Chula Vista Futbol Club has been hard at work to expand their club and bring in the key pieces that will push their club to the next level. Ruben Caño
Chula Vista Futbol Club has been hard at work to expand their club and bring in the key pieces that will push their club to the next level. Ruben Caño was recently announced as the new Director of Coaching for South Bay’s top youth soccer club. Hector Diaz spoke about this new direction and expressed the reality that “to reach the level we desire, we need professionals working with us that believe in the project. We seek out people who believe in our project, but we are very selective in who we chose. I want to believe we both sought each other because it seems like a perfect fit for both of us.”
We spoke to Ruben Caño about his new role and what he foresees while working with CVFC.
SN: When the possibility of joining the Chula Vista Futbol Club came about, what were your original thoughts on working with a youth club in California?
RC: I thought it was an extraordinary idea. Currently, soccer is at a very important point of development in the USA and California. Specifically, Chula Vista and San Diego must be a relevant part of that evolution. In my first contact with the city and its people, I have perceived a passion for this sport. There are a lot of young people who practice it; there is talent, and I am convinced of being able to contribute to the new project in the southern part of the country. Therefore, I am very happy with the opportunity, at the same time, I feel responsible because I think that good things are expected from a Spanish director like me. I made a good decision and now I hope, with the support of the Club, that together, we get to the goals we set for ourselves.
SN: How long have you been coaching and what are some highlights you can share with us?
RC: For the past 25 years, I was the Director of a School with over 400 players in Spain. Then, I joined as a coach to the Club AD Alcorcón (Second Division of Spain – LFP) and, after three seasons studying in professional methodology, I reached the international project Soxna – Real Madrid. Throughout my coaching career, I have combined sports coaching with young players and focused on training and formation. Upon my return from the Project with Real Madrid, I’ve been leading football training programs in different countries like Colombia, Ecuador, South Korea, Mexico, and the United States.
SN: What classes have you taught and where?
RC: I have taught technical, tactical, team management or physical preparation classes, among other subjects at the National Center of Coaches of Spain. I also have directed international meetings for Adidas in Madrid, in the premises of the RFEF where the Spanish Team trains, and I combine it all, when time allows me, commenting on futbol matches in media, writing columns for specialized media in South America, or offering actions and presentations for master’s programs at university.
SN: How would you describe your coaching style?
RC: I possess the highest degree in soccer of Spain, by the RFEF – UEFA and the Education and Sports Ministry of my country, allowing me to offer training. Therefore, above it all, I consider myself someone who teaches how to improve the processes of understanding and improvement of training in this game. I have over 17 years of experience, which I have devoted as a technical director, after being a player.
SN: How do you plan to implement what you’ve learned to the programs within CVFC?
RC: I can only advance work, patience, and adaptability as a director. I come from a country with a very special soccer culture. I know that in California things are different now, but I think there are commonalities that can potentiate. My approach is to create stages for the proper development of the player, without accelerating processes and giving priority to the understanding of the game. Equally, together we will create a model of the game that the club dowry identity in all these stages and we will evaluate every step we take, with a new reporting system that leaves us useful data about how we are doing our job.
SN: What method of training will you use with the coaching staff?
RC: We will apply a methodology based on systemic training – structured, unseparated capabilities and improve the players in a global tactic, psychological, technical and physical way, giving more importance to the tactical and psychological, above the other two important capabilities. We will do it gradually, training our coaches and being guided so that they can develop the work.
SN: How can families and parents of young players help with the growth of the Chula Vista Football Club?
RC: Equally, it will be essential to receive the support from families. We will continue to have parenting classes on how to support a youth athlete, ensuring that the triangle player – coach – family, works well in CVFC. Those are, roughly, the ideas that, slowly but surely, we will go implementing in this club. For me, it is a privilege.
SN: Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing how you impact CVFC’s organization moving forward.
As you can see Chula Vista Futbol Club is ambitious and they want to continue growing. “Our goal is to have the best program in the country and help our National team develop into a worldwide powerhouse,” said Diaz.
You can follow CVFC on Facebook for more information on Ruben, their U12 USSDA academy team, and the rest of the youth club updates.
