Where soccer coaches connect with peers, learn, ask questions, and share insights.

Coaches & Coffee is a new initiative to get local coaches together. Much like how the annual Convention is the world’s largest gathering of coaches, these monthly gatherings are a way to connect locally and more frequently with coaches just as passionate about the game as you.

The event is now underway in the Association’s home town of Kansas City and the plan is to eventually expand nationwide. The format is simple and begins with a presentation on a topic relevant to the current landscape of soccer or to coaches generally. Then the rest of the hour is open for discussion and networking. Members are encouraged to bring guests to grow the circle of community involvement. The event and coffee are free and open for members and non-members alike.

Coaches & Coffee - September 20 Play with Pride Spotlight: Creating Inclusive Team Environment

Becky Wiseman, LSCSW, Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker

• She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 2001.
• Has 17 years of clinical experience, including working in the public school system as a School Social Worker for 8 years. In her work at Children’s’ Mercy, she is dedicated to the Sports Medicine Center providing support to student athletes and families with mental health concerns affecting injured athletes. Her expertise is a vital component of the total care we provide for adolescent athletes.
• Expertise in working with adolescences, families, student-athletes, and LGBTQ youth.
• Becky specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, negative thought patterns, and aggression.
• Uses a collaborative approach in her practice and works with clients to decrease the blame and negativity of self and/or others. She appreciates the courage it takes to seek help and creates an environment that respects and honors that courage.

Veronica Malone, Vice President of PFLAG – KC Chapter

• Veronica Malone has 40 years of experience in various areas of youth sports. During her time serving as a coach and administrator in youth sports clubs.
• She coached several Olympians and helped pioneer innovations in sports performance.
• During her decades of coaching, she was able to represent the U.S. as a coach in multiple competitions and also served on the board of sports governing bodies.
• Retiring from coaching was one of her big life transitions. The other was transitioning from a male to the female gender. Veronica has a unique perspective not only on becoming the best athlete you can be but also on being true to who you are as a person.

Dr. Andrew Jacobs, Private Practice Sports Psychologist

• Dr. Andrew Jacobs has just begun his 38th year of work as a sport psychologist. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from youth athletes to collegiate, professional and Olympic competitors. Called “a pioneer in mental training,” he was one of the first sport psychologists to work with a US Olympic team, a professional team and a university athletic department. During his years as the US Cycling Team’s sports psychologist, they won a record nine medals at the 1984 Olympics — the first cycling medals for the US in 72 years.
• Dr. Jacobs has served as the team psychologist for numerous professional and collegiate teams including the Kansas City Royals and the University of Kansas as well as consulting with athletes and teams throughout the country. Dr. Jacobs has hosted a radio show for the past 27 years and currently is the host of “The Dr. Andrew Jacobs Sports Psychology Hour,” on Sports Radio 810WHB and he's the author of "Just Let 'em Play: Guiding Parents, Coaches and Athletes Through Youth Sports”.

RSVP