The first thing you notice when watching Bo Finnegan coach a session is the fun the players are having.  Everyone can’t wait to get into the next activity, including the coach himself.

 For 10 years Bo has been involved with the Far Post Soccer Club, primarily coaching at the youth level because, as he says, “that’s where the joy of the game is most visible and the greatest learning takes place.”

 Since 2003, Bo has coached both the boys and girls U-10 teams.  One of the things he enjoys most about the U-10 program is creating an atmosphere where players are not afraid to try new things.  Part of this is the philosophy of the U-10 program, which asks 4 things from the player.  

• Have fun
• Don’t worry about the score (every game is a friendly and ends 0-0!)
• Try and play good soccer (things we have worked on in training)          
• Try your best

 Bo is one of the few coaches at Far Post with both his youth coaching license from The US Soccer Association and his National Coaching license.  However, Bo credits his two mentors, the late Billy Kohlasch and former club director Charlie Amblo, for showing him the methodology to engage players.  As a coach he has learned players respond better if you ask them questions, such as, what is the best surface to pass the ball with? Why? Or where do you want to put your non-kicking foot when you pass?   Players respond and interact at Bo’s training sessions and as a result become better soccer learners.

 Bo keeps himself busy off the soccer pitch as well.  He recently completed his Master’s Degree in Administration and Management, with a Human Resource focus, from St. Michael’s College.  He has also started an exciting new job as the HR Manager at The Stern Center for Language and Learning.  The Stern Center for Language and Learning is a non-profit educational resource, which evaluates learning differences, provides direct service to learners, and develops professional skills of educators and literacy professionals.  Bo’s new position is a key cog in the organization as he is responsible for employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, and recruitment for the 65+ employees.  Bo is excited to be a part of another organization that has such a positive impact on the Vermont community.

 Reflecting back on his experiences at Far Post, one of the most enjoyable experiences he had occurred last winter.  He was playing on a Futsal team on which he had coached 5 out of the 6 players.  Bo says, “it’s quite a feeling knowing part of the reason I was having so much fun playing this winter was because I had helped grow the love of soccer in these players and now, some 10+ years later, they are having just as much just fun playing the game as they did when they were young.  It’s was kind of like my coaching efforts had come full circle, as I got to see some of the next generation of players and hopefully in the upcoming years some of them will start coaching and I will have the opportunity to pass on the learnings from Billy and Charlie to the next generation.”

 In talking about the future of Far Post with Bo, the only thing which could drag him away from the club is if he gets drafted by the Boston Bruins this summer!  Let's all hope that soccer will continue to rule over hockey and many more generations will enjoy a coach who generates fun, laughs, and teaches the game of soccer.  

 Click here for information on Far Post's U10 Travel Team Program!