A couple of years ago I was driving home from conducting a youth coaches clinic and I was thinking about the questions I was asked at the conclusion of the clinic.

There was one question that I kept coming back to- “what is a good book for me as a new coach?” I was kicking myself because although I had recommended a book, I was worried that the coach wouldn’t know where to find it. I also was thinking that the book I suggested was great for a new coach but the other, more experienced coaches at the clinic may find this too basic. I wished I had suggested one for them. Plus, there were a couple of good videos I should have mentioned.

I was frustrated because I could have answered the question for every level of coach at that clinic, and I didn’t. You see, I’ve been a coaching “junky” for over 20 years. Reading books, watching videos, attending clinics subscribing to magazines- you name it. I’ve spent A LOT of money on soccer stuff over the years- most of it on good stuff, some on very poor quality stuff but all of it acquired with great anticipation.

As I drove, I began to formulate “best of” lists. The best books for beginners…Best videos for tactics…Great goalkeeping books, etc. Soon, I found myself in my driveway jotting down these lists wishing I could get it out to every one of those coaches I just spent two hours with. Then it came to me, I’d put them in an email, no, better yet, I’d make a quick web page filled with my lists. The seed for SoccerStuffReviewed.com was planted.

After that evening, I went and re-read and re-watched every book and video I had (I couldn’t find “Pele: The Master and His Method” which was the first video I ever saw). I even pulled out dozens of back issues of magazines that I had (yes, I am a pack rat). Then, I got more books, videos, software, equipment and I’ve been reading, watching and evaluating more soccer stuff then I could have ever imagined. The “junky” in me has been getting an incredible fix that has only fueled my desire for more. I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of soccer products and I’ve been writing about each of them.

I accept no payment for my reviews so you can be assured that what I’m writing is my honest and unbiased opinion. My goal is to use my experiences to help other coaches. And, to create an open forum for everyone to have a say. That’s why I invite you to write about what you think and place your own “user reviews” for the products that you’ve used.

I hope you find SoccerStuffReviewed.com helpful and visit us again and again. Mostly, I hope SSR can guide you to the “best” soccer product for whatever you’re interested in- no matter what level of coaching experience you may have.

Oh, and if you attended the Eastside Coaches clinic I conducted, here’s the book I recommended for the beginner coaches and a great video to go along with it.

Yours on the far post,

-Rob