Kyle Martyn is senior girls’ academy director for the Ukrainian Nationals Soccer Club in Pennsylvania, the place where he grew up. Martyn played high school and college soccer in the state before going professional for a few years. 

Now, as a coach, he gets to give back to the game he says was such an integral part of his childhood.  

SCW caught up with Kyle at the United Soccer Coaches convention - coincidentally held in Pennsylvania, back in January - to talk about the importance of soccer for kids, how he creates a safe space at his club, and what it’s like coaching in your home state…

Hey coaches — quick heads-up. If your team’s moving up a format this season — maybe to 7v7, 9v9, or even 11v11 — it’s not just ‘more players. and bigger pitches’ The game changes. That’s why we’re running the Prepare Your Players for the Move series. On August 20 we’ve got the 7v7 Transition Masterclass, and on August 27 we’ll cover 9v9 and 11v11. You’ll get the formations, tactics and strategies you need to give your team the edge helping you win more games and develop better players. Just h