David D.

I’ve played soccer my entire life and began offering private training sessions while still in college. At 19, after signing my first professional contract, I expanded my training business and have now accumulated five years of experience working with athletes. I started with one-on-one sessions and still primarily focus on individualized training, though I’ve also led group sessions. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to coach professional players in the Major League Soccer and the USL Championship, USL One as well as athletes competing at the college level. I’m especially passionate about helping players ages 6–18 develop the skills, mindset, and discipline needed to reach the next level. One recent success story includes helping a junior college athlete earn a Division I opportunity. I also run my own content platforms where I create videos showing athletes what it takes to succeed and what a day in the life of a professional soccer player looks like. In the off season I also run camps and bring in MLS players to tell them what it takes to get to the next level. At the age of 22 I continue to grow as not just an athlete but as a coach as well, learning my teammates and my coaching staff. I enjoy sharing my knowledge that I have learned through the years and hoping to make a difference in each athlete I train.

I competed at the high school, Division I college, and professional levels, and currently play in MLS Next Pro at 22 years old. During high school, I was named Player of the Year in both my junior and senior seasons. In my senior year, I also broke the school record for most goals in a single season, scoring 33 goals in 23 games. After high school, I received multiple Division I offers and was also given the opportunity to play in the USL One on an academy contract, allowing me to compete at the professional level at just 18 years old. I later committed to Cal State Northridge Matadors men's soccer, where I was named Freshman of the Year in my conference after my first season. At 19, I signed my first professional contract and spent two seasons playing in the USL. I later joined LA Galaxy II before signing with Carolina Core FC in 2026, where I continue to develop and grow in my professional career. I’m excited for the new season but also would enjoy training athletes on my free time and off days!

During our first training session, I focus on evaluating an athlete’s overall skill set, including technique, confidence, and, most importantly, their first touch. This initial assessment allows me to understand their strengths and areas for improvement so I can create a tailored plan for future sessions. One of the first things I do is ask both the athlete and their parents what specific areas they want to improve.
I also take time to get to know the player—learning their preferred position, assessing their body positioning on the field, and observing the small details that can make a big difference at higher levels. For me, first touch and technique are critical. At the highest levels of soccer, having a strong first touch can separate a good player from a great player.
After the initial session, I develop a detailed plan for the upcoming training sessions. If game film is available, I review it to identify patterns, tendencies, and opportunities for improvement. I design drills that focus on footwork, ball control, and moves like step-overs and body feints. As a winger, I place a strong emphasis on teaching body feints effectively, helping athletes execute these moves with precision to beat defenders.
When it comes to defending, I often let athletes play more freely to observe their instincts and positioning, then provide guidance as they progress. My approach balances skill development with tactical understanding, helping each athlete grow both technically and mentally. My ultimate goal is to give them the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to reach the next level of their soccer career.