New Soccer Coach Relies On Basic Skills

George Ford, Harvard's new soccer coach, has been spending the first part of his reign trying to whip his players into shape while teaching them fundamental ball control skills. Ford held training camp at the St. Paul's School in Concord, N.H., last week where 34 players went through the rigors of three days with two daily practices and two more days of three grueling daily practices.

Ford, a retired pro soccer player who has coached teams in England and the United States, is using a European coaching method concentrating on aspects of the game that he says his players are un-familiar with.

The new booter mentor, who replaced 26-year coaching veteran J. Bruce Munro, says he will be concentrating on individual skills, emphasizing ball control. He says he hopes that all his players will be able to perform with the same proficiency as the best teams in the United States once he finishes his training program.

Of course this is a rebuilding year; and Ford must deal with what is essentially an unknown quantity. Several of the booters reported late to camp, but the rookie coach is enthusiastic with the group that attended the St. Paul's camp.

"They all have a tremendous attitude, work hard, and are learning," Ford says. Because of the focus on individual improvement he has not yet been able to scrimmage or evaluate the team as a whole.

Veteran fullback Steve Mead, the team's captain, is one of the players Ford must learn to live with. Ford says that Mead has proven to be a "heck of a captain," and that he is well respected by his teammates for his hard work and dedication.

Ford is not inheriting any regulars from last year's 3-7-2 squad except for seniors Mead, Art Faden, and Leroy Thompson. Among the 34 people reporting to camp, however, were juniors, Ralph Booth, Geoffrey Hargadon, Steve Hines, who saw considerable action last season as substitutes.

Ford is not in any position to make a prediction on his squad's upcoming season--he is still learning all his players' names--but he seems optimistic with the prospects. "Of course we'll try to produce a winning team. However this year I am concentrating on giving a complete knowledge of the game to my players," said Ford.

As far as game strategy goes, Ford says that he does not yet know the strengths of his players, and is considering almost any system at this time.