Faculty connections have opened doors for a WVU Athletic Coaching Education student. Tariq Walcott has landed a position with the prestigious U.K. Elite soccer club. Walcott will coach all age levels during his initial assignment, ranging from six-year-old age groups through high school students.
CPASS ACE faculty members Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach, associate professor, and Dr. Roch King, teaching assistant professor, referred Walcott to the soccer club. Walcott’s original contract will run from July to November. Walcott hopes to extend his assignment and continue his work with them.
Walcott credits WVU ACE for his success. “The ACE major has given me many chances to see what coaching is like on a day-to-day basis, not only from the sport aspect, but from safety, administration and all other facets of the profession.”
Walcott is thankful for the networking opportunities he received through the ACE program. “I was referred for my position from professors. We have a great faculty that works with many national organizations. I feel that we not only get the information to become better coaches, but also the connections to help us get a big break.”
Walcott’s interest has always been soccer. “I have played it since I was five and it has always been my favorite sport.” Prior to his position with U.K. Elite, he gained coaching experience with the Mountaineer United Soccer Club, which he learned about through his club soccer coach as well as his professors at WVU.
U.K. Elite offers soccer camps for children between the ages of three through age 18. These camps include classroom sessions as well as on-field sessions. U.K. Elite offers camps in seven different states along the east coast.