FC Samoa

Nick Parker, as Director of Soccer for FC Samoa, is committed to the passionate and talented small-town soccer player, and to assisting them toward success in School, Soccer, and in Life.

Nick’s professional and academic coaching resumé is extensive. As a young man, Nick played semi-pro in England, learning in and amongst the best players and coaches in the world. His passion was teaching, and following his dream, Mr. Parker left the professional circuit to pursue higher education. He now holds two advanced degrees in Physical education (Pedagogy and Curriculum), three California Teaching Credentials, and he has taught extensively in the US, Canada, and England.

Since 1982, Mr. Parker has been Head Coach for two colleges, numerous boys and girls Division One travel teams, and two adult men’s teams. This soccer coaching odyssey has taken Nick to Nova Scotia, England, St Kitts and Nevis, and Sacramento. After moving to Humboldt County in 1996, Nick held posts as both Lecturer and Supervisor in the Credential Program (for PE) at Humboldt State University.

Nick Parker developed a complete soccer curriculum for players and recreational coaches (Under-6 through Under-18). His philosophy is a blend of classical teacher training, disciplined soccer fundamentals, and (for older groups) ‘player empowerment’. He admires the Brazilian and French styles above all others (but still roots for England), and believes in using players natural strengths, rather than “forcing” a particular style or system of play.

As a testament to his excellent coaching, Nick Parker’s select club teams have earned numerous tournament championships in California and Oregon. His River City (under-19) boys, who started with Coach Parker as U13’s, took second place in the prestigious CYSA State Cup. Every member of this team earned a spot on a college team, including three at NCAA Div 1 schools. Girls coached by Parker are currently playing at (e.g.) Smith College, UC Santa Cruz, Ibsen, CSU Chico, and CSU Stanislaus.