Axel V.

Hi, I’m Axel Villegas, an international collegiate soccer player in the United States and a former professional player in Mexico. My passion for soccer has taken me from the fields of Mexico to the competitive collegiate leagues in the U.S., giving me a deep understanding of the game at both professional and academic levels.

While my coaching journey is just beginning, I have experience providing personalized training for kids aged 10 to 18, focusing on skill development, tactical awareness, and building confidence on and off the field. My background as a player allows me to bring a unique perspective, combining professional-level techniques with a supportive, kid-friendly approach.

I believe in creating a positive and motivating environment where young players can grow, learn, and love the game. My goal is to help each child reach their full potential, not just as athletes, but as individuals.

Athletic Accomplishments

I played professionally in Mexico’s Fourth Division (Liga TDP/ Tercera Division Profesional) for two years, where I achieved a national championship in the 2019-2020 season with the club Fuertes de Fortin. This victory led to my club’s promotion to the Professional Third Division (Liga Premier MX)

Before moving to the U.S., I played as captain of my second professional club in Mexico (Cordoba FC) in 2022, further developing my leadership on and off the field.

In 2023, I transitioned to collegiate soccer in the United States, competing at the NAIA level (Williams Baptist University). As a freshman, I earned:
-First Team All Conference honors,
-Started all 17/17 games,
-Helped my team secure the Regular Season Championship, and reached the Tournament Final.

Currently, I play NCAA Division II Soccer at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. In my first season (2024), we became Regular Season Champions and Top 11 team in the country.

Session Plan

In each session, I create a personalized and structured training environment designed to meet the specific needs and skill levels of the athlete. My focus is on developing technical skills, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and mental toughness, all while keeping the session engaging and enjoyable.

What to Expect in a Typical Session:
1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)
We begin with dynamic stretches and light ball work to get the body moving and prevent injuries. This includes agility drills, coordination exercises, and basic footwork to prepare for more intense activities.
2. Technical Drills (20 minutes)
I focus on sharpening fundamental skills like passing, dribbling, first touch, ball control, and shooting. Depending on the athlete’s level and goals, we might work on more advanced techniques like turning under pressure, weak-foot development, or precision shooting.
3. Tactical Development (15 minutes)
Here, I incorporate game-like scenarios to improve decision-making, positioning, and situational awareness. This could include small-sided games, one-on-one situations, or defensive and offensive positioning drills tailored to the player’s position.
4. Focused Development (10 minutes)
This part of the session is customized based on the athlete’s needs:
• For players needing to improve fitness, we incorporate speed, agility, and endurance exercises tailored to soccer performance.
• For players focusing on scoring or attacking, we shift to Technical Finishing Drills, emphasizing shooting accuracy, finishing under pressure, and quick decision-making in front of goal.
5. Cool Down & Mental Coaching (5 minutes)
We end with light stretching to aid recovery, followed by a brief reflection on the session. I provide constructive feedback, highlight progress, and discuss areas for improvement, focusing on building confidence and mental resilience.

My Approach:
Every session is adapted to the individual’s goals, whether it’s mastering the basics, preparing for competitive matches, or improving specific aspects of their game. My goal is to not only develop skilled players but also to foster a love for the sport, building discipline, confidence, and teamwork in every athlete.