January 2010

Coach Billy Martin believes in being patient.  He advises new coaches and parents to be patient with their players and children.  "Kids early on should have fun, especially in the U6 throught U12 age groups.  There will be pressure later on when they reach high school age, but for now we need to let them have fun," says Martin.

Growing up in Floral Park, New York, Billy began playing soccer at age 5 traveling leagues and a YMCA league.  "My mom (Cathy) would drive me all over New York to play the games and she did the same when we moved to Dallas," says Martin.  The Martin family moved to Grapevine, Texas in 1980 when Billy's dad, Bill, followed his American Airlines' job to the Dallas suburb.  "My parents were and still are a big inspiration to me for the values they provided.  Dad reminded me to judge people on their own merit, not by their reputation, and to let people have a chance."  Perhaps the patience Billy believes in came from his mother's willingness to spend hours behind the wheel in Dallas and New York traffic on the way to his games.

While in Texas, Billy played club succer for the Texas Strikers and earned his way to a spot on Brian Harvey's Oklahoma City University squad in 1988.  By 1992, he had graduated and began a short career working for a mortgage company.  "I tried it for two years," says Billy, "but I didn't like it and when Coach Harvey started a girls' program at OCU in 1994, I became his assistant and went into coaching full time."

Billy Martin and his wife, Alana, now have a young sccer player, Blake, who will begin playing soccer inthe spring at NOKC for the U6 Firetrucks.  "I didn't rush Blake into playing," says Billy.  "I waited until he said, 'Dad, I want to play soccer' and now he's ready and will enjoy the game."

Alana, a dnace instructor at OCU, is another influential person in Billy's life.  "We support each other in difficult times because we both deal with young people and we have to have patienct.  We both remind each other that we are in all this for the kids."

Once Billy became an assistant coach with Brian Harvey, he began his licensing process and has obtained both USSF "C" and "B" licenses.  "I learned so much form the C course and the B course, which I just completed in 2008, in how to work with players."  Billy is also a strong supporter of youth coach training.  "Coach Harvey and I and the Oklahoma City University promote OSA's coaching programs and donate our time to them.  The youth Modules and E and D licenses are great training tools for coaches to learn their craft."  Martin is an Olympic Development Coach for OSA as well and currently trains the ODP 95 boys.  OSA's Director of Coaching, Matt Fransher says, "Billy is a point of contact for me with the university and he goes above and beyond with his responsibilities with ODP."  Billy is also coaches the OFC 92 team.

Praise for Martin and his coaching comes from parents such as Pauling Byers:  "The boys Billy coaches have respect for him and he knows the talents of individual players.  He knows how to focus the training and push each player to the next level."

As with most coaches and players, Billy Martin owes much to his mentors.  "I owe much to Brian Harvey and his training.  I've also had great learning experiences around Charlie Mitchell, Steve Earle, and Keith Eddy.  They all allowed me into their circle and shared coaching tips with me.  It was invaluable."

Martin looks forward to many enjoyable years in his chosen professions.  "The game gives so much back to you," he says.  "It's taught me how to work with others, how to handle relationships with parents, kids, and friends; how to see the potential in kids and let them have the opportunity to prove themselves; how to mentor kids through school and on to college; and finally, how to live with life's lessons." 

Congratulations, Coach Billy Martin, Coach of the Year.  You have discovered the true rewards of coaching.