KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Alan Jones has been coaching in Kansas City since 1989 and worked for 36 years for Challenger Sports.
His company played a role in bringing youth soccer coaches to America.
“At the height of our camp season is 2016, we coached 120,000 kids that summer in every single state in the U.S. and province in Canada,†Jones said.
The Welshman has had a front row seat as Kansas City has become a youth soccer destination.
“We've got probably more turf fields and complexes here in town than any other city in the country,†Jones said.
Jones coached a 9 and under local team to a national championship. That squad was led by future Sporting KC stars Matt Besler and Seth Sinovic.
“As a coach, it's one of your dreams to work with players like that,†Jones said. “Unbelievable skills, very driven, very motivated, great support from their parents.â€
Jones watched as Besler became a Kansas City soccer figure, helping lead Sporting to the 2013 MLS Cup championship and starting on the 2014 U.S. World Cup team.
“You couldn't get anybody who's a better role model for kids — he's a great guy,†Jones said.
Jones said Kansas City's future is bright, with a number of young stars playing youth soccer in Kansas City today.
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