Send us Fan Mail How does a young coach turn a love for soccer into an opportunity to shape the next generation of Vermont players? In this episode of the Pink and Green Podcast, A.J. and Chris sit down with Oscar Loomis, a Vermont Clover Elite 11 coach and the new head coach of the Middlebury Union High School boys’ soccer team. Oscar shares how growing up in a small Southern Vermont community led him to soccer, from joining the sport at age 12 or 13 to playing varsity at Long Trail School and continuing his career at Burr and Burton Academy. After time away from the game, an unexpected opportunity to coach brought his passion roaring back. The conversation explores Oscar’s first coaching experience, the simple message that opened the door for him at Vermont Clover, and what he learned from working alongside the club’s coaching staff. He also discusses taking over at Middlebury, creating a fresh and merit-based environment, and establishing a style of play built around pressure, freedom, technical confidence, and relentless effort. Oscar reflects on the positive and negative coaching experiences that shaped his philosophy. He explains why players need to feel safe making mistakes, how coaches can handle difficult moments without adding to the chaos, and why strong relationships away from the field produce better chemistry on it. The group also examines Vermont’s homegrown soccer culture, the financial and geographic barriers that keep talented players from accessing opportunities, and the need for more people to become involved in coaching. For Oscar, coaching provides young players with more than instruction—it gives them an outlet to express themselves. In This Episode Oscar talks about: Discovering soccer as a young teenager in Southern VermontPlaying for Long Trail School, Fusion, Summit, ODP, and Burr and BurtonFalling back in love with the game through coachingReaching out to Vermont Clover and asking to become involvedLearning from the Vermont Clover coaching staffLeading the club’s Elite 11 programBecoming Middlebury Union High School’s new head coachGiving players freedom within a system that benefits the teamBuilding a relentless, aggressive style of playCreating trust and psychological safety for young athletesKeeping composure during difficult momentsDeveloping relationships and chemistry beyond the fieldThe coaches and experiences that shaped his philosophyVermont’s close-knit, homegrown soccer communityFinancial and geographic barriers to player developmentWhy Vermont needs more youth coachesSoccer as a form of creativity and self-expressionHis hopes for the next stage of his coaching careerOscar Loomis is a Vermont soccer coach who worked with Vermont Clover FC’s Elite 11 program and is beginning his first season as head coach of the Middlebury Union High School boys’ soccer team. Vermont Clover FC is home to both men’s and women’s semi-professional soccer teams, with sponsorship opportunities ranging from jersey placement to match-day, digital, and community partnerships. Interested in becoming a Vermont Clover FC sponsor? Contact us at info@vermontclover.com. Vermont Clover FC We are focused on creating opportunities for VT's top players. Capelli Sport The official uniform sponsor for all Vermont Clover FC teams. Slide In Pub The Office Pub of Vermont Clover FC! Located at 3762 Shelburne Rd Ste 6, Shelburne, VT S1 Goalkeeper Gloves The Best Goalkeeper Gloves! Pro quality, cost effect. Worn by all Vermont Clover FC Keepers! Support the show Follow the Pink and Green Podcast for more conversations about Vermont soccer, community, and culture. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkandgreenpodcast/ Follow Vermont Clover FC https://www.instagram.com/vermontcloverfc/ https://www.youtube.com/@VermontCloverFC Get tickets to the next Vermont Clover match! https://tickets.vermontclover.com
