Coach Spotlight ft. Dakota Shelton
A new series where we feature our club coaches and take an in-depth look at their style of play, outlook on developing players and their goals for their teams this season. Through this series, you can take a closer look at the top-tier coaches who are focused on developing your athlete year round.
Dakota Shelton
This week, we focus on Girls coach Dakota Shelton who’s been with the club for 4 years. Dakota has received his National D License.
Teams
Riverside G04 Gold I G05 FC
Email: dshe611@lasierra.edu
The Interview
Dakota, what goals do you have for your teams this season?
“My goals for my teams would be to develop the players, help them grow in their love for the game and help them to achieve their goals as we grow each and every week.”
What is your approach to developing players?
“The approach I take with players is to help them develop in their technical ability, their soccer IQ, and create an environment where they are challenged each week as we pursue excellence.”
Is there a coach, professional or local, that you see as a role model or inspiration?
“To be honest my role model in coaching is my brother Shane. Shane also coaches for legends. I tell everyone that if I had a kid, I would have them play for Shane. He is great at developing sessions, relatable to the kids, and brings the right attitude to each and every interaction. He truly gets the most out of kids. I am constantly learning and growing from him.”
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed with what he’s done to bring a cohesive team together and also his focus on the development of the players and helping them when they’re ready to move onto the Academy level. He’s done a really good job with that. That seems like it’s the obvious move but when you’re pushing your best players onto the next level many times it means you’re sacrificing the results of your team.
He realizes that it’s ultimately about the players and their development and not the individual coach achievements.”
What is your preferred system or style of play?
“My preferred system of play is a 4-3-3. A few reasons is that it allows us to press up the field by initiating our defensive lines starting with our forwards. It also allows for us to utilize wide play offensively with a focus on creating byline runs, leading to crosses and hopefully some tap in goals. “
What is your approach to playing different positions?
“All players should be able to play and understand multiple positions. The reality is that if you are aware and understand how to play multiple positions, you can help each other out, you know what is expected from each other, and will lead to greater team success.”
What team building activities do you like?
“My favorite team building happens once a year around halloween. We have all of our teams at Legends Riverside dress up, we play games on the field, and then head across the street and eat pizza. The girls truly love this and its a great activity to help them grow and have fun. I believe girls are best when they are having fun, are happy, and healthy.”
If you had to pick one professional player for your athletes to study/watch highlights, who would it be?
“I would have my kids watch Mesut Ozil. He is my favorite player, what I enjoy most about him is that he is a team first player, works hard, and still has exciting and creative highlights to get the kids excited. I am huge on being about the team, working hard, doing your job, and giving your all every time you step on the field.”