One of the wonderful advantages of the youth sports experience, is the feeling of having a second family. Players look up to coaches, team parents build friendships and positive reinforcement and life skills are learned at every practice, fundraiser and game. Indeed, everyone involved can and should capitalize on this unique environment. This is certainly true for our Coach of the Week, Christopher McClurg, of Buford, GA.
McClurg first took to the football field as a young boy living in Columbus, Ohio. He instantly fell for the sport and the mentorship and teachings that came with it. In fact, he credits his youth football coaches as his greatest influences growing up.
McClurg shared that his coaching staff had a “profound and positive influence” on his life, and that he has worked diligently to uphold the teachings and values shared with him since leaving the field
“I am trying to do for my players what my youth coaches did for me,” wrote our Coach of the Week, who put on his football coaching shoes about five years ago.
McClurg is the proud coach of the NG Bulldogs 10U team, who refer to him as “Coach Mac”. He has found it to be a truly rewarding experience. He includes many life lessons in his practice plans, hoping to inspire his kids both on and off the field, just as his coaches did for him.
Even more, McClurg applies these life lessons (hard work, problem solving, communication), not only to the Bulldogs, but in his everyday life.
A practicing lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, McClurg excelled academically, thanks to his strong foundation learned on the field. He completed his undergraduate degree at Ohio State University and later moved to Atlanta, where he studied law at Emory University and settled down.
His 22-year-strong marriage is also testament to his core values. Indeed, with his son in college, a full-time career and volunteer coaching schedule, Coach McClurg is a clear example of how lessons from the field transcend throughout a lifetime.
So here’s to the many youth sports coaches out there who give tirelessly, and help shape the Coach McClurg’s of the world.
Congratulations Coach of the Week, and good luck in your upcoming season! Go Bulldogs!
Coach MaClurg’s Keys to Success:
Teach fundamental football techniques in a system which emphasizes teamwork, diligence, respect for others, and selflessness.
While my players may not play college or professional football, if I have successfully equipped them with life skills, they will go on to be professional citizens, and a hero to somebody else.
