Between Bundesliga, DFB, and grassroots: Marcus Urban
Marcus Urban currently serves as the Head of Coaching Education at Bundesliga Club 1. FC Union Berlin, where he leads worldwide coaching education initiatives and workshops for national and international coaches.
As a licensed DFB (German Football Association) coaching instructor, he is an integral part of the DFB and UEFA licensing education committee and a member of the staff for the Warubi coaching program, responsible for educating and licensing international coaches.
Marcus brings a unique perspective to integrating soccer, coaching, and education, with the aim of reshaping how we perceive player and coach development.
Interview with Marcus Urban: Soccer Coaching, Education, and Personal Development
Interviewer: Hi Marcus, it’s great to have you. Could you tell us more about your journey and your current role at Union Berlin?
Markus Urban: Thank you for having me. My journey in sports has been a long and rewarding one. It started with a passion for sports and coaching at a young age, leading me to various roles in different sports disciplines. As the Educational Coordinator at Union Berlin, my role is multifaceted. I’m responsible for devising training programs, not just in football tactics but also focusing on the mental and psychological aspects of sports. My work involves close collaboration with various sports associations and educational institutions to create a comprehensive learning environment for athletes and coaches alike.
Interviewer: That’s quite a spectrum of responsibilities. Can you detail what your typical week looks like?
Markus Urban: Absolutely. Each week brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. For example, this week began with overseeing a B license coach training session, focusing on developing coaching strategies and techniques. We then moved to a discussion with the Berlin Association about improving our training methodologies, especially considering our first team’s current performance. Another part of my week involves mentoring young coaches, where I emphasize the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique needs. The goal is to develop coaches who are not just tactically sound but also emotionally intelligent and adaptable.
Interviewer: In today’s fast evolving sports world, how do you see your role evolving in the future?
Marcus Urban: The world of sports is becoming increasingly complex, and my role is to navigate these complexities effectively. Looking ahead, I see my role evolving to focus more on the holistic development of athletes and coaches. This means integrating technology, sports science, and psychological tools to develop training programs that are not only physically demanding but also mentally stimulating. It’s about creating an environment where athletes can grow not just as players but as individuals.
Interviewer: With the evolving nature of sports, what qualities define successful coaches today?
Marcus Urban: Successful coaching today requires a blend of various skills. Technical knowledge is fundamental, but emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to connect with players on a personal level are equally important. Coaches like Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel exemplify this approach. They are not just tacticians; they are mentors who understand the psychological dynamics of their teams and can inspire and motivate players to perform at their best.
Interviewer: How do you integrate personal development into coaching education programs?
Marcus Urban: Personal development is at the core of our coaching education programs. We start with self-awareness exercises, helping coaches understand their strengths and areas for improvement. We then move to developing communication skills, understanding athlete psychology, and creating inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs. It’s about equipping coaches with the tools to not only develop athletes’ physical abilities but also to support their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Interviewer: As we look towards the future, how do you envision sports and coaching evolving in the next few decades?
Marcus Urban: The future of sports and coaching is exciting and full of possibilities. I envision a more data-driven approach, with technology playing a significant role in training and performance analysis. However, the human element will remain crucial. Coaches will need to be more versatile, understanding the cultural, social, and psychological aspects that influence athletes. The focus will be on developing well-rounded individuals who excel in their sport and possess the resilience and adaptability to succeed in all areas of life.
Interviewer: Marcus, your insights are incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Marcus Urban: It’s been my pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences.
