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Coach devoted to improving kids’ soccer skills
John Meagher
The Gazette
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Soccer has taken Danny Anderson around the world as a player. But while his playing career is gearing down, he is turning his energies toward youth development in Montreal.
You’re not playing for the Trois Rivières Attak this year?
No, it got to be too much last year. We were training three times a week, but they wanted us to go up to Trois Rivières two nights before a game. They made an exception for me because I was always busy ... Also, I had surgery in the winter on both my feet. I had swollen nerves between my toes from wearing tight soccer cleats for so many years.
Why have WISS camps become so popular?
It’s not a magic trick. Kids don’t come to camp and leave a totally different player, but we try to give them a lot of touches on the ball and make them more confident and comfortable with ball when they leave. And a bit more inspired as well.
Main difference between youth soccer in Canada and Europe?
Well, there are more kids over there playing all day, everyday. And they are under the umbrella of a professional team, so they have more to play for.
What should kids work on?
Kids don’t play enough in the park, just juggling a ball.
What’s your juggling record?
Over 5,000. As a kid, I spent all day at the park. I was obsessed with beating my juggling records.
With the Coach:
Coach: Danny Anderson, 29-year-old resident of te. Anne de Bellevue.
Team: Technical director of Hudson-St.Lazare soccer and owner of the West Island Soccer School (www.thewiss.com).
Playing career: Lakeshore and Lac St.Louis Lakers. A midfielder with the Canadian national Under-22 team. Apprenticed with Plymouth Argyle FC in England. Played last year for Trois Rivières Attak, reserve team of Montreal Impact.
Best coaching tip: Make players more confident with the ball.