Jaime Ramirez, head men’s soccer coach, learned from some of the best in the world in Belgium and The Netherlands March 12-21, 2016.
Ramirez was among 35 coaches who spent three days each in Brussels and Bruges, Belgium, and two and-one-half days in Amsterdam. The group were guests of the R.S.C. Anderlecht, Club Brugge and AFC Ajax clubs, respectively.
Belgium has the world’s top-ranked national program, and Ajax is the most successful single club in The Netherlands and internationally. Players from these organizations get spots on Europe’s best teams.
The trip, which featured both lectures and field work, was a continuing education program for Ramirez’s National A Coaching License, the top certificate for soccer. He has also been to Buenos Aires and Madrid.
Learning how these clubs develop players aged 7-16 into prospects will help Ramirez with his work at FPU and in the Fresno community soccer program. “We can bring this to the U.S. and add to what we’re doing,” he said. “People are so open to sharing information—it’s good for the sport and good for the young players.”