com·mu·ni·ty
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals
ad·vo·ca·cy
public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Why is United Soccer Coaches changing the name from Advocacy Groups to Coaching Communities?
Even though all of the association’s members are united around our love for the game, we found that many were looking for a deeper feeling of belonging. Our Advocacy Groups quickly became the place for coaches to find that connection. We also found that not every coach was looking to be “an advocate.” Some might just come for camaraderie, networking or mentorship. Others might be looking for job opportunities. Maybe they want to find the mental and emotional support that a group of individuals with similar lives can bring to each other. In other words, they want to find a Community that they enjoy and makes them feel welcome.
United Soccer Coaches is dedicated to advocating for the issues that affect our members at every level of the game. Each Coaching Community will have an Advocacy Sub-Committee whose sole focus will be to bring the challenges of their Community to the forefront. All Advocacy Sub-Committees will form the Advocacy Council and unite to find common obstacles and potential solutions. Working together, along with the Board of Directors and National Office, we will be able to have an even greater impact.