The U13/14 Boys team at the USL Experience this April in Birmingham, Alabama will have the chance to learn from one of the top coaches in Super Y League. Luis Rodriguez will use his many years of experience as both a player and a coach to mentor young players as they gain an inside look at the lives of professional soccer players. Learn more about Luis in our Q&A with him below!

Q: How long have you been coaching in Super Y League?

A: “I have been involved with Maryland Rush Montgomery in Super Y for two years now. Next season, I will be part of Next Level Soccer, a new club joining the league.”

Q: What is your background in soccer before Super Y?

A: “I have been coaching soccer for over 30 years now at all different levels, from tots classes to high school teams. I grew up playing soccer in Maryland and Honduras, where I was in the training squad for Marathon CF in San Pedro at the age of 17, right before I had a serious injury that held me back from playing. After that, I came back to the State where I started my coaching career.”

Q: What is unique about your coaching methods and the way you approach the game?

A: “I try to make a fun atmosphere for every practice and game. Unlike American football, which uses mostly set plays and demands far fewer individual decisions on the part of players during a game, soccer has few set plays and demands hundreds of individual decisions on the part of players. Accordingly, coaching should focus on fundamentals (like ball skills) and decision-making tactics. Good fundamentals are maximized by using as many activities as possible with each player working with a ball. Good decision-making is maximized by using as many activities as possible with small groups. Scrimmaging is fun and puts the whole game together. All players are expected to learn all skills and positions.”

Q: Do you have a coach that you admire or try to emulate?

“I really like the Barcelona style of play -- possession style, combinations, and just working together as a unit and not depending on an individual to create plays. I love what Johan Cruyff did with Barcelona and also Pep Guardiola.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about coaching at the USL Experience?

A: “I’m really excited to be at the USL Experience. I’m really honored to be able to coach a group of talented future prospects, whether in training or directing a game. Just to have the opportunity to be there is awesome.”