Throughout the summer, SportingKCAcademy.com is publishing a series of Q&A interviews with each member of the Academy's technical staff. In the fourth installment, we catch up with Sporting KC U-12 head coach Colby Childress.
- Part 1: Academy Director Jon Parry
- Part 2: Technical Coach Michel Ribeiro
- Part 3: Goalkeeper Coach Gavin McInerney
Where are you from and what is something that you miss from home?
I am from Huntsville, Alabama. My favorite food from there is my grandmother’s biscuits. We also have a white barbecue sauce chicken that is to die for.
What was your favorite soccer club growing up?
Manchester United was my favorite team growing up. I loved watching Roy Keane and Paul Scholes play. Now the only team for me is Sporting!
Why did you fall in love with soccer?
I just remember how I loved playing from the moment I started. My older sister played too, but I know we did not start playing because my family did. I’m not even sure how much my parents knew about the game at the time, but now my whole family loves it.
What makes the Sporting KC Academy so special?
I think we have a great pathway for the players, and I think we started to show that we’ll actually play those players as well when they are ready—whether that’s USL Championship level or the first team level. We’re able to prepare them for those different levels and when they are ready they able to play and get their chance to compete at those levels, and we hope to help to reach their goals and achieve their dreams, as well. That’s my favorite thing about the club! Helping players achieve their dreams.
What’s the best part about being a coach?
My passion is my job. I think just seeing kids get better and better, and seeing them work towards their dreams. So the best part is seeing the growth, and seeing them getting better each day, and really taking ownership of their own development and how they mature as not just players but as people as well and get through different stages.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, for sure! It’s in the River Market (near downtown Kansas City) and the place is unbelievable. When I do milkshakes, I always do half of chocolate brownie and then I rotate with cookies and cream or anything with chocolate. I love chocolate!
What is your favorite movie?
I like Count of Monty Christo. It’s a long movie, but it has a really great storyline and plot twists.
What country are you most interested in?
Greece. I love history and it would be so cool to see, visit and explore the beginning of Western Civilization.
Do you have pets?
My wife and I have solid black German Shepherd named Hans. We also have a black cat named Gimli after the dwarf from Lord of the Rings.
