This week we are getting the opportunity to learn more about Classics Eagles U14 Girls Blaze. Coach Brad Barker, describes the team, his assistant coaches, and reviews the Fall season. Blaze has been a part of Classics Eagles for many years and it is fun to see how this group has grown over that time. We appreciate the players and families commitment to the team, and all the time and effort put in by the coaches. This is a group that is fun to watch play, and are driven to continue to improve individually and as a team. 

What is your favorite thing about coaching Team Blaze?  

The first thing that got me into coaching was my kids and being involved with them.  This still holds true now and helping them along with their teammates succeed, grow and compete is what motivates me to continue.  I still am in contact with players from my older team that has graduated.  Seeing them progress through school/sports and into adulthood is a satisfying feeling.  Definitely proud of how those girls have gone on and looking forward to my current team as the continue on.

How many years have you been coaching and working with kids?  Did you play soccer growing up?

I've been coaching 15 years.  I did play growing up.  I played up until high school which i kicked in high school but played football at that point.

Tell us about the other coaches helping you with the team?  

Tom joined the team this year and has been a great addition.  From the first time we talked to our first practice together he has a lot of energy and looks to work with the players to continue their growth and development in soccer.  Kailey has helped with my teams the last 7 years and she finally got her coaching license and has been a very valued part of the coaching staff.  She demonstrates skills, she participates in the scrimmages and she handles all the substitutions during the games.  Having played for me when she was younger she knows the expectations and works to instill that in the players.  The three of us work very well together.

How would describe the team's personality?  

I'd say this team is definitely a social group - probably a little more than is desired at times but they have gelled together quite well.  They work hard and play hard.  While we all want our kids teams to always excel, I think it's important for them to have fun together so finding that balance of the social side and competitive side is important.  We look to provide both on the team from doing stuff away from the game but together as friends.

What do you think makes this group of players special?  

This team has a desire to continually prove they are the team to beat.  They have never given up even in games that we were out matched.  For example our first tournament together we won our first two games.  Our third game we lost 6-0 to a premier level team that had been together for quite some time.  We turned around and played that team again for the championship and the score went down to 4-0.  Even though the score went down and appeared closer from that viewpoint, the way the girls played in the game showed that they were determined to show this team that they wouldn't just sit back and be an easy win.  They played quite a bit better and challenged every ball.  We were definitely proud of the girls for the determination the showed in this game.

What do you want them to accomplish/learn this year?  

Our initial season was definitely impressive.  We went to four tournaments and made it to the championship in all of them.  We ended up in second in all but the last.  This was a great accomplishment as our first season as a whole.  We added six players to the team this fall.  The entire team adjusted and our play has showed this.  I've already discussed with the players that their accomplishments were great but the expectations go up the following season.  The team needs to improve on what we did during the fall season.  This means they need to continue to grow as players and teammates.  They are realizing they are more successful together than individually. 

What has been the most memorable moment of the season so far?  

With all the good things they accomplished this year on the field, I think seeing them together at our tournament spaghetti dinner just having fun as 12/13 year old girls.  While they do great on the field together, seeing them as our kids just having fun is what makes it memorable. 

How do you spend your time when you are not coaching?  

I get about 2 months of no soccer activity during the year, this is when I get to spend more quality time with my wife yet still balancing other activities that the kids are doing.  We are definitely a family that seem to always be on the move.   

Who is your favorite soccer player? 

Julie Ertz  Favorite team?  USWNT - watching them is enjoyable as they play hard and never stop.

Describe Team Blaze in one word.  

Driven!