Ketil Eckhardt's passion for soccer permeates his approach to playing the game and his dedication to improving the play of others.
Those qualities were front and centre in the Sooke Soccer Club's recent decision to name Eckhardt as the club's technical director, said club board member Pete McKay.
"Ketil brings a lot of soccer knowledge and experience to his role as technical director," he said. "He's also got the people skills to be able to communicate with players of all ages, which is pretty impressive for a 20-year-old. Ketil puts his heart into everything he does."
Eckhardt first fell head over heels for the game kicking the ball around with his father when he was just a toddler. He started playing organized soccer when he was three, and began coaching when he was 13.
His resume includes a diploma in sports coaching, several coaching certifications, and an exclusive technical director coaching course with the director of the German national team.
"The reason I started coaching is that, growing up and playing, I always had access to high-level coaching," he explained. "I want to give back to the community and share what I learned, and give other kids a chance at the same opportunities I had."
Eckhardt is currently shepherding about 50 boys and girls involved in U3 to U13 soccer during sessions with the Sooke Soccer Club Development Academy.
"The first priority is always enjoyment," he stressed. "If they're not having fun, they're not going to learn or want to come back. And inclusivity is a key," he said. "Making sure that everyone has a chance to participate, whatever background or skill level."
"It's so rewarding seeing the improvement from session to session, especially with that age group," he said. "Seeing the kids smiling on the soccer field and enjoying the game I grew up to love makes it worthwhile."
From a soccer perspective, teaching fundamentals is an integral part of Eckardt's approach because of the importance of developing good habits, he noted.
He credits his father, Sooke Celtic FC coach Sven Exkhardt, for that, and for where the game has taken him.
"He played a pivotal role in my soccer playing and coaching," he said. "Ninety per cent of the conversations we have are about soccer."
Eckhardt, a Sooke resident who played for Sooke Celtic for a year before playing professionally last season with SV RW Hadamar, is excited about rejoining Sooke Celtic this year for its return to Division 1 in the Vancouver Island Soccer League.
The Sooke Soccer Club's board is looking to fill a couple of positions. Anyone interested in volunteering as treasurer or event co-ordinator should email sookesoccerclubpresident@gmail.com.
