Going the distance: A tale of energy, commitment and collaboration. Drew Ferguson, Head Coach of Canada’s Para Soccer Team.

n this chapter, we examine the career and practice of Drew Ferguson, the Head Coach of Canada’s Para Soccer Team. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to Para soccer, which is also known as cerebral palsy (CP) football or 7-a-side football. Following this background information, an overview of Drew’s playing experiences and entry into coaching are provided. The focus of the chapter then shifts to illuminating the various everyday challenges that Drew has to contend with in his work as a Para soccer coach. In the programme’s early days these related to player recruitment and programme awareness, while current issues related to the decentralised nature of the programme and the classification of players. In the final section, Drew provides recommendations and suggestions for coaches who aspire to work in Para soccer.