For Coach Dougherty, it’s all about the love of sport – and community

Coral Gables youth soccer gets new leadership

For Mark Dougherty, soccer is more than just a sport – it’s a passion that has been with him from the moment he first kicked a ball all the way to his signing with Major League Soccer. As the new coach for the City of Coral Gables’ youth soccer program, his goal is to instill a deep love for the sport in young people.

“Nothing gives me more joy than the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that has been so generously shared with me. It is this exchange that keeps me connected to the sport long after my playing days,” says Dougherty. “With the right balance of guidance, encouragement and skill building at a young age, anything is possible for a young player.”

When he was named director to replace Chris Bart-Williams, who passed away in 2023, Dougherty had to hit the ground running. When he took the job, planning for the spring 2024 semester was already well underway – so there was no time to waste. This included not only overseeing existing football operations but also expanding the youth football program.

“Before I came on board, the program was without leadership for several months, so I would like to thank the youth center staff, especially Carlos Pichardo, Yanessa Rodriguez and Kat Diaz, as well as the coaches who worked hard to keep the program running during this difficult time,” Dougherty acknowledged.

“The children have a lot of fun with the program and learn a lot about the importance of teamwork.”

“Today we have turned things around and are receiving positive feedback from parents and children. Most importantly, these children are really enjoying the program and are learning a lot about the sport and the importance of team play.”

Dougherty appreciates the fantastic team he works with. “Many of our parks and recreation staff, even our Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro, grew up here and have worked in the city for years. That makes me a newbie, but it also shows how loyal our staff is and what a positive work environment we have,” he adds.

The program offers two semesters of soccer, one in the spring and one in the fall, as well as a four-week summer camp. The “Young Stars” program is for youth who prefer to compete within the program, and the “Travel” program is for more competitive youth who are interested in competing against other local clubs.

A lifelong goal

Dougherty’s extensive track record made him the first choice for the job. His love of soccer began in California, where he played youth soccer in the Police Athletic League. As a goalkeeper, his passion for the game took him far, and in high school he competed year-round. During his college years at Fresno State, he earned a scholarship and was a team captain. He still holds the conference record for most shutouts in a career.

During the 1990s, Dougherty’s career was very successful, including playing and coaching in the then-existing start-up leagues. When Major League Soccer (MLS) began, he was the first goalkeeper selected in the Tampa Bay Mutiny’s inaugural draft. He later played for the Columbus Crew, where he was named the Crew’s Most Valuable Player in 1999. After a knee injury in 2001, Dougherty retired from active sport.

He then spent a year coaching at Bowling Green State University before returning to the MLS as coach for the Colorado Rapids. Dougherty eventually took a break from soccer to be closer to his children and worked for Lockheed Martin in Colorado. His job there was to assemble a team of rocket scientists, using his leadership and teamwork skills from soccer to help them work together for the United Launch Alliance.

After moving to Miami in 2016 to join his wife, local attorney Jane Muir, Dougherty returned to soccer and coached privately until he was selected for the position in Coral Gables in 2023. As director of training, Dougherty oversees the city’s team of soccer coaches, focusing on grassroots and developmental programs.

“Our goal is to provide our youth with a fun, safe and enjoyable learning experience.”

“Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and enjoyable learning experience for our youth,” says Dougherty. “Soccer teaches young people many skills, both on and off the field, and helps them become better individuals through teamwork and participation in the sport.”

Reflections on site

As players bustle around the fields at the War Memorial Youth Center, Dougherty stands proudly, observing the children’s progress and the excellent guidance provided by the coaches and city parks and recreation staff.

“Teaching and sharing the game in this community is a privilege that I cherish,” says Dougherty. “If your child isn’t in love with the game at 12 years old and lacks the technical skills, they’re not going to enjoy the game. Our goal is to instill a love of soccer, whether that leads to competitive play in youth programs, high school, college or even the professional leagues.”

To foster that love, the program emphasizes individual ball work and ensures each player gets as much ball contact as possible to develop optimally. “We only have a few hours a week to do this, so we work hard to keep our eye on the ball, so to speak,” adds Dougherty.

Looking ahead, Dougherty sees herself in this role long-term. “I live here in Coral Gables, just up the street, and I really love this community. It’s an essential part of our lives.”

ABOUT THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Recreation Department manages the War Memorial Youth Center, Coral Gables Golf and Country Club, William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, Salvadore Tennis Center, Venetian Pool, Granada Golf Course, Adult Activity Center, and all of Coral Gables’ parks and playgrounds. The department offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for all ages.

Register your child at playgables.com. For more information, email [email protected] or call 305-460-5600.

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