Welcoming Coach Matt Mittelstaedt to SOS Coach Q&As!

Coach Matt is the current Technical Director at Virginia Rush and has had many years of both coaching and playing experience under his belt. His coaching experiences include being a National Technical Director for Rush Soccer, US Club ID2 Staff Coach, Rush Select Coach, ODP Staff Coach for two states, Arkansas State Soccer Association Coaching License Instructor, and Real Salt Lake Academy Staff Coach.

He holds a USSF “A” License, USSF Youth License, as well as a NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma. As for his playing career, Matt played for the University of Alabama at Huntsville, the Alabama Saints in 1998, the Nashville Metros in 1998, the Tennessee Rhythm from 1999-2000, and the Rockford Raptors (Chicago Fire Reserves) from 2000-20002.

Coach Matt has helped develop many great players with his structured and intense coaching style. He is charismatic and guides those who are serious about the game. Having experienced his coaching style while at Virginia Rush, I can confidently say he has an attitude that can help any player take the next steps in their career.

Find out here what he thinks as a coach who has participated on both sides of the pitch expertly!

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1: What is the most important thing you look for in a player when recruiting?  

I don’t think there is just one thing that jumps out.  There are many things you like to keep an eye out for when watching players.  Movement off the ball, does a player scan the field as they play, first touch and what a player does with it and does the player want the ball.  It also matters what age the player you are watching and recruiting.  Physical abilities are not as important with the younger players. 

2: What is the most challenging thing about coaching?

 In the beginning for me it was making the transition from being a player to a coach.  I struggled with not understanding why youth players didn’t think the way I thought or could play the way I played.

3: When coaching your team, what kind of thing do you expect to see from your team to be the most successful on the pitch?  

Since the majority of my teams are on the youth side, I look for the ability of the team to recognize spacing and possession.  The understanding of basic concepts for younger players is very important.  They need the foundation to build on.

4: What advice would you give to players who are looking to develop themselves and play at a higher level? 

Learn how to dominate the level you are currently on before moving up.  Sometimes we promote players to new challenges (playing up, etc.) because we see the potential and talent in the player but they miss the chance to learn how to conquer/master the current level they are playing. Can you win a game by yourself at the youth level, high school level, college level?

5: As per skillset, what are some of the skills that you think players should have as a fundamental foundation?

As a youth player, the ability to be comfortable and composed with the ball.  Confidence to take players on in 1v1 situations. Don’t be afraid to fail.

6: What would you say to a player who is clearly frustrated while playing in matches and/or practice?  

Stay frustrated.  If you are not frustrated, you are not invested.  Learn what the frustration is coming from and work towards solving that issue.

7: Are there any drills or exercises that you think players could use individually to improve themselves? 

Honestly, you just need a ball and a wall.  So many activities can be worked on and improved with just a ball and a wall.  Be creative with it.  I made up exercises as a kid playing with a ball and a wall.  Make it fun.  

8: What three components of an individual player do you believe would create a well balanced/versatile soccer star?  

Composure, tenacity and passion. These are the skills sets that can separate players on the field assuming they all have the same technical and tactical abilities. 

9: Can you give one example of a player who was experiencing an obstacle in their career and how they overcame it? 

I think all players have obstacles to overcome somewhere along their journey.  I don’t have one in particular that I can share.

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