Parents' Comments
Positive Comments about West Coast Coaching
From Ronnie Ekelund, Assistant Coach, San Jose Earthquakes,
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
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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
I believe that you are an amazing coach. You have
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
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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!
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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
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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
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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!!
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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
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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 c
amp 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
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To: Central Santa Clara Valley Youth Soccer Board members
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Regarding: Letter of Recommendation for Bav Thakrar and West Coast Coaching
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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.
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Regards,
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David Brown
CV Gunners ’96 White
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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 awesome
coach for Eric. You are truly the best and you have
helped Eric SO much!!! I know that he will always
think of you as his coach. He had a
great time at the tournament and wow, he loved getting
the trophy. That was sure thoughtful of the whole
team and you!!!! It will be a treasured memory!
I am just bummed that I wasn't there to take in all of
the fun also!
Thanks again for everything,
Michelle
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.
face each and every day. Coach Bav has a great disposition and instills a true sense of sportsmanship
and respect in all players.
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I have to say that you are an awesome coach. I have
talked with several people lately and we all totally
agree what a great coach you are both in soccer and
with the life lessons. Keep up the great work and
thanks again.
Michelle
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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
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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.
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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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Bav-
It was a pleasure meeting you. Wish you were in DC instead of on the
West Coast.
I believe you have a special talent as a trainer. You are quick on
your 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
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"I know Chase will be very interested in attending your camps to get the superior
coaching you provide".
John Bunce, 2006
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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.
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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.
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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
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For the telephone number of a mother that has sent their child on a West Coast Coaching
camp just email Coach Bav at info@westcoastocoaching.org
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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,
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Bav,
Thanks for this tank-filler. We are very fortunate to have you in our
Trainer ranks!
Tina Syer
Associate Director
Positive Coaching Alliance
1004B O'Reilly Ave.
San Francisco, CA. 94129
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Email: tina@positivecoach.org
Phone: (415) 202-0905
Fax: (415) 202-0716
www.positivecoach.org
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Honor The Game!
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Deb
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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 and
no 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
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Read more about us ...................
Camp in 2008 - http://www.morganhilltimes.com/sports/247200-goals-for-life
Camp in 2007 - http://morganhilltimes.com/printer/article.asp?c=222050