Meet Ricky Clarke | Soccer Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricky Clarke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricky, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from England, I grew up in inner city London. My parents worked incredible hard to provide for my brothers and I (I’m the youngest of three boys). We lived a small, three bedroom apartment, while we never went without, we lived very modestly. My mother worked really hard, but also suffered from a physical disability, and spent most of her time taking care of my brothers and I. My dad was a warrior! He worked all the time and really helped provide for everyone in our family. He was the first to leave in the mornings, and the last one to arrive home at nights. I often asked my Mum, “why is Dad so tired”, she used to say “he’s helping to take care of us”. They put in long hours, and worked extra hours when they were available. Growing up, I couldn’t help but absorb the message that hard work will always provide you with opportunities. This is something that guides me today, I’m always chasing opportunities and ways to grow, both personally, and professionally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think our careers are always changing and growing, it’s a process, and we’re constantly evolving. I came to the United States twenty one years ago. I worked for company in New York that prided themselves on education over winning. It’s something I’ve always believed in. I believe working hard, working towards goals, challenging yourself constantly, sometimes failing hard, but using these moments as learning opportunities. When I left New York, I moved to Northern California, this was perhaps my biggest challenge! I worked for company that went bankrupt and I found myself quickly having to pivot and engineer a job for myself, it wasn’t easy, but it was another opportunity. I found myself working for an organization that needed to be restructured and given a new identity. This required something different from my previous job, now I had to develop my business skills, staff management, and time management skills. Previously, in New York, I was a coach. Now, in California I’m learning how to manage a business, as part of a team, and still develop my craft as a coach. I left Northern California and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Here, I worked with a men’s professional team, and a women’s professional team. This challenge offered another opportunity to develop my coaching craft. Working with world class players, delivering exciting, but engaging training sessions, and leaning how many connect with professional players helped develop me as a coach and individual. Collectively, all these experiences have helped design my business philosophy for Master Coach Online. My business valves process, before winning. It educates players on the process of failing, but setting goals which help provide valuable references in their pursuit of excellence. Finally, the experience I’ve gained from the organizations I’ve worked in, have given me the tools I need to create an exciting learning environment for my players, coaches, and parents. Master Coach Online will give you the opportunity to enhance your performance, no promises, just opportunities!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a fun one! When I first moved to Atlanta, I lived in Inman Park. It’s changed a lot since I’ve moved, but the Barcelona restaurant is outstanding. Their Spanish tapas are mouthwateringly good. I lived in Oakhurst, a suburb of Atlanta. They have a couple of really cool restaurants, Scout and Steinbecks. I’d take them to Decatur, which isn’t far from Inman Park. They have a number of cool breweries that are very close to each other, Three Taverns, Wild Heaven, and Lost Druid Brewery. They all provide a variety of drinks, and food. I love walking along the Beltline for it’s cool vide, and it’s a place where you feel apart of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My teachers from a young age played a very important role in my journey. I wasn’t planning on attending college, but one of my High School teachers made me apply and complete my college application. I’ll forever be grateful for Antia Johnston, my Physical Education teacher. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some outstanding professionals with in the soccer industry. Whether it’s educating young children, or working with professional players, I’ve learnt from some of the best soccer educators in the business. I’m extremely thankful for the guidance and mentorship from Tim Bradbury and Gary Book from a young age. I’m very lucky my family really encouraged me to travel and follow my dreams to work professionally within the soccer industry. Living really far away from them is very difficult, as I get older, it becomes even harder. However, they’re always there for me. Lastly, my wife, she stood by me when I decided to start my own business. It’s takes someone with incredible trust to believe in you, I know I’m extremely lucky to have her as a life partner.

Website: MasterCoachOnline.com

Instagram: rickymastercoach

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickygclarke/

Twitter: RickyMasterCoach

Facebook: RickyMasterCoach

Youtube: MasterCoachOnline

Image Credits
Single Picture – Black Shirt – Rich Von Biberstein Coaching friend – (Reign) – Working on the photo credit Single (red shirt) – me Ricky Clarke