Directors Behind the Scenes – Marc Mason

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Experienced in developing and providing an academy training environment in England for Everton, it proved to be a natural fit for Marc Mason to take on the role of forging the Youth Development Program for U6-U8 players, and now three years on it has become a great introduction point for players to Shadow soccer.

“After working with multiple older age groups in the club, it became apparent that there was a need for us to reach the youngest ages in Spokane, providing more impactful instruction and methodology so that by the time they got to those ages they were better prepared technically, tactically, mentally and physically. I created the YDP in 2021 going from 80 players to now 300-plus players and 36 coaches this fall.”

Right from the start, laying the foundation and setting up the mechanics of the program were a critical component for Mason in the YDP Director role.

“My duties include curriculum development and implementation, coach education/mentorship, league creation/scheduling and management, and talent identification – pushing players up or into different areas when appropriate for their development. And most importantly, providing all of this in a fun environment because at this age that is the lasting impression the players have after training and games.”

While the kids enjoy what they are doing on the pitch, he is taking in all of the other elements and finding his own fulfillment in the progress being made throughout.

“What I enjoy most about the role is being able to see the speed and quality of growth from the majority of players during our short seasons. The players truly fall in love with the game and are supported to keep that buzz going whenever they are away from the fields, practicing with friends or with family at home.

“I also enjoy being able to work with new coaches or parents that may be interacting with the sport for the first time. Being able to educate these coaches on how to help our players succeed and see their own growth is a real positive for me. We have even seen a few move on to coach at the next level in the Shadow Juniors Program.”

Though his primary focus is the YDP Director role, he continues to also be hands-on coaching teams. Currently he coaches the club’s B2008 ECNL RL squad as well as serving in the community as the Shadle Park High School Girls coach. That coaching mindset never really goes away for him.

“As a coach, I really enjoy being able to set the director role aside momentarily to get out there on the field with the players and parents to deliver sessions when able. The feedback, observation and assessment there can be immediate, so I appreciate being able to have quick, direct impact in this environment and everything that comes within that session i.e. Q&A opportunities or extended focus areas, when the performances themselves tell us what is needed next.”

After leading the program for several years now, Mason is definitely hitting a stride in providing an excellent classroom for the community’s youngest soccer generation.

“What I have learned from this role is that this game is constantly growing here in Spokane, it is becoming more visible, and people are dying to play it. I feel because of this it is so important to ensure that our youth and parents are getting the best developmental experience possible. I am looking forward to seeing the impact we can all have on these families through our methodology, principles and philosophy. I am excited to see where these players can take their efforts, whether that be into college, into a professional team like the Velocity or Zephyr, or even into the MLS/NWSL or the Premier League!

Though the YDP and his coaching roles take up quite a bit of time for Marc, he does find time away from the pitch to unwind. Since we last checked in with him in the Get to Know a Coach feature nearly three years ago, he has obtained his Pilot license.

“I got my Pilot license last year, so I fly a lot in the spring/summer. I am a keen snowboarder in the winter months and enjoy going out for golf and touring with my older ECNL team.”