In this week’s “Get to Know” article, we will be learning more about Seacoast United Maine South staff member, Branden Noltkamper. Branden will be coaching the clubs 2006G Premier Blue and 2008G Premier Blue teams for the 2018/19 season.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

 

What is your previous experience playing soccer? Coaching?

I have been playing soccer ever since I can remember. I grew up playing for the Bath Clippers, Odyssey and eventually made my way to Coastal Soccer Club. After my club soccer years, I played at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine for 4 years before beginning my coaching career. I have spent time coaching collegiality at Bates College, University of Southern Maine and Maine Maritime Academy. I have currently been coaching with Seacoast for 6 years. 

 

What made you decide to want to start coaching?

I have always liked working with others and helping those who want to learn. I have my degree in education so I have always been keen on teaching. 

 

What attracted you to Seacoast United Maine?

The culture among the coaches has always been something I love being a part of. I am really thankful that I get to surround myself day in and day out with some of the best coaches and learn from them.

 

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

Tom Howell by far has been my biggest influence. Tom helped me start my coaching career my Junior year of college and I have not looked back since then. I have Tom to thank for where I am today as a coach.

 

What’s been your best memory while being involved in coaching soccer?

I think all of last summer was something I will always keep with me. We flew out to Indiana for US Club Nationals and spent a week there and then three days later we flew out to England as a team. It is hard to pin point what my best memory of both those trips were but nonetheless I will never forget it all!

 

Which current or former professional athlete did you admire the most growing up and why?

This was a tough one for me but I would have to say the person I admired most growing up was Joe Max-Moore. When I was younger my parents would take me to see the New England Revolution during the summer and back then I remember all of the players would spend hours signing autographs after the matches before getting on the bus. All through my youth soccer years I wore #9 and played as a forward trying to emulate how Joe would play but I quickly realized that I am not that fast and I actually cannot score a goal to save my life.

 

Do you have any hobbies you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, travel, read and go hiking.

 

Rapid Fire Questions:

Favorite food – BLT

Favorite genre of music – Classic rock

Favorite place to visit – Florida

Favorite Premier League team – Swansea City (does that count?)

2018/2019 Premier League Winner – Manchester City

 

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