I’m tired of officiating bad soccer. I made a personal goal to unite communities through soccer and that brought me to Armstrong Jr. High. During 2022, I completed the requirements for US Soccer’s National D License, went back to coaching U8’s in Plum and refereeing games. In 2022, I was introduced to the trenches of grassroots soccer outside of Pittsburgh. If it wasn’t for the YMCA, there may not be soccer in the communitY.
David is a lifelong soccer player who now referees to provide interval cardio. He currently lifts 5 days a week at the YMCA, BodyTech, Dining Room Gym, Golds Gym, or Planet Fitness. During Covid-19 the lifting and cardio were moved to the Dining Room Gym, Peloton app, outdoor swimming, SUP workouts, and running which made the pups happy. In order to improve balance and flexibility he attempts to fit a weekly yoga class into the scheduled workouts and daily walks with (love you forever Reba & Crosby), Phoebe and Mr. Crawford. Recently he has taken to the pool for cardio as he embraces getting older. He somehow chose to get back into coaching after Covid-19 instead of doing hot yoga again with other humans, breathing and sweating in the same studio.
A perfect day starts at the gym, followed by a mile in either Highland, O’Hara, or Aspinwall Park with Phoebe and Crawford so they sleep next to his office desk. It will alway includes at least one good meal, including real food that does not follow the Standard American Diet. Side note it will be served on real plates (not out of his Isolator fitness cooler bag). There once was a time when that was the norm, between work, playing, reffing and everything else when he stepped on stage.
Expertizes
Soccer
David played this game from age 8-43. As a goalkeeper first, defender second, forward third and midfielder never, playing the game is a little more demanding than being a referee or assistant referee.
Adaptive
David is in the Pittsburgh area. Life has happened. He now knows Tobii and how to speak with eyes after working on providing support to a person with ALS. He now understands more about managing properties, probate in Pennsylvania, accounts receivable, elder care, patient advocacy, and teaching with/without technology. . . The last few years of saying “YES” have been an adventure in continuing education and now have led to only hell-YES!
Coaching
This is not David’s first coaching gig. He started back in college training the goalkeepers on the St. Vincent Women’s Team. After 8 seasons, as bullpen assistant, left fielder, first base back up in the Fayette County Baseball League–David found soccer again in 2008 helping out U12 boys at Plum Area Soccer. He’s teamed up with his college pal Sam at Greensburg Salem in the past and Seton Hill
Why coach again?
He is currently expanding his skills and applying his customer focus toward a new experience in the area of logistics, trade and government regulations. During this relocation he even detoured back into coaching the sport he loves.
He has also transferred his USSF WisREF affiliation to PA West Officials. In continuing his passion for soccer David has left WIAA and joined the Northern Chapter (Pittsburgh) of PIAA soccer officials. He still misses the diversity of doing games SE Wisconsin.
One Nation. One Team
FCArmstrong 