Drew Russell

I have been coaching youth soccer for many years while playing as a professional. I love the game of soccer and hope to instill that love and passion for the game to players at all levels.

Currently, I am playing professional soccer with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) and will be on the coaching staff for the Riverhounds Academy. While playing for the Charlotte Eagles (USL), I was a volunteer coach for an inner city club called the “Urban Eagles” – sponsored by the Charlotte Eagles organization. Additionally, I was invited to coach at the Davidson University Soccer Camp (D1) for 2 weeks - preparing players who want to play college soccer. I have also coached with the Chicago Fire (MLS) Academy, while I was playing PDL/reserve team; the Crossfire Academy in Seattle, while playing U-18; and the Heartland Soccer Club/ Cedar River Soccer Association in Iowa, my home state.

Additional Coaching Experience background:

• Charlotte Eagles (USL) – “Urban Eagles” youth team (ages 14-18) 2014
• Davidson University Soccer Camp (ages 8-17) 2014
• Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) youth soccer camps (ages 5-17) 2012-13
• Mount Vernon High School Soccer Asst. Coach (varsity) 2011
• Chicago Fire Academy (MLS) youth camps (ages 5-10) 2010-11
• Crossfire Academy – youth teams (U-13/14 boys) 2009
• Vancouver Whitecaps Academy (MLS) camps (ages 5-12) 2008

(Youth)
*Crossfire Academy (Seattle, WA - U18) – ranked #1 Academy team in United States …
*Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program (Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada - U16-18) …Considered one of the best residency programs in North America.
*1860 Munich and Karlruhe FC (Germany, Europe - U15) … “On trial” training/residency
*CRSA Club (Cedar Rapids, IA - U9-U14) –State Cup Champions

(College)
Yavapai College... Ranked #1 Junior College in soccer – 4th at Nationals

(Professional)
Signed with Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) 2015
Signed with Charlotte Eagles (USL) 2014
Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) 2012-13
Chicago Fire (PDL/Reserves) 2011

I love the game of soccer! I want my players to play with skill, but also play with passion!

A typical first session involves a very general scope of the player’s technical abilities looking at strengths, weaknesses, and general tendencies of play. From there we can go into more specific work to improve elements of the player’s game that is lacking and strengthen that which is already developed, as well as, reinforce tactical awareness of play. My goal is to maximize the potential of each player.

My sessions include a lot of technical work incorporated with speed and agility. I will focus on skills that develop the field player such as: dribbling, first touches, finishing, passing, juggling, and more… With goalkeepers, I will focus on: foot movement, agility, field awareness, communication, passing, and punting with accuracy. Additionally, I will reinforce the concept of 'vision on the field' and improve 'tactical awareness' at all levels of play. Finally, I will seek to develop the player's confidence and passion for the game of soccer.

We will work hard in training, but we will play hard too. And although soccer can be a very technical and tactical sport, it is ultimately meant to be fun … and played with passion!

Goals:
1.Set short term and long term goals for the player
2.Develop and strengthen the technical skills
3.Reinforce vision on the field and tactical awareness
4.Play with confidence and passion for the game