"BE PATIENT–SKILLS TAKE TIME"

Meet our U7 and U8 Coach Ousmane Diaby, a strong motivator who believes working hard always reaps rewards.

Hometown:

Brooklyn, NY

Coaching Credentials:

D License, United States Soccer Federation (USSF)

FAVORITE SOCCER PLAYER OF ALL TIME:

Cristiano Ronaldo

FAVORITE TEAM:

Chelsea FC

FAVORITE MOVE/DRIBBLE:

The Stepover and Inside/Outside: ⤵️

FAVORITE FOOD:

Pizza

When and how did you start to play soccer and/or futsal?

I started playing soccer when I was 7. I loved the game. I always liked to dribble and score goals.

Why did you decide to become a coach?

I decided to become a coach after coming out of college. I like helping kids who want to improve their skills.

What is the #1 thing you strive to teach your students?

The #1 thing I tell my students is to stay positive and patient. The more they work on their skills, the more they will get better and better, but that takes time.

What is the #1 thing parents can do to help their kids learn soccer and futsal?

Whenever there’s no practice, parents should go outside with their children and practice with them.

If I were in charge of FIFA I would…

If I were in charge of FIFA….I would change the pay-to-play system. There are so many kids out there who want a chance to play, but because of the pay-to-play system in America, it’s difficult here for them to get a chance to shine

Who inspires you?

Growing up, Cristiano Ronaldo was the player I always admired. His ability to work hard. His determination and not allowing anybody to get in his way. He got where he is now because he surrounded himself with people who wanted to see him succeed.

COACH OUSMANE’s WORDS OF WISDOM ABOUT DETERMINATION and A Passion foR THe gAME:

As you get older you’re going to experience different things, hardship after hardship. Soccer is not an easy sport to play. There is always someone out there who is better than you. So you have to stay focused and confident to keep moving forward.

Sometimes it’s ok if you don’t make it. You still gain a lot from trying. An Arsenal legend was asked, “What would you do if you didn’t become a professional footballer?” He said: “An amateur footballer”."

Photo credits: Cristiano Ronaldo photo, Ludovic Péron, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Meet Coach Ousmane