Building Confidence, Coordination and a Love for the Game: Lessons from Soccer Coach Eyal Segal

​FRIDAY FEATURE:
Coach ​​Eyal Segal
Owner, FC Mini Soccer Stars
Master Level Personal Trainer,
Athletic Club Northeast

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Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Coach Eyal Segal.  "Coach" has a passion for serving youth in the Atlanta area through teaching them the sport he is passionate about--soccer! He is the owner of the Mini Soccer Stars program which focuses on letting kids experience soccer in non-competitive environment at a very young age (as early as 2). A former member of the Israel National Youth team and the "Nishrei Haifa" National Indoor Professional League team, Coach is a certified soccer instructor with a "C" license for children through age 14 from the United States Soccer Federation. In addition to working with kids through the Mini Soccer Stars, he has been teaching kids from toddlers through varsity, in Atlanta-area clubs and schools including the Concorde Fire and The Galloway School for the past 10 years. Through his experiences, he is able to provide valuable insight for parents regarding the benefits and lessons that youth and teens can learn through soccer. He is an amazing resource with a heart for serving our youth.  His contact information is listed below if you want to reach out and learn more about his programs, or ask him questions about youth soccer in Atlanta. Happy Friday, friends!

"Teens that play soccer are part of a team, have a sense of belonging and responsibilities within the game. The best lessons in life are taught on the field."
-Coach Eyal Segal

Q: Please introduce yourself and share how you became involved in coaching youth soccer. 
My name is Eyal Lalkin Segal and I coach soccer to young kids and help them develop a set of skills that help them build confidence, improve coordination and grow a love for the game. I started by trying to coach my daughter at a young age and the programs I came across didn't focus on the kid's needs or understand the dynamic between the parents and the kids. Coming from a soccer background where my father, brother, and I played professionally, I realized that putting the focus on the kids and creating a supportive environment is key to getting the kids engaged and motivated-- which helps them come out of their shell and show their true personality. 

Q: What advice do you have for parents of teenagers? 
Constant support and encouragement with kids at any age, goes along way. Kids can be shy or hesitant with any new situation. The fact that the parents are there to encourage them really helps them come out of their comfort zone and show their real creative side. Especially at a young age kids look at the parents for a source of comfort and support, and I try to make sure the parents are really relaxed and not tense because that really projects on the kid's behavior. I think teenagers tend to second-guess themselves in so many different ways and support and encouragement can really help them find the path to the right decisions that can affect their near and far future. 

Q: What skills do you think kids and teens learn through playing soccer? 
I love coaching soccer because you have to learn how to work within the group but also develop your own set of skills.  The fact that the game doesn't stop(unless the ball goes out of bounds), makes you constantly aware of where you are and where your teammates are, and to make adjustments accordingly. Teens that play soccer are part of a team, have a sense of belonging and responsibilities with in the game. The best lessons in life are taught on the field. Practicing, winning or losing, and giving a maximum effort teaches you how to overcome obstacles and grow as a person.

Q: How often do you think kids should be engaging in some type of physical activity? Why?
I think kids should be active on a daily basis. The body was meant to move and you should challenge yourself physically and mentally. Challenging yourself physically makes you stronger, and mentally, you learn to know your limits and your strengths. The experience should be positive. No point pushing yourself to failure. You just need to grow and build confidence moving forward every week. 

Q: What programs do you have going on now, and what is the best way for parents to reach out to you?
I run "FC mini soccer stars" close to Decatur, I've been doing it for five years and I would love to share that knowledge with kids and parents all over metro Atlanta. I'm in the process of growing the program to other areas of the city. I try to help kids and parents develop a better relationship through activities that builds confidence and self expression and all by having fun doing it.
 Parents can contact me through our Facebook/fcminisoccerstars page, our website (www.fcminisoccerstars.com) or by email: fcminisoccerstars@gmail.com.