Inspiring Coaches to Find Their “Why”: Eddie Henderson’s Role as a USSF Instructor
At Western WA Surf SC, we’re fortunate to have incredible leaders shaping the development of not only our players but also our coaching staff. One of those leaders is Eddie Henderson, our Elite Program Director. Beyond his work with our club, Eddie holds a prominent role in U.S. soccer as the Vice Chairperson and Executive Committee Member of US Club Soccer’s Board of Directors. He also serves as an instructor for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), where he plays a key role in educating and mentoring coaches across the country.
Recently, Eddie took some time to reflect on his role as a USSF instructor, offering insights into what inspires him, his philosophy on coaching, and the future of coach education.
GIVING BACK TO THE GAME
For Eddie, becoming an instructor for the USSF was a natural extension of his passion for soccer. “First and foremost, I wanted to give back to the game! The game has given me a lot, and I wanted to give back,” he explained. “I love teaching and coaching, but as a coach, I only get to affect the teams I work with directly. By becoming an instructor, I can inspire other coaches with the same passion I have and, in turn, positively affect even more players.”
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF THE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
When asked about the most valuable skills coaches gain from the D License course, Eddie highlighted the importance of the Player Development Framework. “In the ‘D’ course, coaches are introduced to a comprehensive plan that covers player development from U7 to U19. It might seem complicated at first, but once a coach understands it, it becomes a valuable tool for developing players and creating meaningful session plans.”
ALIGNING PASSION WITH PURPOSE
Eddie’s role as a USSF instructor aligns perfectly with his broader vision for youth soccer development. “I coach because I love kids and love to teach—it’s my ‘why.’ As an instructor, I can pass along my knowledge and passion, which allows me to affect even more kids, tenfold!”
He encourages other coaches to reflect on their own motivations. “Find your ‘why.’ Ask yourself why you coach, and make sure your efforts align with that purpose. There’s no wrong answer, but defining your ‘why’ can help you enjoy what you do and excel at it.”
The future of coaching education
As someone helping shape the future of soccer at a national level, Eddie sees coach education continuing to evolve. “US Soccer has adopted a new philosophy based on four tenets: reality-based, holistic, experiential, and autonomy support. These principles help coaches adapt to the ever-changing environment of the game and the evolving needs of players.”
Eddie emphasizes the importance of staying flexible. “The game is constant, but the players and their environments are always changing. Understanding these principles will help coaches navigate the challenges that arise on a daily, weekly, and multi-year basis.”
A PASSION FOR MENTORSHIP
What does Eddie enjoy most about leading coaching courses? “I love teaching coaches how to teach and breaking the game down for simple learning. I try to lead with passion and humor because coaching can humble you in so many ways.”
He adds, “Even the most experienced coaches make mistakes—we’re all human. Coaching isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s a journey where you continue learning every day.”
Eddie Henderson’s dedication to coaching education is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in its ability to inspire and empower others. By mentoring the next generation of coaches, he’s not just shaping individual teams but leaving a lasting impact on the entire soccer community.
We’re proud to have Eddie as a leader at Western WA Surf SC and as a key figure in advancing youth soccer on a national level. His work reminds us all to find our “why” and to approach the game—and life—with a mindset of continual growth and learning.
