From local youth soccer player, to parent-coach and Land Park Soccer Club (LPSC) board member – this month’s Youth Club Partnership Coach of the Month is Angus Chang. He has coached for the club for 13 years – notably carrying on the team name “Killer Rabbits” for many years – and has served on the board for the past 12.
“Coach Angus doesn’t even have kids in the club anymore, he does this because he loves coaching,” said LPSP President Sam Lamb. “He’s always there when I need help with something and has been a great mentor for other coaches, including myself.”
Before he gets the ultimate VIP experience, including an on-field recognition, on September 20, get to know a little bit more about this month’s honoree.
How did you get into soccer and coaching?
I grew up in Sacramento, playing rec soccer for Rosemont Soccer Club and later for Jesuit High School. It wasn’t until my two kids began playing that I got into coaching, but eventually my son decided not to play anymore and my daughter started playing competitively. So I started coaching teams I didn’t have kids on, and have gone on to coach multiple teams over the years. The very first team I coached without one of my kids on the roaster started at U8 and just recently aged out at U19.
What’s your favorite part about being a coach?
Getting to know the players and parents. I’ve been lucky enough to get to see a lot of my players go from tiny little 6 & 7 year old soccer players to grow up to be great young adults. Even on the team that I coached from U8 to U19, I had two players that were on the team every season.
What is the most challenging part about being a coach?
I think one of the most challenging parts of being a recreational coach is to be able to make the game accessible to players with different abilities and skills, all while playing on the same team. It can also be challenging to be able to relay certain concepts to the younger age groups.
What is your biggest goal as a coach?
For me, the biggest goal as a coach is to have all my players return to play the next year. It’s a bonus if they learn a little about soccer or get a little more fit along the way.
What is your hope for youth soccer in Sacramento?
I would love to have a game and culture that is accessible to everyone that wants to play no matter their economic situation. It would also be nice to have more and better facilities in the heart of the city.
