Testimonials - What Parents have Said
Hi Bav,
The girls loved the soccer camp and Claudia said ‘Please dad, please can we do the summer camp’ - this NEVER happens. The staff were professional and definitely kept the girls entertained for the whole of the weeklong camp.
If we can fit it into our summer schedule (it looks as though we might
have a conflicting arrangement) we will definitely sign them up!
Thanks,
Ekelund Family
From Ronnie Ekelund, Assistant Coach, San Jose Earthquakes,
Dear Bav,
I believe that you are an amazing coach. You have given me so much support and guidance, making me a better player throughout the years.
Best Wishes,
Mahala
Bav,
Just a quick email to thank you for letting us film at your camp this morning. Alycen, the woman from Liberty Mutual's marketing team, kept saying what a great coach she thinks you are. She loved the way you offered feedback to your players during the scrimmage.
Coach "G" also did a wonderful job, so please thank her for me as well.
Thank you for going above and beyond to support PCA. You run a wonderful camp, and all of the kids there are lucky to be coached by you and your talented staff. When I have kids, I plan to send them to your camp!
Tina Syer
Associate Director
Positive Coaching Alliance
1004B O'Reilly Ave.
San Francisco, CA. 94129
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Phone: (415) 202-0905
Fax: (415) 202-0716
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Honor The Game!
Dear sir,
I wanted to drop you a quick note regarding the spring break soccer camp that my sons (aged 9 & 10) attended last week – run by Bav Thakrar and his company West Coach Coaching
One of my boys is a recreational player …. The other plays competitive soccer for DeAnza Force, and I put them into the camp based on recommendations I had from other parents.
I have to say that the boys both thoroughly enjoyed the entire week, loving every minute. Over and above their enjoyment I was impressed how quickly the coaching staff were able to evaluate them, putting them into groups that matched their skill level, and then worked with them on new tactics & skills to improve their overall touch and awareness of play.
I cannot speak highly enough of Bav and his coaching staff and would highly recommend his camp to any parents looking to improve their child’s skills, awareness and (most importantly) enthusiasm for soccer.
I’ll definitely be signing them up for the next camp
Yours faithfully
Tony Craythorne
Director, WW Channel Sales
Thank you Bav!
Natalie had such a GREAT time with you guys and learned a lot of new moves!!! We will definitely be back next year- I only wish we were in town to do another camp in Los Gatos but we'll be away in Tahoe!
Thanks again!!!
Alicia Ahmadzadeh
Hi there,
just cleaning up my desk and found the form for the soccer camp held this past summer at PA Walsh school July 30-Aug 3rd. It was a wonderful camp and the leaders were fantastic. I do hope we see this camp continue in our area!!
Thanks,
Cindy Reichle
Bav,
I'm one of the coaches (the shorter one) of the SC Sharks, the U10 team you played last Saturday. I also believe I met you at one of our PCA coach workshops you led - this September perhaps. So I wanted to contact you to both applaud you on how well you coach your team, and that I left feeling badly about the amount of directing my players that I did. You were a true example of the PCA model, both in letting your players play, and in sandwiching your comments with real positive feedback. In this game, I did not evoke that model and was often calling my players back to defend. I did feel then and now, your team is one of the strongest we played and the score did not reflect the quality and strength of play by the Pumas. It was poor of me to constantly yell for my midfielders to come back - I could have subbed them out to talk with them, or just let them play and experience the consequences of their actions (or inactions!) I'll certainly try to address this aspect of play better next practice. I do believe in the idea that practice is our time to coach and games are mainly to observe, though I didn't near live up to that last Saturday. In any case, I admire your sideline coaching style, and I will take this lesson with me to District Cup.
Thank you for your contributions to the game,
Tony Sloss
Thank you Bav.
And you have been the BEST coach Jessica has had in all her years playing soccer. I sincerely mean that! Thank you for all you have done - we will miss this team!
Thank you, again,
Julie
Bav:
I heard tremendous things about your coaching on film. Can't wait to see it. You (and your assistant, who I hear was also terrific) are going to be immortalized on celluloid! Thank you for all the ways you help the PCA movement.
--Jim
Jim Thompson, Executive Director
Positive Coaching Alliance
Stanford University Department of Athletics
Stanford, CA 94305-6150
866-725-0024 (Toll Free)
650-354-0909 (Direct)
650-739-0270 (Fax)
To: LGUSL
I just have to write to let you all know how much my two kids enjoyed Coach Bav's West Coast Coaching soccer camp last week.
