Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Wilson
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been working with youth for thirty years between coaching, teaching, and acting in an improv theater company that catered to young audiences. I work as a middle school teacher, dean of students, and coach during the day, and now I run an eight-team club nights and weekends.
I started Forward ten years ago when I was a HS varsity coach, running youth volleyball clinics and camps in the summer. We started that first six-week session with just five girls. Orlando is a fantastic volleyball town, but we recognized a gap between the high-level travel clubs and the recreational opportunities around town. We were content to continue running clinics and camps, but we were approached four years ago by a group of families who were looking for something between the two. We formed a single team of 14u players who believed in our coaches and program philosophy, and Forward began playing in tournaments in 2020-2021.
Our “Work hard. Get better. Have fun.” philosophy has resonated with hundreds of Orlando families. We expanded to three teams in our second year, six teams in our third year, seven teams last year, and this year we are fielding eight teams from 12u-17u. Our mission is to give any many players a chance to compete as possible. We offer a local, competitive experience for young players with no expensive travel, no missed school, and a minimum disruption to family time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid nearly derailed us in our first season, but our girls and families persevered. We have experienced the same challenges in logistics and staffing as any other business as we have grown each season since. Fortunately, we get to practice what we preach: we ask our players to learn from every point they play in practice and matches, and we ask our coaches and staff to do the same. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of our sport, so we are comfortable adapting that mindset to our business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a high school and middle school teacher for the last twenty years, and I have moved into middle school administration over the last six. I ran my own children’s business for seven years before that. I am the son of a teacher and the grandson of a principal, so working with youth has been passed down for several generations.
My coaching is heavily influenced by a natural patience with young players and the lessons I have learned in the classroom. I bring the same patience and educational approach into the gym. We operate on the belief that players will learn faster and more effectively when they are given the chance to make mistakes without fear. We run a positive, growth mindset gym, and we are committed to giving our girls their best possible shot at making their next team, whether that is a school or club team.
Work hard. Get better. Have fun.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
There has been some bad timing and a variety of world events that have been beyond our control, but most of what people attribute to luck has more to do with effort and sincere commitment. We have worked hard to maintain relationships, and when we have needed more coaches those relationships produced good luck in the form of leads. We have worked hard to be honest and generous with our staff and clients, and that is often rewarded with good luck in the form of retention. We have worked hard to make youth volleyball a healthy experience, physically and mentally, and a reasonable piece of the whole child, and that has often resulted in the good luck of happy players and parents.
Pricing:
- Camps/Clinics = $12-$18/hr
- Club teams vary – all under $2800 for 6-8 month season
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forwardvolleyball.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardvolleyball/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forwardvolleyball
