Tato Chiaparro
Sporting Brookside
Tato Chiaparro has finished his USSF D License in the US, UEFA C License in Scotland, UEFA B License in Germany, and CBF A and Pro Licenses in Brazil. Coach Tato is well-known in the Kansas City area and is the director of Coaching for Sporting Brookside.
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/tatochiaparro/
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
I’ve been fortunate to be inspired by many people throughout my journey toward a career in soccer coaching. First and foremost, my parents have been a constant source of support—from my early years as a youth player, through my professional playing career, and ultimately during my transition into coaching. My sisters have also played an important role in my life, continually inspiring me and influencing many of the decisions I’ve made in pursuing this path.
I am also deeply grateful for the coaches who shaped me both as a player and as a person. Coach Gabriel Amaral guided me throughout my college career in Brazil, while Coach Rick Benben and Fred Schlichting coached me during my college years in the United States and were among the first to recognize my potential as a coach. Each of these individuals has had a lasting impact on the way I approach coaching today, particularly in how I strive to connect soccer and education through my coaching philosophy and behaviors.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
I was first introduced to the United Soccer Coaches Association in 2012 while playing as an All-American at Lewis and Clark Community College. That year, I attended the United Soccer Coaches Convention (formerly the NSCAA Convention), and I was immediately impressed by the organization’s commitment to providing structure, education, and development opportunities for both players and coaches.
Since then, I have attended several conventions and completed multiple courses offered through the United Soccer Coaches Association, all of which have played an important role in my growth as a coach and leader. In my current role as Director of Coaching at Sporting Brookside, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the organization to help provide accessible educational and developmental opportunities for both volunteer and staff coaches within our club.
What makes the United Soccer Coaches Association truly unique is the wide range of learning experiences it offers to coaches at every stage of their journey. I believe this commitment to education is essential to developing better coaches, building stronger communities, and ultimately advancing both player development and the game itself.
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is the genuine joy I feel every time I step onto the pitch. Coaching soccer has given me the opportunity not only to teach the game I love, but also to build meaningful relationships with players and their families. Being able to contribute to a player’s growth—both on and off the field—is something I value deeply, and it continues to motivate me every day.
Fortunately, my coaching journey has been overwhelmingly positive, which makes it difficult to define a true “hard part” of coaching. That said, throughout my licensing courses and professional development experiences, I have heard many coaches share challenging stories about negative parent behavior on the sidelines and the impact it can have on players and team environments. While I have certainly experienced a few difficult conversations or moments with parents myself, I can honestly say that the vast majority of my interactions have been respectful, constructive, and ultimately beneficial for both sides.
I believe that open communication, empathy, and trust are essential in building strong relationships with families. Because of that, I feel incredibly fortunate to have developed close connections with many of the players and parents I have worked with over the years. Knowing that I can positively influence a player’s confidence, character, and love for the game is one of the greatest privileges of being a coach, and it is a responsibility I take very seriously.
How do you measure success with your team?
Ohh man… Success is a difficult concept to define because it can be measured in so many different ways. As a coach, I constantly try to balance those different perspectives and understand that success looks different for every player, team, and environment.
On one hand, seeing players grow, develop, and eventually pursue careers at the professional level can be incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I played a role in helping an athlete reach their potential is certainly one meaningful measure of success. On the other hand, I also believe success can be found in the long-term impact soccer has on a player’s life. Hearing former players reflect positively on their experiences, friendships, and memories from their time under my coaching is equally fulfilling. If soccer becomes a meaningful and positive part of their lives long after their playing days, I consider that a tremendous success as well.
At the level I currently coach, however, I believe the clearest measure of success is the passion players develop for the game itself. In my role at Sporting Brookside, I have had the opportunity to help reshape our approach to player development by creating stronger connections between education, creativity, and a genuine relationship with the ball. My goal has been to foster an environment where players not only improve technically and tactically, but also truly fall in love with the game.
When players show excitement to train, confidence to express themselves on the field, and a lasting desire to keep playing and learning, I feel we are succeeding. At this stage of my coaching journey, inspiring that passion and love for the game is the most meaningful measure of success to me.
If applicable, what has been your favorite United Soccer Coaches education course and why?
Many years ago, I attended a Director of Coaching course that had a major impact on me professionally and personally. At the time, I was just beginning my coaching career, and I remember feeling extremely challenged throughout the course. The instructor constantly questioned our decisions and pushed us to defend our ideas during discussions and role-playing activities. Early in my career, I struggled with having my opinions challenged so directly, and at times the experience felt intimidating.
Looking back now, however, I realize how valuable that course truly was. It forced me to become more reflective, intentional, and confident in my leadership and decision-making. Many of the lessons I learned there continue to influence the way I approach my role as Director of Coaching at Sporting Brookside, particularly when it comes to communication, mentorship, and creating a positive learning environment for coaches and players alike.
Beyond the educational aspect, I have always loved attending the United Soccer Coaches Convention. The opportunity to connect with other coaches and continue learning from leaders in the game is something I greatly value. And, because of my competitive nature, I always enjoy participating in the coaches’ tournaments on the final day of the event.