My husband and I are very pleased with the results of the camp. My son Ian is not the most enthusiastic soccer player, but he came home from Coach Bav's camp very excited and enthusiastic about the game of soccer and the new skills he was learning. My other son, Evan, who is already enthusiastic about soccer, has increased his excitement for the game and has obviously learned a great deal about soccer skills as well as an increased positive attitude about being a part of a team.
I am impressed with the level of energy that Coach Bav gives to the kids at his camp. He has an obvious love for the game of soccer and manages to give that to the kids. My kids came home from camp discussing excellent qualities that they had learned from Coach Bav. I will definitely put my kids into the West Coast Coaching Camp again in the future. And, as I said to Coach Bav, I wish that he could be my children's soccer coach all the time.
Thanks for providing us with the opportunity to participate in the West Coast Coaching Soccer Camp.
Vicki Dulchinos
To: Central Santa Clara Valley Youth Soccer Board members
Regarding: Letter of Recommendation for Bav Thakrar and West Coast Coaching
I am writing this letter to the CVYSL Board in order to provide you some input, feedback, and insight on Bav Thakrar and the West Coast Coaching clinics he provides youth soccer players in the South Bay. For the past two summers, my son, and several of his teammates and friends on the CV Gunners ’96 White team have participated in Bav’s summer camps. From my personal observations and from feedback with the boys and their parents, I can tell you that these clinics/camps have been both thoroughly enjoyable and have enhanced their soccer skills. Not only does he share his broad soccer knowledge during these camps, he also provides excellent exercises that develop foot skills and teamwork. All the while, Bav reinforces teamwork, good sportsmanship, honoring the game, honoring your opponents, and the officials. As a pupil of Bav’s during a recent PCA clinic, it is refreshing to see how he “walks the talk.”
Bav brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, patience, skill, knowledge, and also an excellent staff to these camps.
I spoke with other Gunners coaches whose sons attended these camps last summer (one sent three of his sons) and they enthusiastically wanted me to endorse Bav (personally) and his summer camps. I first crossed paths with Bav when my daughter’s team, the CV Revolution Blue, played a team he trained (the Los Gatos Mt. Lions).
I again met up with him during one of the PCA clinics. For the past year, we have been competitors in the Class 3 U11B division.
I can tell you that his teams are always prepared, very skilled, and our interactions as opponents have always been enjoyable.
He is very positive and encouraging to both his players and mine. I value the relationship and camaraderie we have developed and can only say that I whole-heartedly endorse Bav as a coach, as a trainer, and his soccer clinics and summer camps.
Regards,
David Brown
CV Gunners ’96 White
Also, on behalf of Glenn Perea
CV Gunners ’96 Blue (head coach)
Dear SSJYSL Board,
My son, Owen, recently finished the summer soccer camp with SSJYSL and West Coast Coaching. Last year was his first experience with organized soccer and this was his first summer soccer camp. We were thoroughly impressed with Coach Bav and his staff whose enthusiasm never waivered, even in the extreme heat we experienced. The kids played a variety of games and drills to learn and practice skills and even had a silly t-shirt contest, a funny joke contest and ended camp with a family fun day.Coach Bav made the camp fun and enjoyable while also teaching fundamentals of soccer. Most impressive was the way he communicated with the children (and parents) in an enthusiastic and positive manner. I would highly recommend this soccer camp for others. My son looks forward to attending again next summer.
Sincerely,
Jill Leipelt
One word to describe our experience with West Coast Coaching - “WOW”!
Our son and daughter attended the soccer camp this week (August 20-24) at 9AM. Both our children have attended other soccer camps and nothing compares to West Coach Coaching. Bav and his team are fabulous, fun, professional and great to work with.
Our kids would come home everyday happy and excited to be playing soccer. Not only did they learn new soccer skills, but the coaches taught them how to be a good team player and show respect for the game. We have told everyone about the camp and we are excited to attend next summer. Our kids even asked us when is the next time they go to camp. How exciting!
Thank you of the opportunity to say how thankful we are for West Coast Coaching.
Regards,
-Susan and Brian Stanton
Hi Bav-
I am so sorry I haven't written you back sooner!
We have been slammed with this Liberty project.
The site is about to launch next week so I'll keep you posted.
Your video is great and really adds impact to the site so thank you again for your involvement. You are quite the superstar :) Hope you are well!
Take care,
Paige
Paige Dunn
Corporate Alliances
Positive Coaching Alliance
1004B O'Reilly Ave.
