How Soccer Explains New England: Southwick Style Part III

Part III: Coach Downie's Story

November 19, 2008

By Kevin Meek

It seems only proper to complete this section on Southwick by giving a coach from the area a chance to add his voice to this discussion. Near the end of the season, before the Southwick girl’s soccer team was eliminated from playoff contention, Coach Todd Downie was gracious enough to answer a few questions and provide a bit more insight for my quest to understand Southwick (and New England) soccer. What follows is a brief transcript from that discussion:

What’s your background in soccer and this area?

I’ve lived in Westfield for about 10 years, but originally I am from Springfield, Mass. This is my 10th season at STRHS. I coached in Springfield for three years prior at Central High School, and I was an assistant coach for a premier club team in Western Pennsylvania while I attended the University of Pittsburgh.

What were some of your influences?

My influences were my high school soccer coach (Dave Stratton), the current boys' soccer coach at Central High School (Chris Zguro) and my dad (David Downie) who was also my first coach.

What formation do you play and why?

I prefer to play in a 3-4-3. I originally learned about it five years ago when I attended a soccer clinic where Anson Dorrance -UNC women's soccer coach - was presenting. It made sense that if he could use this formation to turn his team into one of the most dominant college soccer programs, I could use it to help my program.

What’s your focus during practices?

My focus on practice is possession and doing the "proper" things to make the team successful. If someone mis-hits the ball or makes a technical mistake, I don't get too upset, that can always be worked on. On the other hand if some one makes a tactical mistake or does not play within our system that upsets me. Everyone needs to play within the system for our team to be successful

So, what’s your overall philosophy?

My overall philosophy is hard work, dedication to the program, good school citizen, and willingness to be coached. Too often players feel that when you are correcting them, you are attacking them personally. They have to be willing to change to fit THIS team, not how their other teams have played. I have had plenty of players that embody the philosophy that I have. I found if you are willing to work hard as a coach for your players, they will be willing to work hard for you.

What past players have gone on to play college ball?

Britt Canfield - UMASS

What’s one word you would use to describe Southwick Style?

If there was one word or phrase I could use to describe a Southwick soccer player is Blue Collar—hard nosed, tough, kids willing to work hard.

Any final words?

I don't think that the program is any different then any of the other area programs. I have been lucky that the majority of the girls in the program have bought into the system and philosophy I have tried to teach. When a coach trusts their team and a team trusts their coach, good things happen.

THANK YOU COACH DOWNIE!

Coach Downie’s team lost 5-0 to Hampshire Regional and were knocked out of title contention, but this team, (which won Western Massachusetts in 2006 and 2007 and won league in 2003, 2005 and 2006,) will be in the mix and ready to compete for a title again next season. Thanks for the interview and good luck in the off \season!

If any other coaches or players want to be interviewed or if you want me to come to other parts of New England—all you have to do is ask! Email me at kevinmeek@yahoo.com.

This is part III of a three-part series. For Part II, click here.

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