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D.C. United's Coaches Association eNews

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Congratulations to David Doerr, D.C. United's June Coach of the Month!

David Doerr was nominated by his daughter Michelle Doerr. She has played on her father's teams during all six years of his coaching career.

David began his coaching career in 2001, at the U10 intramural level, for the Lampeter-Strasburg Youth Soccer Club. He received some training from clinics provided by his local A licensed coach, John Fellenbaum. After a season he moved onto the U11 Girl's Travel Team. In order to keep the skills of the girls progressing he decided to seek more training, so he took the USSF E course. As the girls got older and better, David decided that more tactical knowledge would benefit him and them, so he took the "D" course. During this same period his son started playing at the U6 Level, he took on the task of coaching him, as well as coordinating his entire U6/U8 program. Since that time David has continued to coach both teams every season.

David takes advantage of the off-season by taking his players to clinics and camps where they learn and have fun playing the sport they love. While they maintain their skills as players, David furthers his skills as a coach by picking up bits of information on the sidelines.

After noticing a lack of referees in his local area, David became a grade 8 referee in 2005. Shortly after, he was nominated as the Lampeter-Strasburg Youth Soccer Club president. David served as the clubs Secretary for a few years, making him a more than worthy candidate for the job. He graciously accepted the position as President of the Lampeter-Strasburg Youth Soccer Club where he still maintains the position.

In the fall David is looking forward to moving up to coaching in the U16 age bracket, as well as coaching his son at the U12 level. He says that he will continue to coach even after his kids have outgrown the youth soccer club. He believes he will return to the age group he loves coaching the most, U8 or U10.

Here is a quote from David Doerr that sums up why he is a phenomenal coach, a great mentor for the children in our area, and ultimately the best candidate for June's Coach of the Month:
"I cannot wait to go back to coaching U8 or U10, I really love the little guys and gals. They are there for pure fun, which what I really enjoy about the game. The score is always the last thing on their mind, it comes right after "what's for snack"! I always try to keep the kids smiling and laughing at practices and on the sidelines. I think a fun environment is a better learning environment (plus it helps me keep their attention)."

D.C. United and the Coaches Association would like to thank David Doerr for his devotion to growing the soccer stars of tomorrow and his undying love of the Black-and-Red.

To nominate a fellow colleague for the July Coach of the Month, send an e-mail here. In your e-mail, be sure to tell us why your nominee should be selected for this award.