In the aftermath of the highly anticipated 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention in Anaheim, California, Tobexmedia.com caught up with Kyle Quigley, the Performance and Fitness Trainer for the Super Falcons of Nigeria during the FIFA Senior women’s cup in Australia.
The convention, a gathering of soccer coaches and administrators from all levels, proved to be a unique platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.
Quigley, one of the presenters at the convention, shared his thoughts on the remarkable experience. Speaking about the atmosphere, he highlighted the diverse crowd of over 14,000 attendees, with a predominant focus on women’s coaches and professionals in the women’s game. He said; “the atmosphere at the convention was gre. Therere were over 14,000 people in attendance, a mix of college football and professionals of the game in America.”
The convention received widespread acclaim, with Quigley noting its positive reception in America.
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A standout moment at the convention according to Coach Kyle was when he and Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons Head Coach, used a local U.S. team to recreate tactics employed by the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Quigley expressed satisfaction with the demonstration, emphasizing the enthusiasm and receptiveness of the young players.
“The tactics was greatly received on the field,” Kyle said. “The girls used for demonstration of the tactics were between 13 to 14 years of age, but they were very receptive to what we were trying to show them,” he continued.
According to him, the session drew a considerable audience, with as they both received commendations and gratitude for their insights.
When asked about the impact of the Super Falcons’ performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on a personal level, Quigley noted a transformative shift in his outlook. He opined; “Like I have said to you previously, this is the first time I worked in women’s football, because I’ve always worked in the professional game with men, both playing and coaching. So, coaching this team has changed my outlook completely.”
According to him, working with the team has elevated his understanding of women’s football, taking him to a different level both professionally and personally. Despite being one of the top 10 teams at the World Cup, Quigley sees immense potential for the Super Falcons with increased support.
Describing his working relationship with Randy Waldrum, Kyle Quigley highlighted their close bond and effective communication. He said; “the working relationship with Randy Waldrum is probably the closest I’ve ever had in football.”
Speaking further, he said; “Randy is one of the nicest person I’ve ever met. As you can see in his social meetings and his press conferences, his level of communication is just on a different level. He never raises his voice, he never lowers his voice. He’s got a really good communication level.”
He continued, “We get on so well, we share ideas, and if I don’t agree with something Randy says, I tell him, if he doesn’t agree with what I say, he tells me.”
“The working relationship, I believe will last, not just with the super falcons, but outside the super falcons. We are that close,” he added.
“Just think about it, I travelled nearly 8,000 miles to come and see him, that speaks volume enough of how highly I think of him,” he reiterated.
Waldrum’s reputation as a soccer luminary did not overshadow his down-to-earth nature, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Quigley emphasized the lasting nature of their relationship, transcending beyond the Super Falcons. The dedication, mutual respect, and shared ideas create a synergy that Quigley believes will endure for many years.
In essence, Kyle Quigley’s reflections provide a captivating glimpse into the world of the Super Falcons coaching staff and their commitment to elevating women’s football on the global stage. The convention not only served as a platform for tactical demonstrations but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beautiful game.