San Francisco, CA. 94129
Email: paige_dunn@positivecoach.org
Phone: 415.730.1498
Fax: 415.276.1808
Honor The Game!
Hi Bav,
I just wanted to thank you for being such an awesomecoach for Eric. You are truly the best and you havehelped Eric SO much!!! I know that he will alwaysthink of you as his coach. He had agreat time at the tournament and wow, he loved gettingthe trophy. That was sure thoughtful of the wholeteam and you!!!! It will be a treasured memory!I am just bummed that I wasn't there to take in all ofthe fun also!
Thanks again for everything,
Michelle
Los Gatos Youth Soccer League
We just wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the West Coast Summer Soccer Camps.
We had two children, Kate and Cameron Cilley, participate in the camp the week of Aug. 13-17th..
Our daughter, Kate, has never played soccer before and she absolutely loved the camp, the drills, the
scrimmages, the sportsmanship etc. We are so glad that we had her participate in this camp because
now she is very excited to play soccer in the fall.
Our son also thoroughly enjoyed the cams. He loved all of his coaches and had a smile of his
face each and every day. Coach Bav has a great disposition and instills a true sense of sportsmanship
and respect in all players.
Thank you so much for offering this camp.
Kim Cilley
I have to say that you are an awesome coach. I havetalked with several people lately and we all totallyagree what a great coach you are both in soccer andwith the life lessons. Keep up the great work andthanks again.
Michelle
What fellow Positive Coaching Alliance instructors like to say about when they spend a week with us,
Just a note of confidence for Bav Thakar and his West Coast Coaching camps.
Having met Bav in my role as mentor trainer for the Positive Coaching Alliance I was instantly impressed with Bav's _teachable spirit_ and more than impressed with his extensive football background. To his credit he quickly embraced the PCA culture and has since become fully certified to lead PCA workshops throughout the Bay Area.
Early last summer I was invited to serve as a guest trainer during a Los Gatos session of WCC Soccer Camp. Bav was kind enough to also invite my U-12 son and together we had a great experience. What I noted in particular was how all the kids so wanted to please him and the WCC staff: by showing off their new technical skills; through their team performances during the Mini World Cup; and by learning and reciting many of the PCA principles throughout the course of the week long session.
As you both know - the truest measure our succeess as youth sports volunteers is reflected in the number of smiles witnessed during training and competition. I'm certain Bav and his crew can deliver high quality instruction in a caring, fun and engaging manner.
Be Well,
Edward Jonathans
Founder
http://im.bragbox.com/
im@bragbox.com
408.426-0130 mbl
Coach Danny from WCC is perfect. John's even knows Danny by name, this is big for him, he has my name disability.
Today at pick up he said, "Danny will be my coach from now on!" I'm not quite sure what he meant but he was happy.
On West Coast Coaching.....
"...your reputation however precedes you. I heard your name mentioned several times with respect from other parents during soccer this fall. Your enthusiasm for the game and patience with the kids comes through. Take care and we also look forward to meeting you."
Mary Billingsley
"Bav, We were very happy to hear that you will be coaching this year. We appreciated all your efforts and help with both Jason and the team last year. He enjoyed playing for you and we thought you were excellent with the kids"
Thank you,
Curt and Faustine Comstock
Bav-
It was a pleasure meeting you. Wish you were in DC instead of on theWest Coast.
I believe you have a special talent as a trainer. You are quick onyour feet, eloquent, and relate well to an audience.
Looking forward to seeing you next year.
Bobby Moran
Positive Coaching Alliance Lead Trainer
Stanford University, East Coast Divison
"I know Chase will be very interested in attending your camps to get the superior coaching you provide".
John Bunce, 2006
For the record, Gabe is loving every moment of his soccer experience. Based on the principled coaching, enthusiastic parent support and the great player attitudes, the PUMAS are the true winners at every single game!
Two quick stories that say so much . . .
1. On the drive home after losing to Morgan Hill, Gabe said, “If I were on that team, I might as well just quit playing soccer.” When I asked him why, he explained that he would never want to play for a coach that treated players badly.
2. As we were leaving the field on Sunday, I asked Gabe how he enjoyed the game. He replied, “It was great!” I wanted to know what made it great, so he explained one of the plays in which he did something-or-other and how much fun he had doing it.
Gabe loves soccer, and his comments reinforce that what really matters to him is having a blast and being encouraged. Thanks to you, this happens every time the PUMAS are together. And, in case it doesn’t carry to the other side of the field, your definition of winner is echoed by the PUMAS cheering section during each game!
