Eric Chaisongkram, New Director of Coaching for CV Rangers SC

Youth Soccer News: One-on-One Interview with Eric Chaisongkram

Eric Chaisongkram is the new Director of Coaching for Chula Vista Rangers Soccer Club. A former San Diego Flash, UCLA and US Youth National Team player Chaisongkram played soccer professionally for Thailand-UCOM Rajpracha and San Diego Flash before retiring in 2000. Chaisongkram also played for University of California, Los Angeles and formed part of the U16 and U19 US Youth National Teams where he was a teammate of Claudio Reyna the current U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director.

SoccerNationNews interviewed Chaisongkram to get to know the person behind the soccer ball, the man behind the USSF “B” National Coaching License.

SNN: What is your idea of the perfect game?

Eric Chaisongkram: My ideal game would begin with a goal in the first minute. We would dominate possession throughout the game and create scoring opportunities in many different ways. Defensively, we would be stifling and smart. I would not be coaching from the sidelines at all; I’d be sitting back in my chair enjoying the game with the parents and the ODP scouts. Of course, we would win the game 3-0.

SNN:What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Eric Chaisongkram: My family, without a doubt

SNN: What talent would you most like to have?

Eric Chaisongkram: I would love to have a great poker face.

SNN: Who are your heroes in real life?

Eric Chaisongkram: Simple...My heroes are all the men and women that fight for our freedom.

SNN: When and where do you think you played the best soccer?

Eric Chaisongkram: In 1992-93, my sophomore year at UCLA.

SNN: When did you first start to play?

Eric Chaisongkram: I started playing AYSO at the age of 5. We were the Incredible Hulks (with orange jerseys).

SNN: Who was your favorite coach?

Eric Chaisongkram: It was a coaching tandem with the Region IV team, Dave Chesler and Mike Frietag.

SNN: How do you describe your coaching style?

Eric Chaisongkram: My coaching style can be described as organized, disciplined, and passionate.

SNN: Who do you think is the best pro player playing today?

Eric Chaisongkram: Lionel Messi is the best, most dynamic player in the world.

SNN: What are your favorite teams to watch?

Eric Chaisongkram: LA Galaxy and Barcelona

SNN:What were your youth soccer clubs? 

Eric Chaisongkram: I’ve played for: Corona Renegades, Redlands Corinthians, Upland Celtic, Whittier Aguilitas, Bonita Rebels (should I have said that?), Cerritos Giants, and Nomads.

SNN: What do you think of referees?

Eric Chaisongkram: I have the utmost respect for referees. They are an essential element and can be the determining factor in every game.

SNN: What is your goal as the new DOC?

Eric Chaisongkram: I want to create a soccer club that (as a parent) I would have my own children play at.

SNN: Where were you immediately before joining Chula Vista Rangers?

Eric Chaisongkram: Nomads Coach of the GU13 and GU16 teams.

SNN: Should soccer use technology (playback features) like other sports?

Eric Chaisongkram: I fully support technology being used as long as it doesn't impact the flow of a game.