Norfolk, VA (December 6th, 2024) – Virginia Beach City FC Academy is more than a soccer club; it’s a community where young athletes grow both on and off the field. Ethan Taylor, the head coach of the VBC 2017 Boys Academy I / TASL team, exemplifies this mission by teaching his players more than just the game—they learn values that shape them for life.
Inspired by Family, Driven by Passion
For Ethan, coaching is a family tradition. “My inspiration to start coaching comes from my father,” he shared. “He taught me to love and enjoy the beautiful game with everything that it brought. It’s made me who I am today.”
This deep connection to soccer fuels Ethan’s commitment to passing on his father’s legacy, fostering not just skilled players but also well-rounded individuals.
Teaching Values Beyond the Field
Ethan’s coaching philosophy is rooted in character development. “I try to teach all of my players to be better people before being better soccer players,” he explained. “Being good at soccer can take you a long way, but most of the time, being a good person is invaluable.”
By focusing on life skills such as teamwork, respect, and resilience, Ethan ensures that his players leave the field equipped to succeed in any arena.
Creating a Community Through Soccer
Ethan is proud of Virginia Beach City FC’s commitment to growing soccer in the 757 area. “Our club emphasizes the importance of instilling a strong and fun environment for our players,” he said. “We’re privileged to have access to the facilities and resources that we do.”
For Ethan, breaking down barriers is key. “Soccer is a sport that should be accessible to all, and by reducing the entry barriers, we can create an atmosphere that invites anyone who is interested.”
A Vision for the Future
As Ethan continues to inspire and mentor young players, his vision for the club remains clear: to grow soccer’s presence in the community while shaping athletes into future leaders. Through his efforts, Virginia Beach City FC Academy is not just developing players—it’s building a stronger, more inclusive community.