Your positive attitude and actions make a difference on and off the field. Gabe is thrilled about developing his soccer skills. But, more importantly, I am confident he is building integrity, ethics and values that will last a lifetime.
We appreciated all your efforts and help with both Jason and the team last year. He enjoyed playing for you and we thought you were excellent with the kids.
Thank you, Curt and Faustine Comstock
Hello Coach Bav,
....................................your camp was by far the highlight of his summer activities. He cried when we left after saying goodbye to you. That’s saying a great deal for him and I so appreciate the experience and the way you and the gang ran things. I’ve written the board members and told them as much. Please let me know if there are any upcoming opportunities, my mobile and email are the best way to reach me, otherwise, have a wonderful remainder of your summer and take care. Thanks for everything,
Livia
...wanted to say thanks for talking to my son about respect. He definitely respects you, and I know your support and words of encouragement about his behavior choices mean a lot! Thanks for putting the kids above the game. I talked about your unique approach and he recognizes how fortunate he is to have a coach who cares.
Deb
Coach Ed from West Coast Coaching is amiable and outgoing and quickly hit it off with the boys.My son has been to San Jose Earthquakes games andno doubt Coach Ed's connection with that team helped my son appreciate him as the real deal.
Coach Ed was on time and prepared at each session. The drills looked to be fun and varied. It was great to have the opportunity for my son to get personalized coaching. I know he was working harder with Coach Ed than at any of his games and practices because he's never drank his big water bottle empty before!
June Madsen Clausen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
USF Department of Psychology
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Big thanks to all of you who work to make West Coast Coaching such a fantastic soccer skills camp experience for our children. My little guy Jake was completely captivated by all of the coaches and was excited to go back to camp every day which is more than I expected. He picked up a few new skills but beyond that, he seemed to really grasp the true meaning of camaraderie and team spirit. We hope that he will continue to feel as inspired about soccer in the Fall and we look forward to signing him up again for West Coach Coaching Soccer Camp next summer. An extra special thanks to Coach Bhav for his understanding of my son’s ambitious spirit and for allowing him to play with the bid dogs even though his skills weren’t quite up to their speed. We appreciate you and hope to see you again at the next camp.
Best regards,
The Grissom Family
my two children, finnegan 6 (almost 7) and stella 4 (almost 5), just finished our first west coast coaching soccer camp. now, before i go on, i have to tell you that i too attended soccer camp. stella, my little one, has never been to a camp before and simply went to pieces on the first day when i left. therefore, we decided that i would stay and she would play. as a result, it was my fate to watch all three hours of camp for four of the five days.
what i saw in those days were happy kids having great fun learning soccer in a very organic and easy way with coaches that possessed a great ease and spirit of play. however, coupled with this levity was quiet command of keeping the kids focused and in line. i also found the camp to be organized and well run.
specifically, my daughter had coach adam and my son had coach matt. stella was not easy and many times wanted to sit out and not participate. however, each day adam tried his very best to lure her back and get her involved - often times with great success. others would have likely given up, especially knowing that i was there trying to urge her on. as for coach matt, he was just splendid for this age group. finnegan wants to have fun, be he really really wants to learn as well. i believe this is true for most of the boys in this age group. matt was easy and light with them, but gave a clear sense of purpose and skill that the boys were drawn to; you could see it. finnegan was thrilled and could not wait to get back to camp the next day.
bav, of course, is a delight and gave the entire camp a wonderful tone.
we were thrilled with the camp and as long as the kids continue to have an interest in soccer, we will be back again each summer. many thanks for making it possible to bring this camp to morgan hill.
with kind regards,
kristin mcginn-straub
Coach Bav:
Thank you very much for a great week. Ella loved the camp (as you could tell by the smiles) and had so many wonderful things to say about the coaches. She shared several thoughts with me about playing for the enjoyment of the game vs. winning and how important it was to have fun. Clearly the messages you shared got through!! She is looking forward to soccer season in the fall and we hope she can join your camp next summer. We are off to vacation so she will miss camp tomorrow. Thank you again for putting on a quality camp with excellent coaches!!
Denise Ward
Coach Bav,
Thanks for the update, Unfortunately Dakota picked up fever and intense cough and will not be there to complete camp. She is very sad and really wants to be there. She does have a tournament this weekend and we want her healthy! So if you need me to fill out the questionnaire just email it to me. Again Dakota did have a lot fun and like being the “Big Man on Campus” with her contributions! Thanks for making a difference in the soccer world!