1) The document summarizes several leadership experiences the author had related to soccer coaching and representing their school. 2) In one experience, the author was selected to give a valedictory speech at a sports leadership program and successfully delivered an engaging speech in front of peers, media, and the mayor. 3) In another experience, the author boldly approached the manager of an Italian soccer team to take a photo and discuss philosophy, creating an opportunity to kick the ball around together.

1. A great experience when I was chosen to represent my school and all the
other participants for the Toronto Sports Leadership Program. I was
selected as valedictorian of the program and had to present a speech
with my peers, the media, and the mayor in attendance. I took a deep
breath and pictured everyone in their underwear and proceeded to
deliver an amazing speech, which captured the crowd for it’s duration.

2. The opportunity to greet and meet the National Italian Soccer Team
Manager presented itself as he was training his club team AFC Fiorentina
on the field that I was overseeing. I had to find a way to talk to him and
build a rapport with him. Boldly, I asked him to take a picture with me.
This created an opportunity for us to sit and discuss his philosophy and
for him and I to kick the ball around.

3. My competitive youth soccer team was in tough at the AC Douglas
soccer tournament down 3-0 at half time in the finals. We needed to rally
the team to get them to perform in the final half of this tournament. We
made the team look at each other and told them that they are brothers
and they have to play for each member of the ream because we are a
family and we would never give up on family. The boys made a great
comeback, but falling just short at the final whistle. The boys did not
hang their heads they realized they did the best for their family as the
could.

4. On it’s 5th anniversary, I was invited to return to the
Toronto Sports Leadership Program. Unlike the last
time where I was a participant. I would step in at the
graduation with past participants and have an open
forum discussion on the past, present, and future of
the program. My task was clear I had to use my
previous public speaking experience, along with my
communication skills, to participate actively and
professionally in the forum. I opened up the forum by
discussing my experiences with the program and
where it has taken me, while posing questions to the
other forum panel members. The crowd consisting of
recent graduates and other stakeholders received the
discussion well and had a lot of questions to pose
about the future of soccer..

5. In order to continue my coaching education I was required to take 2
different courses over 2012 year. These courses would set me up to be
provincially recognized as a coach. As usual, preparation was key. I had
to use initiative to get to ensure I had the prior knowledge base required
to attain certification. I took action, speaking to various coaches and
reading up on prior notes and getting an overall picture of what is
necessary to do well. At the end of the course I passed my assessment
and am not in line to achieve my “Provincial B” coaching license.