443-545-4034 chrisswope@hotmail.com     Teams: 02’ - 03’ Girls Dynamo  00’ - 01’ Boys Slavia

Originally from Columbia, Chris grew up playing soccer for SAC in the 70’s and 80’s, played lacrosse through college, and has been coaching youth soccer since 2005.  "Coaching soccer just happened to be the thing that I was able to get really passionate about" says Chris.  He currently coaches teams that both his son and daughter play on, and has earned a tremendous level of respect from both the kids on his team and parents of all his players.  His teams #1 priority is skill development, comfort and confidence with the ball, and developing a high soccer IQ.  Success and winning on the field comes automatically when you focus on the simple things, like knowing how the ball will react to your foot, playing with your head up, and knowing where your help is on the field.   Chris demands a lot from his players while at the same time keeping things fun and enjoyable so that the kids can’t get enough soccer.  They are learning a possession style game, and his practice sessions are designed to be fun and challenging.  There is a heavy emphasis on ball mastery skills using all surfaces of the foot, and they work hard on developing razor-sharp skills with both feet.  The kids learn proper passing technique and pace, on developing a good first touch and learn the importance of playing with their heads up and communicating on the field.  At home all his players eagerly work on their own to get better using skill sessions that are sent through isoccer.org - each player progresses at their own pace and is able to upload their progress for teammates to see.  "It gets them competing a little with each other and has served as a great motivation tool to get the kids touching the ball outside of practice" says Chris.  Team outings to see DC United, the DC United Womens team, and Baltimore Blast are fun activities the kids all look forward to each season. Chris knows that lessons learned on the field translate into other areas of life and is passionate about developing all his players into productive, confident teenagers with high self-esteem and a winning attitude.  Chris is excited about the future of Thunder Soccer Club and helping every one of his players reach their true potential. Education: Frostburg State University 1989 - 1993 B.A. Economics USSF “F” License 2008 MSYSA “E” License 2011 Coaching Experience: Midlothian Youth Soccer League 2006-2008 Western Eagle Cty Metro Rec District 2007-2008 Soccer Association of Columbia 2009-2010 Thunder Soccer Club 2010 – Present Playing Experience: Soccer Association of Columbia 1977 - 1987 Hammond High School 1985- 1988 Soccer Dome Co-ed Division 4 Soccer Dome over 35 Men’s Division I