In what has been a roller coaster of a few weeks with starting a new job, traveling to a new country, picking up new hobbies, I have also started a new project. This new chapter in my life stems from a previously closed chapter from my childhood years. I have accepted the position of Head Coach for the 3rd/4th grade Boys and Girls Club recreation soccer team.

Upon acceptance of this position, I had two immediate moves. The first was to name our team The Muddogs. Back when I was 8 years old, I played for the Muddogs at my local soccer club and we kicked ass. I could have sworn I saw some college recruiters on the sidelines, we were that good. The second order of business was to find wisdom. I am a new coach with little to no experience coaching kids that are brand new to the sport. I will undoubtedly need some assistance. Who better than the OG Muddog himself, the man who lead this team to glory 15 years ago, my father, Mike “Ace” Foley.

Providing some context to our team, we have only had one practice and have already played in our first game. Due to my travel schedule, we got off to a late start compared to the other teams, so we are still learning the basics such as not to use our hands. During our first and only practice, which Ace was not in attendance for, my primary focus was to learn everyone’s name and start getting everyone comfortable playing with a soccer ball. Listen I know, these are probably too big of goals to accomplish in just one practice but man, was I impressed.

This team has a quality that will lead us to the championship; the ability to follow directions. These kids are attentive and you can tell they want to improve. They have that look in their eye, a look only true Muddogs would have. This attribute combined with Ace’s wisdom and my knowledge of the game, we have some optimism!

Our first game went as expected. With only having 60 total minutes as team, I am not surprised at the fact we conceded five goals. Three of which came in the first 10 minutes of the game. We were definitely lost with big wide eyes. However, after those first 10 minutes, Ace and I made some position adjustments and we held them to only two goals for the remaining 40 minutes. We also were able to punch one in ourselves which was huge for our morale.

Following a 5-1 defeat, it was obvious the kids were a bit disappointed. However, with the wisdom of Ace, we were able to turn those attitudes around and had them wanting to get back out there and play. However, what was a detriment to our morale was Ace and I not receiving a snack bag following the game. What the hell is that about?

My approach to this team is similar to how an NCAA basketball coach would build a program. Our goal is to play our best ball by the tournament. We do not care about winning and losing until the playoffs in late May. We have five weeks to get us to a championship caliber team. We have the drive to do it, but a long journey ahead.

Muddogs (0-0-1) 1 Goal Scored, 5 Goals Against