Early Coaching Experience
Lawther bought a new home in Fountain Valley, California in 1973 and started coaching youth teams. His style, skills and affection for youth development have made him a highly successful coach. He coached teams in the California Youth Soccer Association and became a District Coach. In 1976 he coached the Fountain Valley Eagles (U19) to a third place finish in the national tournament. One of the players on that team, Rick Davis, eventually went on to play professional soccer, became a member of the Olympic and World Cup teams, and ultimately entered the AYSO Hall of Fame.
Lawther demonstrated his love and ability to work with young, amateur players when he coached youth, club and college level programs. He was chosen to coach the Olympic team in 1978 when they participated in the President’s Cup in South Korea. The following year he coached the United States men's national soccer team when they played against Mexico in Los Angeles and Russia in Seattle.
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