MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Begin Year 2 of Quakes Community Coaching Course in Partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance

Published on March 4, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the return of the Quakes Community Coaching Course for its second year, in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), to help diversify the grassroots youth soccer ecosystem in Northern California.

Building on its first-year success, this unique free program is designed to address the barriers to licensing that many coaches experience. The Earthquakes believe in an equitable, accessible, and positive youth sports space and youth soccer ecosystem. However, due to the barriers that exist in under-resourced communities, coaches may face adverse conditions and circumstances that make it more challenging to become licensed coaches and progress through the ranks in the coaching profession.

"The Quakes Community Coaching Course exemplifies the power of collective action and equity in sports," said Robert Marcus, PCA chief community impact officer. "By addressing the root causes of disparities in access to coaching education, this program is creating a more inclusive and impactful soccer community. This program is a shining example of how soccer can be a powerful tool for positive change, and we are happy to support its growth."

To advance this belief, the Earthquakes have invested in a program that is designed to educate, encourage, and support underrepresented coaches to further their coaching pathway. Members of the cohort of coaches in the Community Coaching Course will get exclusive access to the Quakes' professional pathway and learn from the club's experienced staff, namely Alex Covelo, who currently serves as both director of methodology and on the 2024 U.S. Men's Olympic Team coaching staff.

"We're thrilled to relaunch the Community Coaching Course after its huge success last year," said Shea Salinas, Earthquakes club ambassador and head of youth soccer partnerships. "Developing diversity in coaching and increasing accessibility within the coaching pipeline are essential to growing the game. The Earthquakes are committed to supporting, encouraging, and educating coaches across Northern California."

In partnership with the PCA, the Quakes will be accepting 30 applicants from underrepresented groups throughout the Bay Area to participate in this program. Participants will begin the six-month course in April. They will work closely with coaches in the Quakes Academy and Shea Salinas to receive training in areas like creating a style and methodology of play, building a positive culture and environment, developing a season plan, building a purposeful progressive training session, and more. The program will be free to participants who will also receive other benefits like complimentary tickets to Earthquakes and Quakes II matches. After receiving their Quakes Community Coaching Course diploma, the Quakes will then help pay for the participants' next coaching license.

To apply for the Quakes Community Coaching Course before the March 10 deadline, click here. For any questions about the program or to recommend a potential candidate, please email communityrelations@sjearthquakes.com.

Benefits

The course is free

The Quakes will help pay for a subsequent coaching license

Free Earthquakes jersey

Free Earthquakes and Quakes II tickets to select games

Access to Quakes Academy coaching staff and Director of Methodology Alex Covelo

One coach will be selected by staff to attend an away match with the first team

Applicant Criteria

All genders welcome

Underrepresented community members

A desire to continue your coaching licensing

One year of coaching experience or strong coaching aspirations

Willing to commute to PayPal Park at least once a month

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