We are excited to feature our Director of Activities and Classic Teams, Coach Ian Stowe in our Staff Spotlight this month! In addition to Ian's role as a Director, he coaches our UI6 Magic Elite and U18/19 Mystx Elite teams. Ian is also the James River High School Girls Varsity Team coach.
Ian was first introduced to soccer when he was about seven years old. Ian played for FC Richmond Magic teams U9 through U18/19. When reflecting on his youth soccer experience, Ian says, “My team’s success varied year to year in terms of wins/losses, but we always made games interesting with our style of play and being able to feel free to try things and perform. Some of the best soccer I have ever played from individual and team perspectives comes from club soccer practices and games. I thoroughly enjoyed playing at William and Mary and guest playing for other clubs here and there, but my time with FC Richmond and the coaches I had over the years really helped me to think differently about the game."
Ian also enjoyed the actual “travel” aspect which included traveling to Florida twice at the age of 12, to Brazil at 15, and to Spain at 17. Those trips helped Ian learn to travel efficiently/safely, learn about other cultures, and embrace the soccer culture in different countries.
When asked what was most impactful as a youth player, Ian said “What was most impactful to me as an FC Richmond player was the quality and variety of the coaches who took time to educate me about the game from both a tactical/technical point of view and a mental/psychological one as well. I had some TOUGH coaches and I think that really helped to toughen me up and become mentally stronger than some of my peers elsewhere. The nitpicking of my individual play, the lessons on how to be a leader, and how to handle life’s curve balls thrown at me has been crucial in shaping me into who I am today. In addition, I think it is awesome that I have been able to return to the club and work/coach with some of those coaches such as Dave Amsler (my coach from U17-U19), Trip Ellis (my coach at U12, U14, and U17), and Mike Anderson (my high school coach from U15-U19)."
As a coach, Ian enjoys the moment when he see the players “get it” or when they are playing well and completely dominating a game with their style of play. He says, “There will clearly be ups and downs in the season, but it’s those moments as a coach when you can sit back seeing that the players have total control of the game and they get that experience of excitement and joy."
With such a busy schedule, Ian doesn’t have a lot of free time but when he does take a break from soccer, he enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly and their dog Sadie. They like to hike in Richmond on the Buttermilk, North Bank, and Forest Hill trails. They enjoy trying new restaurants, breweries, and cideries on our road trips for soccer or here in Richmond. Ian and Kelly are also very competitive so they play board games, cards, and even some video games. Ian also enjoys watching professional soccer, primarily Premier League and Bundesliga.
Ian shared some great advice to player in our club saying, “If I were to speak directly to players now, I would say to them that you should focus on taking a bigger responsibility on “owning” your youth career. The coaches you have during your time as a youth player are here to help guide, instruct, and mentor you along your path. We are not here to make decisions for you and you shouldn’t want that from us anyways. Take ownership in what you do at club training and games, at home, and anywhere else that may play a part in your development as a player and individual. Step onto the field and be ready to learn and compete like it's your last time playing in an environment like this. Time goes by quickly, so enjoy the moment and make the most of what you can do during your time with the club!"
