Testimonials

I have known Jim Mapes for approximately 17 years now. Jim introduced my kids to soccer at an early age.

What I appreciated most about Jim’s approach with the kids was his ability to take a very technical game and make it fun to learn. Jim combined technical work with games so that learning the necessary skills of the game were fun. This kept the kids engaged while they learned. The beauty of this approach is that if kids do not enjoy what they are doing, they will not continue to play as the get older. I think too many coaches forget the importance of the enjoyment of the game and only focus on winning. A good coach can offer both!

Jim has a tremendous heart for teaching and the development of young people as well as young athletes. He shares his knowledge of the game as well as his experiences of playing at the professional level. You couldn’t ask for a more complete and caring coach to share their love of the game with your kids.

If you are looking for a soccer coach to teach your kids the game in an impactful and enjoyable manner, Jim Mapes is the man for the job!

I believe I’ll get get more out of my players if I can use a more positive attitude and also be more effective as a coach. One of my first encounters with Jim, he ran a quick 15-20 minute session with my goalkeepers.  It wasn’t what he did, but more how he did it. I could visibly see a change in attiude from the goalies. They looked more responsive and were definitely trying harder.

Jim brings passion to what he does, and he provides goalie-specific instruction that rarely happens in team practices. His sessions are designed to be personalized to our daughter's development needs, intense, and fun, all at the same time. We would highly recommend him.

I first met Coach Mapes about 6 years ago when I became the head coach for the Lincoln High girls’ varsity. I was immediately impressed with his passion for the sport, enthusiasm, energy and willingness to help with my goalkeepers. He asked nothing in return and has given my girls his time and knowledge on an ongoing basis despite having a very full plate of other coaching obligations. I can’t think of anyone I would rather have train my keepers and as I had a chance to observe him closely over time it became clear that he has an almost bottomless wealth of knowledge, experience and patience. Regardless of the athlete’s level of experience or ability he could make them better and my program has benefitted in the form of actual wins and an improved record in the time I have worked with him. In addition to his coaching abilities he is one of the most kind, thoughtful and caring coaches on a personal level that I have had the pleasure to work within 20 plus years of coaching at the youth and high school level.