Shaun Green: The Art of Coaching
Pint & Plate
It was mid June and my mind was a buzz with getting ready for the upcoming UPSL soccer season. So many great ideas were documented but the execution seemed improbable. How could we get in a state of readiness sooner rather than later? I was already half way down I84 West before my mind ceased its frenetic pace and I allowed myself to breathe.
I was to meet Shaun Green to discuss how a partnership could be forged, beneficial both to 3rd Eye FC and Soccer Coach TV. Pint & Plate was the chosen spot to break bread and break the ice. Arriving early, I took the opportunity to peruse the area then head back to the spot to reserve a table. Much time passed before I realized that both Shaun and Nicole, his wife were already at the bar having a lively conversation.
It was then that it struck me, that the human being in Shaun Green was amiable and was as down to earth as you can get. Without the encumbrance of formality I was greeted with a wide smile, one I had grown accustomed to through YouTube. Nicole was as warm and friendly as Shaun, and embraced me with a hug as though we had been long lost friends. I began to take notes, mentally at least.
A Warm Conversation
Over a warm meal and not too many drinks, we explored each others’ pasts. It was intriguing to me that Shaun had as much interest in learning about me as I was interested in learning about who he truly was. It never took long for me to learn that both he and Nicole thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and having new experiences.
Amidst the laughs and talk of football (soccer) philosophy it was pleasing to know that he came from humble beginnings as a shipyard worker. It helped me to understand the humility in his approach to coaching. It would have been a really tough job for a young man to endure when his sights were set on being a professional footballer.
The Early Years
Shaun was one of 10 siblings and attended St Aidan’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Wallsend. When he left school he got an apprenticeship as a mechanical fitter at the bustling shipyard of Swan Hunter.
Shaun always dreamed of playing football professionally with his first opportunity coming at 10 years old where he joined Wallsend Boys Club. The club was founded in 1904 by the directors of the Swan Hunter Shipyard company to facilitate local youth.
Being immersed in this environment that catered to youth with coaches the likes of Peter Kirkley, Sid Sharp and Stan Nixon really made an impression on a young Shaun Green.
I knew at that point I wouldn’t make a career as a footballer but I was always passionate about coaching.
Peter Kirkley saw in Shaun Green what he sees in young enthusiastic players who may not be the finished article, but need guidance, hope and the tools to become all that they can be. An 18 year old captain of the Tyneside club, Peter afforded Shaun the opportunity to coach the U16’s. When Shaun is in a 3rd Eye FC training session echoing the sentiment that leaders create leaders it’s easy to come away awe struck without seeing from where it all stemmed.
After leaving Wallsend Boys Club he would go on to play local league football for North Shields, Percy Main and Heaton Stannington.
Coming to America
Wallsend is a town in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England, east of Hadrian’s wall. Shaun Green like most from Tyneside are Geordies through and through, staunch supporters of Newcastle. The locals derived the name from the Jacobites calling all from the area, ‘for King George’, whilst those from the coal mines of Durham and Northumbria cemented the name in folklore through poem and song.
It is little wonder how Professor Green chose New England as the perfect place to build his castle of successes. In spite of sharing his artful style of coaching that touches the human spirit around the world, he has chosen Connecticut USA to call home.
Stepping on the field for the second training session with 3rd Eye FC, the overcast dreary New England spell was washed away by his presence as old friends and players whom he had coached decades gone by, greeted him warmly neglecting their HPDL O40 game, minutes from kick off.
I was quick to learn that it’s not just about the accolades, the degrees, the achievements that has made Shaun who he is but the impact, the meaning and significance that he brings to peoples lives that has set him apart.
Another Side of Professor Green
You would imagine that our favorite Geordie would have fish and chips as his favorite food. Wouldn’t you? According to his beloved Nicole, he finds pizza and carrot cake utterly irresistible. Shaun enjoys learning and engaging conversations.
What is the purpose of soccer? Why do we play? Have you ever pondered that question? You don’t have to answer now Shane, but think about it. We spend so much time playing but have never thought of the question much less the answer.
Always quick to crack a joke, the quick witted Shaun loves classic rap, reggae music, Boy George and will groove to the sweet sultry sounds of Sade. Shaun may very well be an undercover Jamaican, save his ability to swim, which Nicole says he is very good at.
When it comes to movies, his favorite is Rudy, a 1993 biopic about Daniel Rudy Ruettiger who dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame. Incidentally, Professor Green had the distinction of meeting Rudy in real life.
Gratitude
At 3rd Eye FC we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from one of the best. We are thankful that Newcastle has loaned us their Geordie who inspires us to keep on dreaming as we become more than we dreamed of. Welcome Professor Shaun Green, Technical Director at 3rd Eye FC.
VICTORY IS BORN OF HARMONY
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