Conversations with Michael Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Brown.

Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.  
I am currently the Director of Coaching for Global FC, where he is responsible for providing growth and development of eight teams, 140 players, and his coaching staff. Most of our players are refugees from various countries across the world. I have an extensive background in soccer, including playing and coaching at multiple levels, including youth, club, high school, college, and Olympic Development. 

I began my coaching career in 1989 at Blue Springs High School, coaching both boys and girls. At the same time, I founded the Voyagers West Soccer Club, which grew to nine teams ranging in age from U8 to U16. I later partnered with the Legends Soccer Club to coach U16 and U18 teams. I coached both the boys’ and girls’ teams at Park Hill High School from 1997-99. After 1999, I focused on his son’s club team, which he coached from U6 to U17. My high school and club teams earned several accolades, including multiple tournament wins, a state championship, regional champions, and a 3rd place finish at Nationals. I also had several players earn individual accolades, including Sporting KC development team, soccer scholarships, and playing professionally. 

I coached the University of Missouri-Kansas City men’s soccer team where he led the Roos to their most successful seasons to date from 1992-1997. During my tenure, UMKC earned four berths in the Mid-Continent Conference post-season tournament, and I was honored with the Mid-Continent Coach of the Year award. 

I also served as the State Director of Coaching for Missouri in the mid-1990s, where his duties were focused on coaching license clinics throughout the state and the Olympic Development Program. He earned a National “A” license from the United States Soccer Federation, has a lifetime National “B” license, and has an Advanced National Youth License. 

I earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2003 while he served as an administrator in the Park Hill School District as a High School Assistant Principal for five years and later the Plaza Middle School Principal for seven years. In 2011, I became the Assistant Superintendent – Academic Services/Continuous Improvement for the Platte County School District. I recently retired from the Platte County School District. 

My playing background includes being a member of the 1987 National Qualifier Avila College soccer team, St. Louis perennial power Vianney High School, and ten years with the Voyager Soccer Club of St. Louis. His youth club experience includes a nine-country European Tour in 1982 and several national and local tournaments. 

My wife, Megan, and I have four children and two grandchildren. I have personally ran over 300 marathons to date and loves to help others achieve their life goals through personal coaching and motivational speaking. I am a true coach at heart. My mission is to motivate, inspire, and coach individuals, teams, and organizations in unlocking their leadership from within themselves and pay their learning forward. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have an extremely challenging charge at Global FC. Our players and their families have experienced some serious trauma in their journey to America and while present. We try to remove barriers so our players can have the same opportunity as other players in the area. Our players do not pay to play, and we provide them essentials to compete, including transportation to training and games. We are more than just a soccer organization; we work to help our kids with life skills so they can be successful in whatever path they choose in life. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am more proud of the relationships I have built with our players and volunteers. A healthy culture where players can thrive and not just survive begins with trust, and I have sorked very hard to build that trust so I can better support them and hold them accountable to their commitments. I am also proud of the results we have had relative to soccer development. We recently took a U17 team to Minnesota to play in the USA Cup which is the largest tournament in North America. There were 64 teams in our division, and we took 2nd. We beat a team from Jamaica in the semifinals and lost to a team from Canada in the finals. A producer is creating a 90-minute film/documentary of our journey, and it should be really rewarding for our players and a documented memory they will all have the rest of their lives. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I have completed over 300 marathons to date since 1997. I am wanting to write a book on my life learning through my marathon experience. Hoping to get that done sooner than later… I also coach adults who are wanting to achieve running goals.