Technology Aiding Craig Harrington, Utah Royals Amid Preparation For Season
May 12, 2020, 5:22 PM | Updated: 5:22 pm
Photo courtesy: Utah Royals FC
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Newly appointed Utah Royals head coach, Craig Harrington, is alone in Utah as his family still resides in Chicago. Despite missing his family deeply, the extra time to himself has proven valuable to the 38-year-old Englishmen who admits to working tirelessly with the hope that success follows.
Harrington has embraced the challenge of working virtually and has admitted that the current circumstance has allowed him to grow as a coach in areas that he had never contemplated before.
When the world is ready, we will be too. pic.twitter.com/qf5qAywFwQ
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) April 24, 2020
“I have tried to limit how often I ask the people in my life “how they are doing,”” Harrington said. “You can only ask someone how they are doing so many times, now, I am at a point where I am trying to get to the nuts and bolts of conversations and eliminating any small talk.”
Technology Keeping Royals Together
Harrington is pleased with how his players are responding to the current pandemic and notes that the team has rallied behind one and other during such difficult times.
The use of technology, such as Whatsapp and Zoom, has provided to be a valuable resource for the Royals as they maintain a conversation and some sense of normalcy.
Thank you 💛 #NationalNursesDay pic.twitter.com/w6bo0RFuHH
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 6, 2020
The Real Salt Lake umbrella, which houses multiple organizations including Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, Real Academy and the Utah Royals FC has played a large role in allowing Harrington and his team to develop. Harrington communicates, via Zoom, with Real Salt Lake manager Freddy Juarez multiple times a week. The two discuss everything from strategy to strength and conditioning programs. The same can be said with Harrington and Real Monarchs manager Jamison Olave.
Excitement Levels High
Nonetheless, the Royals are eager to return to the training pitch. The enthusiasm surrounding the team is vibrant and energetic. When the NWSL and local health experts give Harrington the green light to start full team training, Harrington intends to spend a large portion of those sessions practicing 11 versus 11.
Our city 💫
Our home 🏠 pic.twitter.com/oPm1vYRjqo— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 5, 2020
Trying to get the ladies into match play fitness will be the biggest challenge that awaits Harrington moving forward.
Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.
