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Miguel Cordon is kept busy with soccer, but wouldn’t change a thing. Dario Ayala, The Gazette
Father of 3 has passion for soccer in his blood
Miguel Cordon always on the go; Lakeshore U14 Triple-A girls coach is also vice-president of intercity
John Meagher
The Gazette
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Miguel Cordon is kept busy with soccer, but wouldn’t change a thing. Dario Ayala, The Gazette
Miguel (Michael) Cordon is what they call true a soccer volunteer.
The father of three – Laura, 16, Eric, 19, Nicole, 20 – has been coaching intercity soccer for seven years, even though he didn’t have a child on those teams.
What got you into soccer?
Cordon: I could have volunteered my services to a hospital. But instead, I’m volunteering my services to something I know about. I used to play soccer in the east end when I was younger. I’m passionate about it.
Is it easier being a non-parent coach?
Cordon: Absolutely. All my decisions are made in the best interests of the team.There is no personal bias in my decisions.
How often do you practice?
Cordon: We practice and play about three times a week.
Why are some local teams struggling in the provincial Triple-A ranks?
Cordon: You just have to see the players on teams from outside our region. They’re strong, physical girls. Last year we played in the Robbie (tournament in Toronto) and made it to the quarterfinals, and these girls were big and physical. So I’m not sure what it is, but this is the reality.
What skills do you stress ?
Cordon: The two weak areas in women’s soccer are the long ball and heading the ball. If those aspects can improve, you can become a stronger team. Are the other teams stronger tactically or technically? Not necessarily. We do possess the ball very well. One issue for our team is finishing; we’re missing goals by inches there and inches here. But the defenders we’re up against this year are very tall. These are not excuses, they’re challenges.
How many of your 18 players are from outside Lakeshore?
Cordon: I would say about half. I brought in four players from out of club this year.
What’s the reaction when you cut a local in favour of an out of club player?
Cordon: Those decisions are based on merit. If there are better players out there, the right thing to do for everybody is to take those players. There is always some sense of lack of justice.
It’s not always the case, but there is that perception ... so it always comes down to: ‘You took someone else over my kid.’ It becomes personal. I’ve seen that as well as vice-president of intercity.
Are you busy with other duties?
Cordon: Yeah, my plate is full. Besides coaching a Triple-A team, I’m also V-P of intercity. I’m also head of a committee to put a dome over Parc des Bénévoles (in Kirkland).
How close is that to happening?
Cordon: I wouldn’t say that we’re closer, but we’re trying. One idea is a dome and one is a permanent facility. We’re talking to various interested parties. It takes time.
You sound incredibly busy?
Cordon: Pretty much. One summer I coached 2.5 teams: an intercity team, my daughter’s house-league team and I was an assistant for another team. That was the summer my wife (Kathy) said to me: “It’s either soccer or me.” I said: “Give me the weekend to think about it.” (laughs) Just kidding.
You must really love soccer.
Cordon: I do love soccer. First of all, I’m Spanish. I was born in Madrid. I was
8 months old when I moved here, so it’s in my blood.
With the Coach is a weekly series featuring a conversation with a local coach.
Coach: Miguel (Michael) Cordon, 48-year-old Beaconsfield resident and
financial advisor/branch manager for CIBC Wood Gundy.
Team: Lakeshore
under-14 girls Triple-A soccer team.
Years coached: 7 with Lakeshore.
Playing experience:
Intercity in east-end St.Michel.
Best coaching tip: Always treat a player respectfully and build their self-confidence to aspire higher.