MRYSL is excited to announce the hiring of Sean Connors as the Director of Coaching for the competitive soccer program. Coach Connors will be instrumental in the development of the coaching staff, forming teams, developing an academy curriculum, and implementing competitive programs and ideas.

“The development of a club-wide curriculum, The Mad River Method, was one of my immediate priorities when I took the position. This will keep every coach on the same page and develop continuity within the club. The Mad River Method will benefit players as they develop because each coach will be able to build on the skills taught in the previous year. By focusing on technical and tactical skills all Mad River players will be equipped to play at any level.”

Connors has spent the past two years as an assistant coach for St. John Fisher College in Rochester NY and only this past fall relocated to Humboldt County. Starting in 2010, Connors is also an Assistant Coach for the Men's and Women's Soccer Team at Humboldt State University.

Having a well-trained coach lead the competitive soccer program will lead to great development among both the players and coaches. By bring new ideas and excitement to the club, having Coach Connors as our Director of Coaching is a step forward and will lead to only greater successes in the future!

Current assignment:
2009/2010 Coaching Director
Fall 2010 - Mad River United U14B D1
Spring 2010 - Mad River United U14B

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U10 G

What began as an assistant coach position for his son's U-8 team three years ago, Heath has continued to follow his son's youth soccer career. In 2006, he began coaching his first D3 U10 team. Heath has also coached U10 Futsol for the past three winter seasons for both his son and daughter. As a soccer player for nine years in his youth, Heath now finds plenty of enjoyment and relaxation passing down his own soccer-playing skills through coaching.

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 - U12 Boys, Division 3

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U14 G

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U10 G

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U14 G

“Soccer has been a major part of my life. I have played soccer throughout my entire childhood in Brazil and when I came to the United States, I wanted to share the love and the passion of soccer with the youth of our community. I have coached numerous soccer teams for the past 30+ years. I am extremely dedicated and very competitive and I like to pass these two qualities on to the players I coach. I love watching them develop in the basic soccer skills and fundamentals of soccer and utilize what I have taught them to become great players.”

Licenses: E/D and Hoek Method Level Two

Joe’s Mad River United teams have taken first place on numerous occasions in the Rogue Valley, Oregon League, and Redwood Classic during his tenure.

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 - Arcata High Women's Varsity Coach
Fall 2010 - Mad River United U12G D3
Spring 2010 - Mad River United U10G

"I have been coaching soccer for 9 years all at MRYSL. I hold pre f, f,e,and d soccer coaching licences."

“Prepare relentlessly, surround yourself with great players, under promise and over deliver, be loyal to you team, study-learn-and teach, be in action, challenge yourself, be completive, have a passion, and most of all have fun!”

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U12G D3
Spring 2010 U10G

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U10 B

Trel Mangarin is a four year letter winner at Humboldt State University. Final season - Fall 2008.

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U14B D3

Sarah is a Kinesiology major at HSU and an important part of the team's midfield. After battling two seasons with knee injuries she was a regular starter in the Fall 2008 and one of only 5 players to start all 20 matches in the 2009 season. Honored as a CCAA All-Academic Award winner … made 19 starts in 20 appearances in 2008.

Current assignment:
Spring 2010 U12G

My name is Tim Olson and I am looking forward to coaching the team next year. I am an Arcata native and played youth soccer in Arcata, travel team for Santa Rosa United (back in my day there was no competitive soccer teams in Humboldt Country, much less U16 or U18), at Arcata High School and at Humboldt State. I was lucky to have good coaches while growing up and I am very excited for the opportunity to give back to the community and to be able to share my knowledge and love of the game with your son. I have some experience coaching. I worked at Redwood Soccer Camps from high school through college; I coached Eureka High School Boys Varsity Team for nine years and have coached my two son’s teams for the past two years. I hold a National “D” Coaching license. This is a great age to work with and I think it will be a fun and educational experience.

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U10 Boys

"I started coaching soccer at the U8 to U14 levels several years ago. But, my interest and knowledge of soccer started at age 4 in Canada when I was introduced to the game. I continued to play soccer and other competitive sports into my mid-twenties, competing in National, Pan-American and World Championship events. I have also coached and/or mentored young athletes in several sports, some of which have gone on to be national and world champions.

I enjoy utilizing soccer as a teaching tool to develop self confidence, self-awareness and individual creativity in a competitive, team-based environment. My hope is that together we will create and experience memorable moments that these players will carry with them for the rest of their lives." (E license)

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U14B D1

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U12 B

"Coaching is my chance to interact with young people and their parents. It�s always been fun for me to share what I understand with others and to learn more from everyone. As I mature I find it refreshing to deal with the younger crowd. You could even say it awakens the child in me.

�My fascination with the game of soccer began in 1968. I have been coaching and studying the game non stop since 1973. I have a degree in Physical Education, a Masters in Physical Education, a California teaching credential, and a USSF National C Soccer Coaching license.

�I expect my players to play as hard and as best they can in practice and during the game. They must respect their teammates, referees, and coaches. I want my players to learn the game of soccer in a safe, comfortable environment. Most of all I want them to enjoy the beautiful game.�

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U10B
Spring 2010 U10B

Current assignment:
Fall 2010 U12B