Eager RDC coach finds ‘perfect’ balance
David McCarthy wanted to get back into coaching soccer full time, but little did he know it would result in him taking over two teams.
McCarthy signed on as the head coach of the Red Deer Renegades of the Alberta Major Women’s Soccer League earlier this year, then this week it was announced he’s taking over as head coach of the RDC Queens.
“It works out perfectly,” said the 38-year-old.
“It’s about balance. I have to ID the priorities and see what needs work and certain programs are busy at certain times, but the AMSL and college teams combine nicely. The college season (Sept.-Nov.) runs when I’m not busy with the AMSL team.
“The two positions have the majority of the same players so it will give the (RDC) program a chance to hit the ground running as I’ll be familiar with a lot of the college players prior to the season,” he said.
McCarthy takes over the RDC program from long-time assistant coach Dave Colley, who was the head coach on an interim basis for former head coach Jerry Gerling last season. When Gerling announced he was retiring the college asked for applications to fill the position.
“This is a great opportunity for me. I always wanted to coach college and when this opportunity came up it was a fantastic opportunity,” said McCarthy, who was born in England, but moved the Saskatoon in 1978.
He grew up playing at the highest level of local soccer before moving back to England in his “mid 20s.”
He said he fell into coaching more by accident than anything, when invited out by a family friend, but immediately fell in love with it.
“Most players don’t envision themselves as coaches, but I can remember the first time I had the opportunity to play, but turned it down to coach. I don’t want to date myself, but it was some time ago,” he said with a laugh.
But he took coaching very seriously.
He’s coached at all levels from the very, very young to senior in both men’s and women’s divisions. He’s also taken every coaching programs available in Canada and some in the United States.
“I’m kind of unique as I’ve come through every coaching course this country has to offer and the National Coaching Certificate program” he explained.
“Last year I took the second half of the (CSA) A license, which is the top level course in Canada. I also had the opportunity to go to Florida for the National Soccer Coaching Association of America and took several courses at the premier diploma level.”
McCarthy has spent the last three and a half years in Edmonton, but hopes to move to Red Deer by the end of August.
“My wife (Leanne) is expecting in late August and after that we hope to move here on a full time basis,” he explained.
McCarthy has watched a lot of the Alberta College Athletic Conference games in Edmonton, so is familiar with the level of player needed to compete for a provincial title.
He also talked with Colley.
“Dave and I had a conversation about the program and what has worked in the past,” said McCarthy.
“Every coach has a different approach, but I’ll also take stock of what worked in the past, continue to use those and then add my flavour.”
McCarthy said he likes a team that plays the majority of the game with the ball on the ground.
“I like a possession based team with players who are comfortable with the ball and can get the ball on the ground and move it on the ground.”
McCarthy is opening AMSL tryouts indoors this week. “Time is short,” he said.
“Once the snow leaves it will be about getting the team working together and getting the players up to standard to be successful.”
He hopes to have a nucleus of both young and old on the Renegades.
“It’s about balance and having the best players available,” he said.
“It’s good to have the energy and drive of the younger players and the experience of the older players to help mold the younger group.”
That could be said about the college as well.
“It’s not dissimilar,” he agreed.
l In other RDC news five RDC players — soccer’s Amber Regnier, Brad Hughes and Julie Farmer, cross-country runner Jodi Sanguin and volleyball’s Robyn Denney — have received the 2010-11 CCAA academic all-Canadian awards.
drode@reddeeradvocate.com
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