Today we’re mixing things up with a Meet a Dad interview instead of a Meet a Mom! I’m excited for this one because not only is Brit a local dad, he’s also a local coach at the newly expanded Boston Bolts North Shore club soccer program. Learn more about Brit’s love for soccer, how he became a coach and what you can expect from the Boston Bolts North Shore program for the remainder of 2024 and into the new year.
Meet Brit Keel
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
I am originally born in Boston, MA. I lived in Dorchester until the age of 5 then moved to Randolph, MA. After attending college in Connecticut I moved back to Massachusetts and currently reside in Melrose, MA.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two children. An 8 year-old son and and 14 year-old daughter.
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
We enjoy going to Good Harbor Beach in the summer!
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
I have only been to a handful of restaurants, but I have to say Pellana is pretty good! Good steakhouse without the hassle of heading to the city! When I shop, which is usually for my daughter, we head to the Northshore Mall.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started with Boston Bolts and their expansion to the North Shore?
I am 42 years old and sports have always been my passion. I played soccer when I was younger but made the decision to stick to football when I became a sophomore in high school. I played football throughout my college career and dabbled in pick-up soccer games when I could. As an adult I wanted to join a men’s league for fun but just couldn’t make the commitment due to scheduling conflicts.
Instead I chose to start volunteering with Melrose Youth Soccer and coaching my daughter and son and eventually became the director for the Kindergarten Soccer Program for the city of Melrose. While being the Director I got the chance to work with a few of the Boston Bolts staff.
The contacts I worked with mentioned the Boston Bolts were looking for coaches in the North Shore. I was then introduced to Murray Cockburn who is leading the North Shore region. Murray had been doing a fantastic job at promoting the growth of the region strategically! One thing I have seen and learned from working with Bolts is that they make sure they provide support, communication and guidance to their players, staff and parents. To me that is a recipe for success!
What’s your favorite part about being a Boston Bolts coach?
There are two great parts of being a coach for the Boston Bolts, the first part is that you know you’re working with a first-class organization that trust you. The second part is working with kids. These children are our future and if we invest our time, energy and resources we can help them achieve their goals in life.
When should a soccer player (or their parents) consider signing up for Bolts?
I do think this is a higher level of play and expectation at the club level. The Bolts have a high standard of play, commitment and growth. If a parent or player believes they can uphold this standard then they should tryout for one of our many teams.
Is there a clinic that is best for players new to the Bolts program to start with?
Our 3v3 Fest is a fantastic way to develop and grow as a soccer player and this program is run by me! The September/October 3v3 Fest is just finishing up with another 3v3 Fest slated for November/December.
What are some of the skills they can expect to learn or improve on?
Players experience fast-paced, competitive scrimmages each week that challenge them in dynamic, game-like situations. Players will sharpen their skills, experiment with new techniques, and develop quick decision-making, as they battle to score goals in an exciting, small-sided format. It’s the perfect environment for players to elevate their game while having fun with teammates and opponents alike!
How frequently are Boston Bolts clinics offered and where?
Clinics are held weekly at our primary location of Choice Fitness Elite in Peabody. This is a fantastic, indoor turf facility where 3 of our North Shore teams train. All of our clinics are updated on our website at bostonbolts.com/north-shore.
What can parents and players expect from the Boston Bolts North Shore expansion moving forward?
Boston Bolts North Shore will continue to develop and mentor young soccer players in playing the sport they love while catering to players of all abilities. We will be offering clinics such as Advanced Development Clinics, Winter 3v3 Fests and also we will be hosting a Winter Skills Clinic for players to develop their skills indoors, when the weather isn’t so great! We’ll also be hosting tryouts in November where you can have the chance to be a part of the expansion and be on a Boston Bolts North Shore team.
What is the best piece of parenting advice you ever received?
My grandmother once told me, “you have to let kids be kids, they will always make mistakes but it’s most important to help guide them to correct that mistake,” I do believe this is true based on my own experiences with my children and other children I have coached.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
I enjoy taking my road bike out on a weekend morning when the roads are clear and ride for miles. It’s very peaceful and energizing.
Learn more about Boston Bolts North Shore at www.bostonbolts.com/north-shore and follow along with them on Instagram @bostonboltsmetronorth and on Facebook @Boston Bolts Metro North.
…
This post is sponsored by Boston Bolts North Shore.