, and the impact has been tremendous. The relationships I’ve built are incredible and some of the most meaningful connections of my career have come from this community. Networking with other coaches has shaped my journey in countless ways, whether it was through sharing ideas, finding support, or being challenged to grow. Beyond that, the sense of community and fellowship is powerful. Learning is always better when you’re surrounded by people who are just as passionate about the game, and United Soccer Coaches has made that learning process not just valuable but enjoyable.
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
Coaching comes with challenges. One of the toughest is navigating the ever-changing soccer landscape and balancing the different pathways while keeping the trust of families who rely on us to guide their kids. Another challenge is shifting the conversation around what success means. Too many people only focus on results, wins, and championships. For me, success goes much deeper: growth, development, joy, and connection. Helping players and families see that bigger picture, beyond the scoreboard, can be difficult; but it’s one of the most important parts of the job.
How do you measure success with your team?
For me, success has many layers. The key questions I ask are: Did the player enjoy the game? Did they leave practice or a game just a little better than when they started? Did they feel valued enough to want to come back tomorrow? If the answer is yes, then that’s success. Winning and championships are nice, but they aren’t the ultimate measure. What really matters is the growth of each player, the relationships we build, and the love of the game we instill. Those are the things that last far beyond any trophy.
If applicable, what has been your favorite United Soccer Coaches activity and why?
It’s hard to pick just one. The Premier Diploma 2005 in Curitiba, Brazil, was an incredible experience—being immersed in that environment with top educators and fellow coaches was truly transformational. I also had the chance to see Emma Hayes on the field when she was still at Iona, which was very inspiring. If I had to highlight one experience, the Master Coach Diploma probably stands out the most. It was six months of deep engagement with educators, mentors, and peers, which pushed me to grow in new ways. Working with my mentor, Andrew Donnery, and being part of that journey was something I’ll never forget. It was more than a course, it was a true learning and leadership experience.