We are delighted to introduce Bob Kramer, Pass FC, as the February Coach of the Month. Coach Kramer was nominated by his peers not only for his compassionate approach to to his team but also for his contribution to the Special Olympics soccer program.
Coach Kramer coaches the HS Girls age groups at PASS FC and is the Junior Varsity coach at Northview High School. Other off field accolades include recognition on school appreciation days and selected as ‘most influential person in my life’ by his players.
JoAnne Van Slooten, Executive Director, had this to say about Coach Kramer: “This past summer I was approached by a friend of mine who runs the Special Olympics soccer program asking for a field, goals and/or coaches, so I reached out to our PASS FC coaches for any interest in this volunteer experience. Bob was the first to reply and was set up with a team for the fall season. He later thanked me for making the connection saying it was the most rewarding experience he has had in all of his years of coaching.”
Coach Kramer is married with two grown up children, a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, MI. His experience with soccer started in Middle School in the 70’s eventually becoming a Captain of his High School team at Union High School. As a high school student, Coach Kramer actively worked on an initiative with the Grand Rapids Public School Board to recognize and bring soccer into all city high schools as a Varsity sport. The effort was successful the year after he graduated from Union. He loves coaching and looks forward to staying involved and working with players in the PASS program for many years to come.
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Exclusive Q&A
Q: What’s your favorite soccer shoe all time?
A: Ha, this is an easy one. For many years it's always been Adidas Mundial
A: Futbol Club Barcelona
A: M - Lionel Messi, W - Megan Rapinoe, U21 - Marcello Borgess
Q: When you coach and teach your team defense, what's more important technique or attitude?
A: To me it's technique. If the technical fundamentals are in place the mental aspects of the game can be developed with confidence.
A: Positive role model and support for promoting skill development with consideration of each players abilities. All players can contribute in many different ways, it's up to the coach to figure out what each player can best contribute towards the success of the team and build the squad to best utilize each of the players strengths.
A: Isla Mujeres, only those that have been there can understand.
A: Being a part of our soccer club and developing lifelong friendships with so many wonderful Players, Coaches, and families while being able to stay connected to a sport I truly have a passion for.
A: A "Near Miss"
A: Grilled boneless Chicken
A: Always scraped my cleats together just prior to start the game. Obviously I had to do that after the game as well but that was more for cleaning reason's
A: I respect and value each one of them as players and student athletes both on and off the field and I always view my role as a coach as the privilege to have the opportunity to take the field and work with each of them.
A: Team Dinners after Away Games & Tournaments.
A: Commitment, not only to themselves but also to each of their team mates and coaches in both practices and in games.
A: No I do not, play skills and personal development builds the foundation for each players abilities for contributing to the team during games. Strong Technical abilities are a necessity in supporting Tactical game play.
A: Absolutely, enjoying what your doing drives the desire to continue to do it to the best of your ability at all times.
A: Wow, way to many to list but the Beatles, The Who, Yes, Genesis, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Hall & Oates, Jackson Browne, Alan Parsons, Steely Dan, U2, Fleetwood Mac
A:We support each other for the values we all share. Healthy active disciplined activities for today's youth builds character and a foundation as players develop into young adults, and these qualities are displayed as they take part in many activities both on and off the field that contribute to everyone's quality of life within the community itself. With all of our support, today's athlete's/players from our club will eventually become tomorrow's coaches and leaders themselves.