Brendan Vellenga

Alyssa (CoachUp client)

Brendan has been great in getting my daughter ready for her high school tryouts. He gives good feedback, helped her identify her gaps and challenges her during sessions.

Chris (CoachUp client)

My 11 year old son has had several sessions with coach Brendan already and I have already noticed marked improvement in his gameplay. Brendan adapts his sessions to the individual strengths and weaknesses of each player which allows for more focussed practice and improvement. I would highly recommend Brendan to any player looking to take their game to the next level.

Stan (CoachUp client)

Highly recommend Coach Brendan! My son has enjoyed working with him to strengthen his skills. I appreciate that coach Brendan tailors drills for the athlete. For my son, he’s focused on improving speed, touch, and overall endurance.

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)

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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)

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Robert (Dad of 8 year old Kevin) (Testimonial)

I would like to share my appreciation for Coach Brendan and the positive impact he has had on my son, Kevin. Coach Brendan gives clear, structured instructions that Kevin help understand both fundamentals and techniques, making it easier for him to improve with confidence. His training sessions are focused and intensive, with well-organized drills that build skill and game awareness. We're very grateful for his dedication and guidance.

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