Chris Cotten
Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
In my time with coaching and supporting soccer, I have seen time and time again kids that have the talent to play at a high level but don’t have the resources to pay for club soccer or have access to great facilities.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
It has allowed me to meet other people involved in soccer that have similar goals to mine to make the sport affordable and have access to equitable facilities.
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
Community buy in from non-soccer residents. It was relentless in the beginning and led to the death of one of our beloved Board members, Mary Williams Neal.
How do you measure success with your team?
In this instance by the number of kids having access to a top-notch soccer facility that can keep them focused on the straight and narrow and give them options away from stereotypical negative activity.
If applicable, what has been your favorite United Soccer Coaches activity and why?
Meeting Michael and understanding what other resources are out there to help the kids and coaches.