By Gary Curreri
Generations of Coaching in SABR
SABR isn’t just a soccer club—it’s a family tradition. Many coaches who once played or coached in the program now find themselves mentoring their own children and grandchildren in the early stages of their soccer journeys.
Take Horacio Agostinelli Jr., a veteran SABR coach, for example. For him, there’s no better way to spend time with his family than coaching alongside his son, Nicolas, while guiding his grandchildren, Adrian and Benjamin, on one field and Sebastián, his daughter’s son, on another. Afterward, he moves on to coach his granddaughter Sofía’s team in the GU7 division.
“I started playing in SABR Adult pickup games and then started coaching my kids,” Agostinelli said. “I coached my son when he was on the travel team. Both of my kids started in recreational soccer and then moved to travel. Now they’re 34 and 35 years old, and I’m coaching their kids. It’s the best thing. I still play with my sons in the adult recreational leagues.”
Agostinelli, originally from Argentina and a 38-year Boca Raton resident, believes the support system within SABR is unparalleled.
“This whole organization and its facilities are impossible to compare,” he said.
A Mentoring Approach to Coaching
With decades of soccer experience, Agostinelli takes a mentorship approach, focusing on building confidence, teamwork, and enjoyment in young players.
“I always teach the kids to have fun,” he said. “I want them to be team players, forget about the score, and enjoy every game.”
For younger age groups, the emphasis is on learning rather than competition.
“In U7 recreational soccer, we don’t keep scores or standings like we do from U9 onward,” Agostinelli explained. “Our team scored some great goals, but I even played with the other team to help them score. That’s what this age group is about—developing skills and having fun.”
SABR’s Unwavering Support for Coaches
Coaching in SABR comes with extensive support, from coaching clinics run by SABR Director of Coaching Carrie Barker to additional resources provided by US Soccer.
“In the recreational program, we rely on a voluntary coaching model,” Agostinelli said. “Many coaches start with little or no experience, but the dedication and mentorship within SABR help them grow quickly.”
“We see coaches transform in just three months—going from zero experience to leading a team with confidence,” he added. “That’s because of the unbelievable support SABR provides. When Carrie Barker came in, it completely changed how we approach coaching. Now, we have a professional structure that emphasizes development in a non-competitive environment.”
One of the biggest changes has been US Soccer’s Play-Practice-Play Grassroots concept, which encourages game-like experiences for young players.
“It’s a fantastic approach,” Agostinelli said. “The SABR after-school program is also unbelievable, and my son, Santiago, coordinates the U5 and U6 programs. He’s been working with Carrie for the last nine years, helping young kids start their soccer journey. When I coached my kids years ago, we didn’t have this kind of structure. It was a great change and a very positive move.”
Even before the Tom Cup U9 boys’ championship game, Agostinelli kept the focus on enjoyment rather than winning.
“These kids are already winners just for making it this far,” said Agostinelli, whose team later secured a 5-0 victory. “And I’m not done yet. Next, I’ll be coaching my granddaughter, Sophia, who just turned six. I plan to coach for a long time—I’m here to stay.”
Reflecting on the sport’s evolution, Agostinelli marvels at how much youth soccer has changed.
“When I started playing in Argentina, there was nothing like this,” he said. “I never even played soccer until I was 18 because my father was in the military, and we moved every year. But when I had kids, I saw an opportunity—to teach, learn, and enjoy soccer with them.”
Seth Price: A Coaching Journey Fueled by Family and Support
From Hesitant Volunteer to Dedicated Coach
Seth Price wasn’t planning on becoming a head coach when he first volunteered for SABR. Two years ago, he stepped in to help with the U7 boys division after hearing they needed more coaches. This season, he coached his twin sons, Isaac and Caleb, along with their cousin, Zachary Witenstein, on the Goal Diggers in the U8 division.
“When I first volunteered, I signed up as an assistant coach,” Price said. “But the league was so short on coaches, they needed more head coaches—let alone assistants. So, I jumped in and just finished a season happily coaching a group of energetic U8 boys.”
Price, who grew up playing soccer in Coral Springs for 12 years and refereeing for five, was initially nervous about coaching.
“I’d never coached before, so I wasn’t sure about the time commitment or if I could create a fun experience for the kids,” he admitted.
But SABR made the transition easy.
“They understand that many of us are first-time coaches and may not have played soccer before,” Price said. “They provide tremendous support through literature, videos, and on-field clinics.”
A Coaching Philosophy Rooted in Fun and Growth
Having had both great and not-so-great coaches in his own youth sports experience, Price wanted to ensure that his players had a positive, skill-building season.
“My goal is for them to have fun, learn, and grow,” he said. “I want them to know they don’t have to be perfect—just to go out, try their hardest, and support their teammates.”
For Price, winning isn’t the priority—especially at this young age.
“Yes, winning is fun, but it’s not what’s most important,” he emphasized. “These kids are building a foundation. What matters most is that they enjoy the game and want to continue playing—not because their parents make them, but because they love being on the field with their teammates and coaches.”
In addition to soccer, Price also coaches Little League baseball, reinforcing the same values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
“Team sports teach you that you can’t play every position—you have to rely on your teammates,” he said. “Good sportsmanship is crucial, and it’s something we practiced every game.”
Price was impressed by how well-organized SABR is, despite the sheer size of the program.
“SABR has a tremendous number of kids playing, yet things always run smoothly,” he said. “That’s because of the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes. I know a few personally, and they are always willing to help or answer questions.”
His experience with SABR has left him with a deep appreciation for the program’s structure and support.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how SABR operates,” he concluded. “No matter if you’re a seasoned coach or brand new, they provide the tools you need. The community behind this program is truly something special.”
