About the Author

Andy Barney, author of Training Soccer Legends

In this exceptional coaching book Andy Barney, one of soccer’s original thinkers, gives the soccer coaching establishment food for thought and self-examination in a way that only someone with his background, study and experience can. Andy was born in Oxford, England he was brought up in a soccer family with two generations of professional play, (In 1945-46, before his long English pre-career, Andy's uncle, Vic Barney, played for Italian Serie A club Napoli... Diego Maradona's old club). Andy was a registered semi-professional player with Oxford City at age 16. He became a branch sales manager for a large office equipment company at 21. While studying Physical Education from ages 23 to 26, he was ever present with the British Collegiate team. He graduated with honors in Human Movement Studies (British for phys' Ed") at 26.

Before moving to America he coached British youth soccer teams for ten years and lectured in Physical Education. After arriving in KC he founded British Soccer Camps, (Now Challenger Sports, The USA’s largest camp organization). He was Director of Coaching for the Kansas State Soccer Association from age 27 to 32 and formerly Mid-West Girls Regional Director of Coaching and USSF U19 National Staff Coach/Selector. For five years he served as Director of Marketing and Coaching for a multi-million dollar indoor soccer and sports mall company. He coached at Avila University in KC, is currently in his 20th year as Director of Coaching for the Kansas City Legends Soccer Club and an NSCAA Convention clinician.

Andy holds a United States Soccer Federation “A License” an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and 13 coaching qualifications in other sports. Andy’s teams have won 13 National Indoor Championships & 3 USYSA Regional Championships. A team with ten of Andy’s former players coached by Chris Klein of U.S. National team fame, won the U20 National Outdoor Championship in 2002. Andy is the owner of Soccer Excellence Inc., the K.C. Legends Soccer Club, National Indoor Soccer Championship, SuperClubs North America, the SuperClubs National Team Tours and the HappyFeet Preschool & Legends Soccer Club Franchises.

Andy is the author of a 320 page book on soccer coaching “Training Soccer Legends” & the DVD "Legendary 1 v 1 Moves". In his vivid, unorthodox soccer book he describes the philosophies and methods that have led to the successes of the teams and individual players who play for the Kansas City Legends Soccer Club. Moving from topic to topic, in each segment he provides new thought-provoking insight on questionable youth coaching methods. He draws from the many strands of his experience, his passion for the game of soccer, his lifelong infatuation with the great players of each era, his study of physical development and leadership, his loyal credo, his adventures in competition with players of many different ages, abilities, classes and national backgrounds, plus the hard work, headaches and rewards of the soccer playing, promoting and coaching life.

Plainspoken, wise and enormously original, here at last is a book that addresses past and present coaching abuses, forges new developmental pathways and expands future coaching horizons. This is a book written for every soccer player, aficionado, coach or parent with a vision of maximizing each individual’s potential.

For further information on "Training Soccer Legends" opportunities i.e. camps, clinics, consultancy, advice and franchises. Please contact Andy Barney at andy@kclegendssoccer.com or 913-636-4073