Meet Our Staff
Our wonderful soccer teachers are unique, kind, caring educators to the core. We have a team of true teachers who are exceptional role models in life. Our teachers are committed to nurturing the self-concept of every child in our program by guaranteeing first individual, then team excellence. Their commitment is to encourage the following character attributes with special focus on brave, creative leadership:
Bravery, Courage, Creativity, Uniqueness, Leadership, Mentorship Confidence, High Self-Concept Ethics, Morals, Principles, Fairness, Honesty, Goodness, Charisma, Friendliness, Likeability, Style, Class, Honor, Respect, Gratitude, Education, Intelligence, Positive attitude, Humor, Work Ethic, Dedication Spirit, Energy, Motivation, Fitness, Health Eminence, Notability, Kindness, Love, Diligence, Perseverance, Self-Discipline, Stability Empathy, Caring, Compassion, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Involvement, Engagement Tolerance, Forgiveness, Open Mindedness, Helpfulness, Cooperation, Support, Generosity Consideration, Modesty, Accountability, Reliability, Rationality, Thoughtfulness, Politeness, Loyalty, and Commitment.
You will not find a more purist team of role models in youth sports! We can promise your child the best sports-based, character development experience in the country.
Josh Ganson
Springfield Area Director
Phone: (417) 501-6019
Email:
[email protected]Originally from Indpendence, MO Josh started playing soccer around the age of 3. He played in many leagues in and around the KC area while growing up including at All American Indoor Sports where HappyFeet had it's beginnings. Josh was a member of the Yellowjackets at Graceland University where he learned that soccer is more about the skills it helps you build rather than the wins and losses.
"The games fade away in time but the skills you learn on the field become a part of who you are off the field."This became the philosophy of his coaching career. Josh coached at the college level for 12 seasons at six different universities in the Midwest and New England regions. Today it is important to Josh that the next generation of soccer players be taught from an early age that mastery of skill and discipline of character are the cornerstones of any successful soccer career.
"When you can be disciplined enough to make the right choices in the face of pressure and to practice the small skills and details that no one else wants to work on; you will find success where others can't."This philosophy is what drives him to teach your young children and the coaches of HappyFeet that soccer is a great building block to a successful future.
Josh lives in Nixa with his wife Tasha and their two children Kinsley and Jayce. Along with their two dogs, three fish, and one rabbit.
Andy Barney
Kansas City Legends Founder
Author of Training Soccer Legends
Phone: 913-851-9898
Email: [email protected]
Andy was born in Oxford, England. He was brought up in a soccer family with two generations of professional play. Andy was a registered semi-professional player with Oxford at age 16. From ages 16-23 Andy worked full-time in business while playing for various English clubs. He became a Branch Sales Manager for a large office equipment company at age 20. At age 23 Andy left the business world to study Physical Education. From1981-1984 he was an ever present first XI player with the British Collegiate team. He graduated with honors in Physical education at age 26. Before moving to America he coached British youth soccer teams for ten years and lectured in Physical Education.
After emigrating to the U.S. he founded British Soccer Camps, the world’s largest soccer camp organization. From age 27 to 32 he served as Director of Coaching for the Kansas Soccer Association, Mid-West Girls Regional Director of Coaching and the USSF as a U19 National Staff Coach/Selector. He simultaneously worked as Director of Marketing and Coaching for All American Indoor Sports, a KC based multi-million dollar indoor soccer and sports mall organization. Andy founded and ran the National Indoor Soccer Council before handing the reins to the USISA. He is currently a member of the US Indoor Soccer Association’s Advisory Board. He coached men’s college soccer at Avila University, is an NSCAA Convention clinician and is currently in his 21st year as Director of Coaching for the Kansas City Legends Soccer Club. Andy holds a United States Soccer Federation “A License” an NSCAA “Advanced National Diploma” and 14 coaching qualifications in 8 other sports.
Andy’s Legends club teams have won 13 National Indoor Championships & 3 USYSA Regional Championships. In 2002 a team with ten of Andy’s former U18 players, beat Southern California 9-1 in the final four en route to winning the U20 National Outdoor Championship. Andy is the owner of Soccer Excellence Inc., the K.C. Legends Soccer Club, National Indoor Soccer Championship, SuperClubs North America, the SuperClubs National Team Tours and the National HappyFeet Preschool & Legends Soccer Club franchise system.
Andy is the author of “Training Soccer Legends” a 320 page book with a unique deceptive dribbling and goal scoring individual perspective on youth coaching.
Andy has produced two best selling DVD’s, “Legendary 1 v 1 Moves” & “Training Legendary 1 v 1 Moves”. He is currently writing his second book “Legends for Life”. Andy plans to write a third book "Geneticism and Discrimination in Youth Soccer". Andy has a vision and mission to develop all children into brave, creative leaders for life through soccer.
Gabbe Millot
Legends Coach
If Gabbe is your coach, you will know it! Her vibrant energy is felt across the field & throughout the game. Soccer is a big part of her life as she's been playing ever since she can remember. Gabbe's soccer experience has now brought her to Springfield as a player on the women's Drury soccer team. She has been a HappyFeet coach with us for the past 3 years and has loved every season. Outside of soccer, Gabbe keeps herself busy and enjoys playing hockey, singing & hiking.
Jackie Finley
Legends Coach
Coach Jackie has been playing soccer for over 21 years. When you combine that experience with her energy & passion for kids, you have the complete package! Jackie is currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work & working full time at Hogan Land Title. She enjoys spending time with her two pups & going to the lake. Coach Jackie leads HappyFeet classes at schools & is a league coach. She especially loves the littlest ones....and the feeling is mutual!
BRAVE. CREATIVE. LEADERS