As the MLS Combine enters its final days, we caught up with Sporting Kansas City Academy Director of Coaching Jon Parry to get his thoughts on the past few days in Ft. Lauderdale. Parry, along with former Kansas City assistant coach Kris Kelderman, is coaching Team Nitro Charge.
Jonathan Kaplan: How did the opportunity to coach an MLS Combine team come about?
Jon Parry: I got a call from Jason Davis, who manages player contracts with adidas, and he told me they wanted to me to participate in this year's MLS Combine. This is the first year they have had actual Academy coaches managing these teams. I think it's good for us to see the level of players in college and how it compares to the current kids in our Academy programs.
JK: How much time do you have to spend with the players outside of games? Are there any organized practices?
JP: Outside of the games, we don't see the players all that much. The participants do their physical testing on day one and we warm them up a bit before each game. We also do regen sessions with the players on the days off, but we don't do any separate training sessions with them.
JK: Do you get any previous guidance from MLS when it comes to starting lineups, substitutions, formations, etc.?
JP: Prior to the Combine, all the of the college coaches participating in the Combine draft players to their respective teams. From there we have the liberty to start any players on the team and make substitions as we see fit. We have had to adjust on the fly a little bit as two of the players that were supposed to be on our team -- Alex Bono and Leo Stolz -- were not here.
JK: Has anything stood out to you regarding the level of play at the Combine?
JP: I was talking to [Sporting KC Fitness Coach] Mateus Manoel and he said this is one of the most athletic groups they have had. The athleticism on our team is off the charts. It is difficult for the players because they come from different environments and most haven't touched a ball in the long time. The fitness level is not the best and many players are playing not to get hurt. The athleticism is great, though, but the question remains how good can these players be, technically, at the next level.
JK: Many of these players get one opportunity to impress their future employers. What advice do you give them?
JP: Enjoy the process and try not to be too nervous. The first day here, they were extremely nervous. The second game, our team played very well in possession and attacking. We just tell them this is an unbelievable opportunity and to try and make the most of it. We look for guys who can play both ways, defend and get up and down the field. That's what they want in MLS.
