The Boot Room

HISTORY OF THE BOOT ROOM

The Boot Room at Anfield – home to Liverpool F.C. – for nearly four decades was an area where Liverpool’s coaching staff would meet after training and games, sip tea (and sometimes beverages a bit stronger), and discuss the team, tactics, performances, and scouting reports.

It was a small room near the locker room housing the players’ cleats (boots), and converted by then manager Bill Shankly into an informal coaches’ meeting room, with a relaxing atmosphere that paid dividends for a Liverpool side who were rebuilding at the time.

Over time the Boot Room came to symbolize a tradition within Liverpool of building from within. It’s where younger members of the coaching staff were provided on-the-job training, and many managers expanded their knowledge. From Shankly through Roy Evans, the tradition of collective institutional knowledge helped guide Liverpool to success after success, making it one of the most accomplished and recognized clubs of the 20^th century.

The spirit of the Boot Room lives with the launch of Loudoun Soccer’s seasonal educational series The Boot Room, an opportunity for coaches in the community to gather to share knowledge and to develop friendships and bonds off the field (regardless of which EPL club you support).

Coaches who plan to attend all Boot Room sessions should consider enrolling in the Coaching School of Excellence (see below).

ABOUT THE BOOT ROOM

The Boot Room consists of several sessions scheduled throughout the Fall 2018 season. Each consists of an educational portion – an interactive discussion on the theme of the night – followed by a general question-and-answer session, and an opportunity for all attendees to socialize and network.

All sessions are led by Dan Raben, Director of Player Development. Guest speakers from members of the club’s Technical Staff may also present.These events are geared toward the Recreational/volunteer coach, but coaches of all levels and experience are welcome and encouraged to attend.

There is no cost to attend, although registration is required. Interested attendees are encouraged to register online as soon as possible, as space is limited. Information on upcoming Boot Room sessions will be updated on this page.

For additional Boot Room informations or questions, please contact Director of Player Development, Daryn Patricio.