Coaches Corner -
Patrick Stutt
Patrick Stutt “Coach Pat” hails from Doncaster, England. He’s been playing soccer since the age of seven. Pat came to the United States in 2014 to pursue his college degree at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri. He graduated with degree in Physical Education and Health in 2018.
Pat played fullback for Culver-Stockton College in Missouri from 2014-2018. In 2014, the Culver-Stockton College team qualified for and played in the HEART OF AMERICA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP. It was the college’s most successful season in the school’s history! During his college career, Pat played in 67 collegiate games. He achieved seven assists and three goals. Pat also ran track his junior year, breaking the 800m school record!
Pat began playing semi-professionally at the age of 17 for Retford United, FC, in England. Pat stills plays semi-pro whenever he goes home. Over the Christmas 2018 break, Pat played for FC Bolsover before returning to North Carolina for the spring soccer season.
Fun facts about Pat...He is a “massive” Sheffield United, FC supporter and a devoted fan of the 90's rock band
OASIS
.
Enjoy the brief Q+A below with Coach Pat. If you don't know him already, you'll soon discover that he is a confident, successful, young coach with a clear passion for the game. We are luckily to have a fellow of his quality on board here at Velocity.
Q: What is your coaching philosophy?
A:
Train like you play. If I see players putting 100% work rate and showing heart and good effort in practice I know they will go out and perform like that during games. I love seeing players who are passionate and have desire to play, something that cannot be taught. One of my favorite quotes is from Coach K
(Mike Krzyzewski,
Duke Basketball)
. "I'd take a 2-Star Recruit with a 5-Star Work Ethic than a 5-Star Recruit with a 2-Star Work Ethic any day."
Having fun is also a massive part of my philosophy, kids play better and work harder when they are enjoying their soccer and surrounded by a good environment. Soccer is a tough sport and if you are not prepared to work hard and put passion into your game, whatever your goals may be, you will struggle to achieve them.
Q: Why did you decide to become a coach?
A:
I decided to become a coach because I wanted to give something back to a sport that has done so much for me in my life. I also love seeing young kids achieve goals and see development, whether it is off the field or on. Seeing a player improve and strive towards goals is very rewarding. I wanted to coach because I want to be the kind of influence that helps kids, the same kind of influence I had when I was a kid.
Q: As a young child, what did you love most about soccer?
A:
I just loved getting out there and playing. Everyday I would try and kick a ball about. That's all I ever wanted to do. That's how it works in England and especially when I was growing up. Kids were outside more and it was the norm to go and play. My hometown is very working-class and isn't the most glamorous and football was a way of keeping out of trouble and escaping from reality for a little while.
I would play with absolutely anyone and go absolutely anywhere to train or participate in a game/session. I remember playing with lads 4 or 5 years older than me and getting kicked all over, but I absolutely loved it. It is what it’s all about.
Q: What advice would you give to Carolina Velocity F.C. players?
A:
Enjoy the moment. I would love to be that age again playing soccer for a club like Carolina Velocity getting coached by coaches who love and have a passion for the game. Every practice and game hold yourself to a good high standard. Leave everything out there on the field. Whenever I played, I didn't notice how good an opponent was, I just focused on me working harder than them.
Q: What’s the best thing about Carolina Velocity, F.C.?
A:
It feels like one big family. It is great seeing the players turn up to practice with a smile on their face ready to play. Us coaches love coaching these players and everyone knows everyone and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.
Q: What makes Sheffield United, FC a good football club to root for?
A:
Sheffield United's head coach, Chris Wilder, is from Sheffield and their captain and record goal-scorer, Billy Sharp, is also from Sheffield. The whole club knows what it means to be Sheffield United and to play with passion and pride.
We were recently promoted to the English Premier League and we did it on one of the lowest budgets in the league. That’s no coincidence, because the players the manager brought in were chosen based on work ethic and not price tags. This goes back to what I said about players putting in 100%. Coaches love seeing it, and those players are rewarded.
Q. Last question. As an
OASIS
fan, w
ho is your favorite Gallagher
brother? And why?
A:
Now that is a tough one! I love Noel, but I would have to say Liam. He has the swagger, charisma, and you know he is truly in it for the fans. I was never lucky enough to see Oasis live before they split, but I have seen both Noel and Liam solo and they were equally unbelievable. For any youngsters reading this, I would recommend giving Oasis a listen. Proper music!!