Meet Brent “Zico” Ward | Soccer Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brent “Zico” Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brent “Zico”, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Haha! Funny question! I guess you could say I tripped into it, or got shoved into it. About 2 years ago, during this strange time, I got laid off from my club. Of course, at the moment I didn’t realize the blessing it would be. I really wasn’t enjoying what some off youth club soccer was/is becoming. That said, I don’t believe I would’ve jumped off that ship. I don’t have an entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve always had people of all ages, calling me for private lessons and other trainings. Since I had a job with a club, my time was obviously limited. Now, unemployed, I have more time to accept these requests for private lessons and more. It’s been great, satisfying, and exciting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, for sure I have been extremely blessed. As a boy of 2-3 years-old, my Dad moved our Family to the Brasilian Amazon. We went there as missionaries. Brasil is the best place to learn the “Beautiful Game”. And, as a little boy, the Amazon is the best playground. My Dad has always described me as “being the most like him”, personality-wise. Fast forward, I finish playing college soccer in the US. My parents have moved back to Brasil, soccer dreams fall through, I am wondering what I’m going to do, and a friend mentions “Coach youth soccer”. So, full-time coaching started February 10th, 1995. Haha, like a birthday, special and a direction for my life. I can’t give you a testimonial, that it has been an epic struggle, but I will say it’s what I was made “to do”. So many years ago, while I was still playing, I heard a coach say, “You’ll enjoy your players’ successes more than your own!” Ding! He hit the nail on the head.
I would say the biggest lesson is, “We are coaching people, not players!” I get to combine my love for soccer with how fun it is being around energetic youth.
What I love about my brand, what I’m doing now is, it’s not about coaching a team to win, it’s about the success of the children and individuals I work with. It’s pure.

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?
What an awesome question! I am boring though. Everyday, would have to involve my Family. Let’s say on Monday -Rocky Mountain National Park w. great hike, and some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (take a soccer ball). Tuesday -paddleboard and lunch in Morrison, soccer in the evening w. the Family. Wednesday -Cog Railroad and barbecue at the bottom of the hill -ate there last week and multiple times, but forgot the name. Thursday -fish the Blue River near Dillon or water near there. Take a ball, and finish with some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Friday -a Family game night w. Uno, U2 on in the background, and 2 Papa Murphy’s pizzas. Saturday -Family, soccer, and outdoors. Sunday -I would have to take my Friend to my church, Grave Church of Arvada. It’s such an exciting, Gospel-preaching, Bible-teaching Church, with great music. Hey, maybe I’m not so boring. That sounds like a cool week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, my Dad deserves immeasurable credit. What an incredible example, cheerleader, and lover of people. As a sports parent, I can say my Dad never spoke critically about my performances, and never tried to coach me. Instead he supported me, loved being with me, gave me the opportunities we could afford. Also, my Dad spent endless hours as I played with the ball, and he was there beside me. Also, Jim Hewitt, who was my first “coach”. He did a couple days of soccer camp, in my hometown. He liked me, and thought I was worthy giving a soccer opportunity to. That was 40 years ago, this summer of ‘22’.

Website: Soccerfit.us

Facebook: ZicoFC

Other: Zicobdw@gmail.com