Jonathan Wardrobe B.A. (Hons)
The Liverpool Reds Academy
Academy Coordinator
Head Coach- Liverpool 99 Boys
Head Coach- Liverpool Reds 02 Boys Gerrard

Jonny Wardrobe came to Liverpool just a little over a year ago and determinedly earned the lead job in the new academy, Academy Coordinator. Jonny quickly demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of the game, ability to communicate his coaching philosophy, leadership and work ethic. Jonny also demonstrated a unique ability to build teams, coaches and a program that put the Reds Academy on the radar in North Texas in little more than 7 months. Currently in our second year, Jonny and an outstanding team of academy coaches are continuously developing curriculum standards, player/team/coaching evaluations and standards of performance that will push the Reds Academy players and teams to new heights. Jonny is our focus coach for the week, and below you will get a glimpse into Jonny’s philosophy and beliefs regarding coaching, the people who influenced his life and what he values in the players he coaches.

Q: How would you describe your style of coaching?
A: Player specific and flowing, I am from the new school of coaching that emphasizes lots of touches on the ball and a constantly active environment. Occasionally there may be times to stop a whole group to make a coaching point but I much prefer keeping it on an individual level. My one simple rule of coaching is avoid the 3 L's - no lines, laps or lectures!

Q: What is the most important characteristic for a good player to become a great player –
A: That's simple... Dedication. Many kids play soccer for different reasons but those that want to be great need the dedication to put in the necessary hours after practice, it does not come easy but if you love it does not feel like hard work.

Q: If a player was interested in joining an academy, why should they choose the Liverpool Reds academy over other academies?
A: Development is always the focus, the academy years are there to provide the opportunity for every player to progress at their own rate. Everybody loves to win games but The Reds Academy focuses on providing players with the tools to help them achieve success when it actually matters.

Q: When you hire coaches for the academy, what characteristics do you look for?
A: Academy coaches need to be something special, they need to have the energy and patience to keep up with the younger players, and have the desire to want to build something from scratch. The academy coach’s job is one of the hardest in a club so a great work ethic and a sense of wanting to be a part of building something great are required. The academy works as a team so in similar ways to soccer you want the teammates that you can rely on and will work hard for you and the other coaches and teams.

Q: What is your key message for parents in academy or competitive soccer?
A: Trust your team and your academy/club... it is a soccer club and decisions are based on soccer and what is best for your child's soccer development. With Liverpool you can have faith that every player matters and Liverpool staff are in the positions there are because they are qualified to do so. Also don't push your child too far, they have to want to play soccer... it's no fun if they don't want to be there.

Q: Who was the most influential soccer person in your career, the one who really made a difference in your development as a player?
A: I had a few coaches growing up that each taught me various lessons or attitudes that I took on board and which remain with me today as key points to being a better player, which I frequently pass on to the players I coach. But the most influential person was easily my dad. As an ex-professional he passed on many great stories and words of advice, but at the same time was never pushy and always let me make my own decisions. It was because of my dad's love of the game that I got involved, we would go to matches together and still do to this day. Although not directly involved in my development as a player on the field, my parents provided me with the opportunities to play for the various teams I did.

Q: What do you think is the biggest difference in young players here in America vs. UK?
A: Creativity. Too much of American sport is structured and organized; the play becomes boring and predictable. Kids in the UK spend every last hour of the day playing and watching soccer, and they aren't afraid to try things out on the field. Creativity comes from hours of free play and going to soccer games or watching on TV. As a kid I would get my mum to drop me at school at 8am so that I had an hour to have a kick around on the school field with my mates before the school bell rang... then we would be back out there for morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. Then I'd go home and play soccer with my friend across the street until it was dark and even that didn't stop us most of the time. Everyday I would get at least 5 hours of soccer in, and then plus watching it on TV or going to game at the weekend with my dad. The players that want to be great understand that soccer isn't restricted to 2 practice sessions and a game a week with their coach.

Q: Do you have a piece of advice for players who want to play professionally?
A: You need the hard work and those additional hours, and then you need to get yourself out and know so that somebody can recognize your talent. That is the hard part; so many players with great potential miss out because they simply never had the opportunity to shine.

Q: Who is the one player, playing today that you would like to meet?
A: If it wasn't restricted to 'playing today' then without doubt it would be Alan Shearer. As boyhood heroes go, there is no one that comes close to him for me. I genuinely believe him to be the best forward to have played in the English Premier League and one of the best England and the world has ever seen. As for current players, I would choose Liverpool's own Steven Gerrard. His dedication and technique is perfect for any young player to watch and follow, and his influence as a leader on the field is outstanding.

Q: What is the greatest gift a coach can give to a player?
A: Inspiration. Any coach can tell a player to stand in a line and shoot the ball until they get it right, they may even be able to show them how its done. But it takes someone special to inspire a player in both soccer and in life.