Director Boys Teams U17-U19, Director Boys ECNL
Simon Rothman
Simon Rothman is the longest serving member of the Rio Rapids Coaching staff and in his 18 years with Rio he has served in numerous roles within the club. Currently he is Rio Rapids SC U17-U19 Boys and ECNL Director of coaching. In this role he oversees the introduction to the “game” for our players and coaches.
“My passion is developing players and developing coaches to develop players. Whether that’s preparing the Elite players for the next level, or developing the foundations and love of the game at the youngest level, I want to give each child the best opportunity to achieve their goals, whatever those goals may be.”
In addition to his age group responsibilities, Simon coaches numerous girls teams within the club, working with Elite level older teams focused on competing at a Regional level and taking them through the college recruiting process, and coaching younger teams just starting on the journey.
Simon graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Elementary Education. Soccer wise, he has his US Soccer Federation A License, US Soccer National Youth License and UEFA B License.
Outside of his work for Rio Rapids, Simon has also worked as a Volunteer Assistant Coach with the University of New Mexico Mens soccer program, Assistant coach with the Albuquerque Sol FC, and is currently the Associate Technical Director with New Mexico Youth Soccer, where he is responsible for New Mexico Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Instructor.
COMPANY RELATED
Q: What are 3 words to describe Rio Rapids SC?
A: Professional. Family. Educational.
Q: What drew you to become a part of Rio Rapids originally?
A: The opportunity to coach full-time and to do so in the sun!! The opportunity really arose by chance. I was coaching for a club in England and worked with a guy who put me in contact with former Director Of Coaching Chris Cartlidge. He invited me out for a few months and I’ve been here ever since!
Q: What is your favorite part about Rio Rapids SC ?
A: The players. Over the past 18 years I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing players, soccer wise and personality wise, and it is the players that make this job as enjoyable as it is. It is them that motivates me to be the best coach/mentor I can be and help them be the best person they can be.
Q: What is your role at Rio Rapids?
A: Currently the U17-U19 Boys Director and Boys ECNL Director.
PERSONAL
Q: What is the first concert you went to? What is the last?
A:My first concert was Michael Jackson at Wembley Stadium in London, England. 90,000 people there. My last concert was Tears for Fears at Sandia Amphitheater, a lot less people at that one!
Q: Any favorite line from a movie?
A: “Do or do not, there is no try.” Yoda from Empire Strikes Back: Star Wars
Q:: Best vacation you’ve been to?
A: Florida with the family. (As I can’t really include England as a vacation!!)
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A:“As a coach, it’s not about how many championships or titles you’ve won. It’s about how many lives you’ve impacted and influenced.” Alastair McCaw
Q: What books are at your bedside?
A: “Legacy: What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of Life.” James Kerr. “Love Does” Bob Goff
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The opportunity to work with the players, helping them and seeing them develop and grow through their time with the club, and moving onto the next stages of their lives after club soccer.
Q:: What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
A: The Internet. Not sure what we did before the internet. I know that when I first came here, the internet helped me stop getting home-sick! It allowed me to stay in touch with family and friends thousands of miles away, and still does to this day.
Q: What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
A:Enjoy life. Make the most of every opportunity.
