Derek A.

My passion for the game has naturally led me into coaching, where I’ve developed experience working with a range of age groups and competitive levels. Currently, I coach both boys' and girls' teams at Nomads Soccer Club, a highly respected development program in San Diego, and also serve as a coach at Mira Mesa High School, helping guide high school athletes through competitive seasons and player development. I’ve coached players from ages 6 through 18, and I tailor my approach to meet each athlete where they’re at—whether that’s introducing fundamentals to younger players or refining technical and tactical aspects for more advanced ones.
My coaching philosophy emphasizes individual growth, confidence, and strong fundamentals, and I’m especially passionate about 1-on-1 training because of the personalized attention it allows

Throughout my soccer career, I’ve been fortunate to achieve several milestones that reflect both my passion for the game and my dedication to improving as a player. During my youth career, I served as the captain of Notts Forest Football Club, where I learned early on how to lead by example and communicate effectively on and off the field. In high school, I played on the Varsity team and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the top goal scorer—an honor that recognized my offensive instincts and finishing ability. After high school, I continued my journey at the semi-professional level, competing in the UPSL with Rebels FC based in Chula Vista. This upcoming fall, I’m excited to take the next step in my playing career by competing at the collegiate level for San Diego Miramar College.

In a typical session with me, clients can expect a high-energy, focused environment that prioritizes the fundamentals of soccer. I believe mastering the basics—such as footwork, first touch, and positioning—is key to long-term development, yet they are often overlooked. Every session begins with dynamic warm-up exercises to get the body activated and prevent injury. From there, we transition into footwork and agility drills, which include speed, coordination, and plyometric training to build explosiveness and control. Based on the athlete’s position, we’ll tailor drills to focus on either attacking or defensive skills—whether that’s shooting and movement off the ball, or positioning and tackling techniques. We’ll also work on passing and first touch with game-like intensity. Sessions often wrap up with 1v1 scenarios or shooting drills, giving players a chance to apply what they've learned under pressure.