Chris Hurst is the U14-U16 Boys Director of Coaching and the Director of External Operations. Chris oversees the U14-U16 Boys teams for Rio Rapids, as well as the partnerships with other organizations throughout the Southwest. Chris grew up in Prudhoe, Northumberland in the north east of England. He moved to New Mexico in 2004 and has been working with Rio Rapids since that time, becoming a full time Director in 2006. Chris feels very fortunate to be able to share his passion for soccer with the community in New Mexico.
Chris has his B.S. in Sports & Exercise Development from the University of Sunderland in England. Some of Chris’s soccer qualifications include his USSF B License and the National Youth License. While Chris is not on the field coaching, you will find him hanging out with his wife and daughters exploring the Southwest, watching Chicago Blackhawks hockey or Denver Broncos football, playing golf, or screaming at the TV watching his beloved Sunderland play.
We chatted with Chris to find out more about him. Take a look at our questions/answers.
COMPANY RELATED
Q: What are 3 words to describe RioRapidsSC?
A: Excellence, committed, family
Q: What drew you to become a part of Rio Rapids originally?
A: I got lucky. I was working for a camp company and they gave me a choice between moving to NM or moving to Wisconsin in February 2004. Luckily I chose NM and joined Rio Rapids.
Q: What is your favorite part about Rio Rapids SC ?
A: I love the family atmosphere in the club. The people I work with and the families i;ve created life long friendships with thru coaching their kids.
Q: What is your role at Rio Rapids?
A: I am the U14-U16 Boys Director of Coaching. I am also the External Operations Director which means I coordinate with the other clubs that we are partnered/affiliated with.
PERSONAL:
Q: What is the first concert you went to? What is the last?
A: First concert was Louise. She’s an English singer who was originally part of the All Saints female group. I went to this concert when I was around 14. It’s the first one I remember anyways. The last one I went to was Coldplay when they were in Albuquerque a few years ago.
Q: Any favorite line from a movie?
A: “It aint a tickling competition Tommy” – from Snatch
Q: Best vacation you’ve been to?
A: Outer Banks – North Carolina
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A: “Quality without results is pointless. Results without quality is boring.” – Johan Cruyff
Q: If you could only drink one drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Robinsons Orange Juice, its from back home. Its basically orange concentrate and you dilute it with water. I have a bottle at home right now and i;m rationing it as I miss it
Q: What books are at your bedside?
A: “One Goal” by Bill Beswick
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to be around soccer every day of my life
Q: What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
A: Twitter. Im addicted.
Q: What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
A: Don’t take your health for granted. Had knee surgery this year and hate not being able to do everyday things for so long
