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“I started my career in Connecticut (A-League) and ended it on a New York (VSL) team,” said Kuk, who also worked his way up the Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaching ranks in Connecticut. Kuk was named a coach/scout within Region 1 of the ODP program.

“I identified the best talent from Maine to Virginia and no further west than West Virginia,” said Kuk of the Region 1. “It was a fantastic experience.”

Today, Kuk serves as the technical director for the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle (SOCA), a non-profit organization that caters to 5,000+ families.

“I work with all the kids from four to 18 years old,” said the 33-year-old Kuk, who has worked at SOCA since June 2004. “We see the youngest kids through our hotshot program, soccer day camp and, of course, our locally famous world-cup camp.”

Upon first arrival in Charlottesville, in the summer of 2003, Kuk realized immediately that soccer would thrive in the area.

“I visited Charlottesville and said this is a place where soccer can really grow,” Kuk remembered. “I was very excited that education was so important. I could see the potential.”

Kuk worked as a part-timer at SOCA as the club prepared to add another full-time employee.

“I had to identify where the club was and what I could bring to get a full-time job,” Kuk explained. “I decided to focus on camps, clinics and other programs where people would get excited about playing soccer.”

Since Kuk earned full-time employment, SOCA has added four more full-timers to the stable, a testament to the non-profit’s growth and depth across the board.

“Our vision as a club is to continue nurturing what we do locally. We want to continue reaching out to the player who wants to enjoy the game,” Kuk said.

“At the same time, we are focused on player development and competition. We want to coach players the right way, so they can advance to ODP and college programs down the line.”

Along with his duties as technical director, Kuk serves as head coach of the U-13 Express.

“It’s the golden age of learning. The girls are like sponges. They soak everything up,” he said. “They’re attentive. They want to learn and please. It’s been very rewarding so far.”

Downtown Athletic and CVaSports.com are proud to honor coaches at all levels. Brian Kuk, as the "Coach of the Week" recipient, you are invited to visit Downtown Athletic Store in Seminole Square Shopping Center to pick up a Russell Athletic polo courtesy of CVaSports.com and Downtown Athletic.

Posted by Jerry Miller on May 1, 2008 12:56 AM | Permalink

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