UD x Coaches Corner

January 2021, we focus on our Head Coach, Ben Richards. We caught up with Ben and asked him 10 questions, some of his answers took us by surprise!! Ben is one of our most experienced coaches and his professionalism coupled with his knowledge of the game makes him a real asset to the Dragons. Ben has worked for United Dragons since its inception in 2018. Prior to this, Ben worked with Directors Chris and Ryan at HSFC. Ben has a wealth of experience having coached in both the UK and USA.

Each month on the Coaches Corner, we will be focusing our attentions on a different coach, giving you all the opportunity to get to know your coaches on a more personal level.

Question 1 - Where did you grow up as a kid?

Wincanton - a small town in Somerset about as big as Regents park! If you like horse racing you may have heard of it.

Question 2 - What was grassroots football like in your area? Were there plenty of opportunities?

You played for the local team and that was that! We used to travel up to 40 miles for away matches. We’d meet in the supermarket car park at 8am, so all our parents could drive us in convoy to the match. Parents were coaches and pitches were like farmed fields.

Question 3 - What did you want to be growing up as a kid?

An Electrician i think, because my Dad was. That didn’t last long!

Question 4 - What is your best sporting memory?

There are so many to choose from. I love most sports and will watch anything! But it has to be Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, I was living in Wimbledon the second time that happened and it was some party! Being at Wembley when Yeovil won the league one play off final is a close second!

Question 5 - What football team do you support?

Yeovil Town! I was born there (if you’re unsure who they are, take a look at the National league table). It’s fair to say we’re not having our finest moments as a football club!

Question 6 - Who is your football idol?

Ryan Giggs - I supported Man Utd before I was old enough to go and watch Yeovil. My twin brother was a Beckham fan...our bedroom was like a shrine to Man Utd wingers!

Question 7 - Do you have any 2021 sporting goals?

COVID has changed them a little but I will be taking part in the prudential 100 mile cycle ride and taking a dip in Hyde park for swim serpentine. Potentially aiming for an Ironman in 2022

Question 8 - What has been your proudest UD moment?

I’m not sure there is a single moment, I think all UD coaches feel proud every Sunday when we see just how many kids we are allowing to play football. 

Question 9 - Describe your coaching philosophy...

I like my teams to do the basics, be tight out of possession and expansive with the ball. Doing the simple things well, will get you results no matter the quality of your opposition.

Question 10 - Would you rather win 4-2 or 2-0?

2-0 all day! I love to see our teams scoring plenty of goals but winning to nil is more of a complete performance for me.