Below is a thank you note from Matthew Driver, General Manager and Head Coach of the brand new Philadelphia WPS franchise.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the staff of the NSCAA for allowing myself, and the staff of the 2010 WPS Philadelphia Independence attend the Algarve Cup as part of their group at such short notice. In heading to the Algarve I had but one agenda, and that was to attend as many games as possible in as short a time as possible. However, the Algarve Cup offered up much more than the opportunity to see a concentrated number of world class teams and players competing in such a relaxed atmosphere.

The course leaders, former national team coach April Heinrichs and peak performance specialist Dr. Colleen Hacker were nothing less than spectacular. Due to the time constraints and demanding agenda that we had organized prior to our arrival we were only fortunate enough to be able to attend 50% of the meetings/seminars that both very uniquely talented ladies conducted, but the one’s that we did attend where incredibly informative and really did complement what our objective was. Dr. Coleen’s zest for life and passion about the application of sports science in our field was second to none. April’s knowledge past and present of the women’s game at the international level was incredibly insightful and helpful to me, she gave not only to us but to each of the individual course participants, and for that I thank her. Lastly, not to forget Marti, who as the course administrator did a great job keeping everything in check and on time.

For what it is worth, this was a fantastic course which was run by world class professionals whose passion for educating and their love of the game shined through. Well done to all the NSCAA staff and to the participants for making this a truly worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Read more thank you notes at http://nscaa.com/subpages/20090317111653886.php.

Below is a thank you note from Colleen Murphy, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Scranton.

Hi Amanda,

I just wanted to send an email to express how wonderful my experience was in Portugal last week. As a young coach, I learned more than I ever could have imagined from my peers and especially from April and Colleen. April and Colleen were extremely knowledgeable but also very
personable and approachable during the week. I can’t imagine learning from two better people.

It is so important that we continue to allow women to experience an environment where they feel comfortable to ask questions and to learn. It was nice to be among so many great female coaches, and to learn from each other. It is rare that we have such opportunities, and I would
love to continue to support such courses and to also add more if possible. Its very important that women learn to help other women, and the Algarve Cup symposium is a perfect environment to do this.

I hope very much that this symposium continues, and that April and Colleen continue to present. The strength of this experience is learning from other women who have been successful. Learning from individuals who truly know women’s soccer, and can teach us the keys to becoming successful.

It was a great experience, and I look forward to participating in more NSCAA courses in the future!All the best,

Colleen Murphy

Read more thank you notes at http://nscaa.com/subpages/20090317111653886.php.

Below is an email from Angie Hind, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Dartmouth College.

Amanda,

I would like to echo the sentiments of my fellow participants on the Algarve Symposium. It was fantastic and a breath of fresh air as far as professional development opportunities go in the women’s game.

Being able to watch some of the best women’s teams in the world compete at the one venue was tremendous. Having access to see National teams practice and then the chance to hear various national coaches express their approach and coaching philosophies was both interesting and thought provoking. These opportunities alone were somewhat unique in themselves however this course offered so much more…

April Heinrichs and Colleen Hacker were simply superb in their ability to impart knowledge, share their depth of experience in the game, and stimulate discussion within the group. Their influence on this course cannot be overstated as their enthusiasm and accessibility created a learning environment which was open, engaging, and stimulating.

I left this symposium inspired and equipped with many new activities, practices, and concepts to consider. In talking with many of my newly made friends and colleagues, I know there are many inspired coaches now doing the same…

April, Colleen, NSCAA, and fellow symposium participants….thank you!

Angie Hind

Tagged as: algarve cup, matt driver, NSCAA, philadelphia wps, womens pro soccer