Spotlight on Coach Charles Howard

 

At Radnor Soccer Club, our coaches are the heart of our community, shaping young athletes both on and off the field. This month, we’re highlighting a coach that will be joining RSC in 2026, Coach Charles Howard.

A dedicated and passionate leader who has been coaching youth soccer for 11 years, Coach Howard’s commitment to player development, teamwork, and love for the game makes a lasting impact on his players.

 

Finding Joy in Coaching

For Coach Howard, coaching is about more than just winning games. “The joy of seeing young athletes grow in confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop a love for the game is what I love most,” he shares.

Whether it’s teaching new skills or witnessing the excitement of a well-earned victory, coaching has been an incredibly rewarding experience for him.

 

Adapting to Challenges

Every season brings its own challenges, and this year was no different. Due to player promotion this year, Coach Howard had to adjust his team’s strategy, shifting from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 formation. “Initially, we struggled,” he admits, “but after several weeks of training, we found success.”

This transition not only strengthened the team’s tactical flexibility but also reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability.

 

A Coaching Moment to Remember

One of Coach Howard’s most memorable experiences was working one-on-one with a defensive midfielder as part of his USSF “B” License course. By focusing on ball control, positioning, and field awareness, he helped the player elevate his game and gain confidence. “As a former defensive midfielder myself, I was able to provide valuable insights,” he explains.

The success of this Player Development Plan has inspired him to continue personalized training throughout the season.

 

Advice for Young Players

Coach Howard encourages young players to focus on enjoyment rather than competition too early. “Develop a love for the game first. Prioritize learning the fundamentals and building a strong foundation through consistent practice and play.”

 

Why Radnor Soccer Club?

The club’s values, mission, and philosophy drew Coach Howard to Radnor Soccer Club. “My goal is to help players develop a passion for the game in a positive and safe environment,” he says. His coaching philosophy—focused on player development, positive coaching, team culture, and goal setting—aligns perfectly with the club’s core beliefs.

 

From Player to Coach

A lifelong soccer player, Coach Howard once dreamed of playing professionally. After college, he pursued opportunities with USL teams but ultimately turned to coaching to stay connected to the sport he loves. “Mentoring, having a positive impact, and sharing my experiences with players have been key factors in my success as a coach.”

 

Supporting Young Athletes

Coach Howard offers valuable advice for parents:

• Do encourage fun and sportsmanship
• Do support from the sidelines
• Do celebrate progress, not just results
• Don’t coach from the sidelines
• Avoid pressuring for performance
• Never compare your child to others as every child develops at their own pace

At the end of the day, it’s about helping young athletes grow, learn, and love the game. We’re lucky to have Coach Howard on our Radnor Soccer Club coaching team!

 

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Do you know of someone that would make a great focus for a future edition of our Spotlight feature? If so, send us an email to nominate them! We love to promote the positive impact our club has had on players, coaches, parents and everyone else in the RSC community and beyond.