Elevating the Standard of Coach Education: Inside the North American Soccer Expo
For Douglas Macaulay, Youth Director and Coach Education Advisor for Detroit City FC, a passion for learning is the driving force behind a successful coaching career.
A regular attendee of national coaching conventions since 2008, Macaulay recently returned to the North American Soccer Expo in Michigan. Here is an inside look at how the Expo provides incredible networking opportunities, actionable coaching takeaways, and an unparalleled educational experience right on the doorstep of the Midwest.
The Impact of Top-Tier Educators
The North American Soccer Expo prides itself on bringing in some of the brightest minds in the game, and for Macaulay, the caliber of presenters is what makes the event so worthwhile.
A standout for him this year was a presentation by Ian Donnelly. "He is one of my favorite presenters. I've seen him everywhere from Anaheim in California to Philadelphia," Macaulay notes. "He did a special session this year on 'coaching the coaches,' which I thoroughly enjoyed. I got a lot of takeaways, and it was great to meet him in person and have good conversations off the field."
Improving Coaching Behavior Through Video Analysis
Education is only valuable if it can be applied back at the club level. For Macaulay, Donnelly’s session provided a direct blueprint for how to improve his staff at Detroit City FC.
"The main thing I gathered was coaching behavior — analyzing, revisiting, evaluating," explains Macaulay. "Many people coach and never revisit their sessions, but it’s definitely something that we all need to do. It’s certainly a way that I'll be using video to watch coaches, help them observe themselves, and learn from the moments."
A Lifelong Passion for Coach Education
Every great director has a 'why' that motivates their work. For Macaulay, it simply comes down to a love for coach education and the opportunity to share space with greatness.
"Just being on a local doorstep with so many top names — great names and coaches — sharing all their information... it was fantastic," he says. The intimate setting of the Expo allowed for personal conversations with renowned figures like Ian Barker, Peter Vermes, and Rene Meulensteen, blending high-level tactical discussions with the rich social aspects of catching up with local legends.
Why Every Coach Should Attend the 2027 Expo
When asked what he would say to a coach or director who is on the fence about attending the next Expo, Macaulay doesn’t hesitate.
"If you can't learn from that, then you'll never learn," he says with a smile. "Being out there, being a sponge, listening to every word, and just really enjoying the experience... If you're on the fence — especially if you live in Michigan, but even if you don't — I would definitely get down there and take it in. We love the game. There's nothing better than listening to good people."
