I had the privilege of sitting down with the celebrated soccer coach, Demir Muftari. Demir has over 20 years of experience coaching soccer in various environments, spanning from youth soccer to semi-professional levels. He is a celebrated coach who is most respected for developing the players he works with to achieve the greatest level of success. He loves his job and helping players develop, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and learn how to thrive and trust themselves in high-pressure environments. He has helped place over 500 players in college soccer and has placed over 40 players in professional soccer. 

Demir was the Director of Coaching for the Vardar Soccer Club Developmental Academy since 2000. He led Vardar SC U18 to the US Development Academy national title in 2010 and was named US Soccer Developmental Academy Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2010. 

In addition to his youth coaching experience, Demir has coached at both the collegiate and semi-professional levels. Demir was the head coach of the Michigan bucks, currently the Flint City Bucks for six seasons, winning five national championships during that span. He was also named National Coach of 2014 and 2016 and finished runner-up in 2019.

Currently, Demir is the ECNL girls Director of coaching for the Liverpool Football Club International Acedamy 

What we cover on navigating sports and competition with our kids:

• Cultivating a competitive spirit in our kids, but healthily.
• Teaching the importance of the process and the journey
• What parents should consider when thinking about the best environment for their child to thrive
• Paying attention to what your kids are doing versus what they’re saying
• How lessons in sports can translate into our everyday lives
• And the most important question to ask your kids
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And on a side note, Demir is also my brother and one of my favorite people in this world. I lean on and turn to him often. We talk about my kids, Adrian and Hana, who play soccer at competitive levels. He has guided me through so many ups and downs on this journey, and I know you will find his words as helpful as I have. Without further ado, here is today’s conversation. 

Resources: 

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