ABOUT
At Smyrna Alliance, we are focused on the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the same emphasis on travel or high level competition. There is no emphasis on high-level pressure to win. The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, play with a sense of team and community, learn the sport, develop life skills including a life long love of the game and be active in a safe, fun environment.
At Smyrna Alliance, we understand that individually, you may be strong, but as a team, we are stronger together. Teams are not here for the individual, but individuals are here for the team. This is more than a game. We are teaching life lessons through sport.
Director of Coaching
John Murnan
Director of Coaching
John Murnan is the Director of Coaching (DOC) for Smyrna Alliance. John is also the Etowah High School Girls Varsity head coach. He is a US Soccer Federation “A” License coach who has been coaching soccer for 25 years in Florida and Georgia. He is currently a member of the Georgia Youth Soccer Coaching Education staff. Previously John has served as the DOC at four soccer clubs in S. Florida (Wellington Wave, Palm Beach United, Jupiter Sting and Delray Beach United). He also served for 12 years on the Florida Youth Soccer Association ODP and coaching education staffs.
John is also a Freelance Writer in which he writes and produces science education videos for Science Screen Report which are then distributed free of charge to schools across the country. He also writes books to support coaching education programs for soccer clubs. He has four books for the U6-U12 age group that coaches use. He additionally writes books to support a parent education class that he developed to help parents better understand soccer and their role in their child’s development. All books are available at www.gwtc.org . John has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa with majors in Biology and Physical Education. He holds a Master of Science Degree from the University of Illinois with a major in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology). John holds diverse certifications including being a National Board Certified Teacher (Adolescents and Young Adults/Science), United States Soccer Federation “A” License (Butler University), and USSF National Youth License (University of Georgia, Athens, GA). With High School soccer (Forest Hill High School) and College Soccer (Cornell College – 1982 Midwestern Conference Champs / 1984 MVP) experience while still playing.
- USSF A License, B License, C License, National Youth License
- Georgia Youth Soccer Coaching Instructor
- Current Georgia Impact DOC for the Recreational Program
- Game Within The Child blog: https://gamewithinthechild.blogspot.com/
- a blog for coaches and parents of youth soccer players
- Youtube channel
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