Coach of the Year shares his secrets to build soccer champions on and off the field

Marc Rizzardo has been named Coach of the Year for the third year running, a testament to his leadership and the team's collective dedication. But what drives this continuous success? We sat down with coach Rizzardo to uncover the strategies and philosophies that have shaped the Langara Falcons men's soccer team into a powerhouse.

Scoring the perfect team

For him, the cornerstone of a successful season is all about recruitment and retention. Retention, though, goes beyond keeping players on the roster; it involves ensuring athletes succeed academically, making it a win-win for both the players and the team.

"A lot of people contribute to the recruitment process—current players, alumni, and our contacts in the community."

The ideal Langara Falcon is more than just talented. Rizzardo values players who have intrinsic motivation and a genuine love for the game. "We want players who play because they love the game, not because someone else told them to," he says, highlighting the importance of self-driven athletes. Coach Rizzardo's top picks are good teammates and well-rounded individuals who see life beyond soccer. 

The coach’s approach to creating a winning team focuses on flexibility and a strong team mentality. Once recruited, players must adapt to a team-over-self philosophy. The team sets collective goals each year during a preseason retreat, creating a unified vision that guides them through the season. This shared vision drives their performance and has led to remarkable success in recent years, with six All-Canadian players, 3 PACWEST Players of the Year, including this season’s PACWEST and Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) Player of the Year, Takeru Kaku.

Building toward greatness

The Falcons won the PACWEST championship this season and finished fourth at The CCAA Nationals Championship. While the season didn’t end in a fairytale victory, Rizzardo’s high standards keep the team striving for more. "We have three to four seasons within a season: preseason, league games, BC championships, and nationals. With each step, our performance and expectations have to rise," he says.

Every season presents unique challenges, from accommodating players' commitments or balancing work and school schedules. Marc Rizzardo's adaptability as a coach is critical to team cohesion. Recognizing each player's unique needs, he values the balance between treating them fairly and understanding individual circumstances.

"We're realistic. Players have lives outside of soccer. Family is important, and work and school schedules need flexibility."

Advice for aspiring Falcons and future Coaches

For aspiring Falcons, Rizzardo's advice is simple: keep education a priority. "Don't close the door on your education. If soccer doesn't work out, your academics will give you options," he advises.

Future coaches can take a page from Rizzardo’s playbook. ‘Be prepared to put in extra time and know why you want to Coach,” he says.

"In Canada, Coaching isn't about big paychecks, but there are many rewards. I do it because of my passion for the game and the players."

With another season on the horizon, Rizzardo remains focused on building a program that develops both athletes and individuals. Under his guidance, the Langara Falcons are poised to continue their ascent as a powerhouse in Canadian collegiate soccer.

Want to be part of the action? Learn more about Langara’s Athletics program and discover how you can soar with the Falcons.