Directors Behind the Scenes – John Palladino

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

When you visit the training ground you can hear John Palladino’s enthusiasm and drive across the fields as he instructs his teams, making him a great leader for the next generation of players as the U10-U12 Boys Director of Coaching.

“I really enjoy working with all of the kids, and the coaches. This group is so fun, and they are like sponges, so it’s so fun to see how quickly they pick up on things.

“On the side of that, it’s fun to see them try to apply more complex ideas. In my opinion, the most rewarding thing is to see them struggle through some of the complex things that we are teaching and witness that moment when the lightbulb clicks, and they do finally get it. What we want to give our players is a ‘can do’ attitude and the wherewithal to accomplish challenges. Seeing that is probably the most rewarding thing about the job.”

And though the everyday interaction with players is the most enjoyable and noticeable, as director many off the field responsibilities also play a key role in preparing players for the next level.

“The main thing we have to do as directors is find great coaches to lead our kids. I’m so proud of the staff that we’ve got. They all do a great job of instilling our playing philosophy into our young players.”

“Another job we have as directors is checking in with the coaches and making sure that we are making progress toward our goals. We all work together to try and create a fun and positive atmosphere for the kids. I’m talking with the coaches whenever they have issues or things that they are struggling with. As a director we provide them with training ideas, and we want to be a sounding board for them so that they can develop their team to the best of their ability.”

Coach talk… there is a reason why you don’t see many highlights shows of that. But sharing ideas and problem solving is something Palladino enjoys.

“As a director, sometimes you’re in a coaching role to other coaches. I’ve been coaching for over 20 years at all different levels – including D1 college and semi-professional – so it’s fun to be able to share some of my experience and to see our coaches apply some of the things I’ve learned along the way. It’s very much a collaborative effort, but I love when I can offer different solutions to different issues that different teams are having.”

Being the first to serve in the newly created role, it has been an educational experience for Palladino as well.

“I really look forward to being more hands-on in the future. This first year has definitely been a learning curve. While I’m the director of the program, I still coach two elite travel teams that both have extensive training schedules and game schedules. I really look forward to enjoying more time with each group throughout the season.”

Not unlike other coaches and directors, Johnny has an active life outside of his roles… even if some of them also find him at the fields as well.

“Aside from coaching in the club, I’m also a father of two children who both play in the club. My daughter Ella is on the 2012 GA team and my son Teo is currently on an SJP team where I coach him. I am husband to an amazing wife who is very supportive and puts up with all of my time away in the evenings on the field.

“During the day I have my own insurance agency with American Family Insurance called The Palladino Agency. We are very honored to be a sponsor for the club. Owning my own insurance agency has also been a very rewarding experience, and I’ve loved bringing my experience as a coach to my business life as well.”

Away from the pitch the two-way life lesson effect of athletics has certainly played a key role for him as well.

“For me, it’s more about how soccer has influenced my professional life, playing gave me the work ethic, ability to take on adversity and responsibility. Coaching has given me so many wonderful lessons that I apply daily as a leader of an agency. All of my years as a player and a coach have certainly helped me in my business, and our agency prides themselves on applying all of the values and traits that I learned from the beautiful game… both as a player and a coach.”