Mark Oxer joined the coaching staff at Olds College this month, marking a new beginning for the futsal and soccer programs.
Oxer had been pursuing master's studies in coaching at the University of Worcester before taking the job at Olds College.
Oxer, who has previous coaching experience at Keyano College in Fort McMurray (an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference-based school) and the University of Manitoba, said the best part of the job will be designing the program from the ground up.
"The exciting thing for me about the position was that it's a new program and that I kind of have the ability to design it Ö and build it kind of how I want to. I can start something new, something fresh, and build it up,î he said.
Oxer said the futsal program will build skills necessary to compete once the weather warms up and the game goes outside.
"If you look at the best (soccer) players in the world, most of them grew up playing futsal before they started playing (soccer). It allows athletes to train and play at the college level year-round. In addition to that, the player development aspect that occurs as a result of futsal is incredible Ö because you're learning to think quickly in small spaces Ö and then when you take those skills and transfer them to an outdoor game where you've got bigger space, a bit more time Ö everything just seems so much easier,î he said.
With the development of both soccer and futsal at the college, players can practise their skills year-round, something they wouldn't be able to do if they played strictly club soccer.
"Playing college ball is different from playing club ball. You're with your teammates every day Ö and you can build that unity and some of those connections you might not necessarily get at the club (level),î he said.
The Broncos will be playing their first pre-season tournament on Jan. 20 and 21 in Three Hills. Oxer said his main priority is developing the team concept.
"With the guys' team especially, we've got Ö good (technical) players. It' s just getting everybody on the same page, understanding what we're all supposed to be doing. Same thing with the women's team; just really focusing on the tactical development, making sure we understand how we're running our offence and how we're running our defence, and how to adapt if need be,î he said.
Oxer takes over from John Clubb, who was hired away as a coach by the Alberta Soccer Association.
"The exciting thing for me about the position was that ... I can start something new, something fresh, and build it up."Mark Oxer, coach, Olds College futsal and soccer teams
