Rush Soccer Development: John O'Sullivan From Changing The Game Project About Authenticity In Coaching And Connecting The Learning Environment To Your 'Why"

Chris P. and a panel of Rush Soccer Directors, Mentors, and Mentees are joined by John O'Sullivan to discuss his book Every Moment Matters as we discuss managing the performance environment. John started the Changing the Game Project in 2012 after two decades as a soccer player and coach on the youth, high school, college and professional level. He is the author of two #1 bestselling books, Changing the Game: The Parents Guide to Raising Happy, High Performing Athletes, and Giving Youth Sports Back to our Kids and Every Moment Matters: How the World’s Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams. John’s work has been featured by CNN, Outside Magazine, ESPN, NBC Sports and numerous other media entities. John is an internationally known speaker for coaches, parents and youth sports organizations, and has spoken for TEDx, the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Wrestling, USA Swimming, Ireland Rugby, Australian Rugby League and at numerous other events throughout the US, Canada, Asia, Australia and Europe.

When he speaks, John brings to the table a wealth of practical, hands on knowledge garnered through years of working with players and their families on sport specific development, parenting, coaching, and creating a player-centered environment.

Originally from New York, John played collegiate soccer at Fordham University, where he was a team captain as a senior, and a member of the 1990 Patriot League Championship team. After a stint playing professionally for the Wilmington (NC) Hammerheads of the USISL, John began his coaching career as the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Cardinal Gibbons HS in Raleigh, NC. He then moved on to become the Assistant Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Vermont, before delving into the world of youth club soccer. He holds his USSF A License, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, and US Youth Soccer National Youth Coaching License. He currently coaches for the Bend FC Timbers, an affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers.