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Lawrence University (WI)
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9 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Brendan Vellenga
Soccer
SILVER
Background Check Verified
Learn MoreThis coach has passed an identification, basic background, and sex offender check.
Lawrence University assists record holder pursuing a professional contract in Portugal looking to provide a personalized and growth-oriented experience for all ages. View all coaching experience
Training Locations
Coach is willing to travel up to 10 miles
Packages
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
1 session for elite club players
Session Length: 1 hour
$75 1 session + applicable fees
Recommended
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
3 session package with $10 dollar discount
Session Length: 1 hour
$215 3 sessions ($72/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
1 session for Varsity HS players
Session Length: 1 hour
$70 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
3 session package with $10 discount
Session Length: 1 hour
$200 3 sessions ($67/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 5 athletes
1 group session
Session Length: 1 hour
$350 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 5 athletes
1 group session (2-5 athletes)
Session Length: 1 hour
$375 1 session + applicable fees
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Adults, Kids, Teenagers
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Goalkeeper, Midfield, Forward, Defense
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Throw-Ins, Shooting, Penalty Kicks, Passing, One-on-Ones, One-Touch, Heading, Goal Kicks, Free Kicks, First Touch, Dribbling, Crossing, Corner Kicks, Agility
Credentials
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Lawrence University (WI)
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9 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Services
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Adults, Kids, Teenagers
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Goalkeeper, Midfield, Forward, Defense
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Throw-Ins, Shooting, Penalty Kicks, Passing, One-on-Ones, One-Touch, Heading, Goal Kicks, Free Kicks, First Touch, Dribbling, Crossing, Corner Kicks, Agility
More About Coach Brendan
- Trained 8+ current or former D1/D2 players
- Trained one former MN United MLS Next U16-U18 and eventual MNUFC 2 (MLS Next Pro) player age 19
- Training 2 Bethesda MLS Next and 2 Baltimore Armour MLS Next players
- Trained 10+ D3 soccer players
- Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach at GDS in 2019
- Trained 22 ECNL and EDP players 13-18
- DCXI U10 Assistant Coach and Toddler Coach September '25-May '26
- Trained 20+ High school Freshman, JV, and Varsity players in DMV and MN
- Trained kids ages 5-13 on soccer and 11+ on calisthenics at City of Rockville
- Trained 50+ kiddos 2-14
- Black Panthers U11 Co Head Coach MDSL Division Champs
- Saint Paul Blackhawks Head Coach Ages U14 and U16 in '21
- Player Sports Academy ages 5-12 Soccer Coach in '22-'24
- Avanti Athletics Head Coach ages 5-13 '25
- Record holder in assists in freshman season at LU (10)
- 13th in the nation in assists per game (0.57)
- 14th in nation in total assists
- Most assists in Midwest Conference as a first year
- Wisconsin All State, Team MVP, Lawrence University Breakout Performance of the year, and Newcomer of the Year
- 2x All State First Team in HS
- 3x All Conference
- Team MVP 3x in High School
- Freshman Starter on Varsity
- Junior and Senior year Conference Player of the Year in High School.
- Sole Captain Senior Year
- Led HS team to Conference Championship in 2017
- Minnesota Olympic Development Program Team 2013
- Semi pro soccer player currently pursuing a professional career in Europe.
Individual and Group Training
Choose session length anything from 60 to 90 mins. We will discuss payment if more than 60 minutes.
Serious Players (any age):
- Stretching, breathing, grounding, slow jog, activation and quick sprint.
- While they warm up I make a point to get a feel for the person so that I can incorporate the necessary knowledge about the player's personality and level of ambition into how I teach him/her..
- Then I implement the following: In no order of importance (focus tailored to player): 90 (120 for top level) minute game fitness, technical ability drills, leg and glute strengthening exercises, upper body calisthenics/weight exercises, plyometrics, and agility and more sprinting exercises all for speed/power. High level tactical knowledge, cognitive capacity (visual-spatial skills, planning movements during walking/rest during game, and problem-solving tactics. Continuous conversations about positive psychology, recovery, sleep, and nutrition.
For kiddos (ages 2-8):
- Passing games: monkey in the middle and sharks and minnows!!!
- Red light/ green light
- Kid vs coach!! You win I have to do 10 pushups and you get to do your favorite celebration!!!
- Water/snack break
- Everybody score game!!
- Rewards with celebrations for winner, foot races for fun, and tag!!!
Action Photos
Client Reviews
Ida (CoachUp client)
I had a great experience training with Coach Brendan. He’s very patient, encouraging, and explains everything clearly. Every session is focused on helping me improve my technique, confidence, and overall game. I definitely recommend Coach Brendan to anyone looking to improve their soccer skills, no matter their experience level.
Tim (CoachUp client)
Coach Brendan created a rapport with my son right away and quickly understood his level and how to work with him. Over several sessions my son has shown real improvement in technique, strength and confidence. He is also more focused on the role of fitness and endurance in being able to play at his best for an entire match.
Justin (CoachUp client)
We have had a great experience working with Brendan over the past few weeks. From the very beginning, it was clear how intentional and thoughtful he is in planning each session. Every drill has a purpose, and he does an excellent job explaining not just the “what,” but the “why”—helping our son understand how each skill translates directly into game situations.
What has stood out most is Brendan’s ability to connect. Our son genuinely looks forward to every session, which says a lot. Brendan creates an environment that is both encouraging and challenging—he meets our son where he is, builds his confidence, and then pushes him to go further than he typically would in a team setting.
The combination of technical instruction, game-context awareness, and personal connection has made these sessions incredibly valuable. We’ve already seen growth not just in our son’s skills and confidence, but in his mindset and enthusiasm for the game.
I would highly recommend Brendan to anyone looking for a coach who is both skilled and deeply invested in the development of the players he works with.
Paul (CoachUp client)
Coach Brendan worked with my 12 year old a few times over the winter and she has shown improvement and has enjoyed her sessions. Coach was very accommodating and engaging.
Brandon (CoachUp client)
High soccer IQ and helps kids feel comfortable
Joe (CoachUp client)
Coach Brendan is not only a great player, but a great teacher and motivator as well. He teaches both offensive and defensive moves and tricks in a step-by-step manner that is easy to follow and master. Highly recommended!!
Dan (CoachUp client)
(no details provided)
Luz (CoachUp client)
My kids a enjoying the sessions with Coach Brendan. They are having fun while learning and practicing their skills.
Laurence (CoachUp client)
(no details provided)
Chris Moerman Dad of Liam (Testimonial)
My 11 year old son has had several sessions with coach Brendan and I have already notice marked improvement in his game play. Brendan adapts his sessions to individual strengths and weaknesses of each player which allows for more focused practice and improvement. I would highly recommend Brendan to any player looking to take their game to the next level
Daniel Tutt (Dad of 10 year old Eli) (Testimonial)
Brendan has been amazing soccer coach for my 10 year old son Eli, offering one-on-one sessions that have helped to build his confidence, increase his overall intelligence of the game and improve his strength and skill set. Brendan has remarkable knowledge of the game and his extensive high-level experience has filled with Eli with a sense of determination and inspiration. I highly recommend working with Brendan.
Phil, dad of 15 year old Madeline. (Testimonial)
Finding a private coach to trust with your child can be an intimidating process. It seems like there are a lot of trainers out there who don't have the right temperament and expertise to effectively work with young athletes, many are over committed with too many clients with too many clients, some have ulterior motivates (like recruiting for club teams they coach), and they are often expensive. I am so grateful to have found Coach Brendan to train my daughter. He is skilled, welcoming, organized, patient, and he clearly loves what he is doing. After just a few sessions, my daughter already feels like a better soccer player. He works her hard, but he explains the value of each drill, so she completely buys into what he asks her to do and what he is teaching. We're looking forward to continuing to work with Coach Brendan. I would recommend him as a trainer to any soccer player, regardless of age or skill level.
Club Coach: Fitsum Tegene (Testimonial)
One of my favorite people and players out of all the hundreds and hundreds of kids I have coached. So tenacious and gritty, and a great leader and performer in high-stakes situations on and off the field.
Director of Coaching at Saint Paul Blackhawks: Chris Scanlon (Testimonial)
Brendan has a warmness to him that is great for coaching youth. He really knows the game inside and out, challenging athletes to push their limit making for a highly beneficial and impressive training environment.
Club soccer teammate: Shiferaw Williamson (Testimonial)
Brendan is such a kind soul and a great friend and person who is always there when I need someone to talk to and rely on for emotional and motivational support.
College Coach: Will Greer (Testimonial)
Best player Lawrence University has ever had. Will go on to play professionally surely. Humble and grounded guy too.
High School Varisty Coach: Alex Zadini (Testimonial)
Brendan has the heart of a lion and is the best player I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. He captained our varsity team by himself. Boy did he wear that captains armband. His dominant performance in sections brought me to tears. He will go on to do great things and is even better as a person
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