Dylan S.

Camp Counselor/Coach
UK Elite Soccer Camps
Age Group Coached: (e.g., U8-U10)
Assisted head coach in delivering training sessions.
Implemented drills focused on fundamental soccer skills.
Provided positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
Fostered a fun and encouraging learning environment.

Volunteer Assistant Coach: Shippensburg Men's Soccer
Provided one-on-one coaching to players, focusing on skill development.
Assisted with data collection and analysis of game/practice statistics.

Premier & USSF Development Academy Player (U9-U18)
Played for prestigious clubs like YMS, PDA, and FC Delco.
Contributed to YMS's state championship run (nationally ranked #2) before transitioning to the Academy.
Multiple ODP All-State Selections: Competed and trained with the nation's top players at regional and national
camps/tournaments.
Extensive Tournament Experience: Dallas Cup, Disney Showcase, USSF Development Academy Playoffs, etc.
Selected for Philadelphia Union Youth Academy Sessions (trained with state's best players)
Memorable Matches: Played against U.S. Men's Youth National Teams (U15-U18) (faced future professionals like Zack
Steffen)
3-Year Varsity Starter (Defense/Midfield) (did not play Senior year due to USSF Academy commitment)
2nd Team All-Conference (Junior Year)
Team Captain (Junior Year)
2011: PIAA "AAA" Quarter-Finalist, Regional 3rd Place (key goalscorer)
2009: Suburban One League - National Conference Champions
Shippensburg Men's Soccer Team (Midfield/Defense) [DII]
Regular starter in midfield and on defense

A typical session with me is highly individualized and designed to maximize technical growth, tactical awareness, and overall confidence on the ball. I begin by assessing the athlete’s skill level, strengths, and areas for improvement, ensuring that each session is tailored to their specific needs.

Technical Development
I place a strong emphasis on perfecting technique, starting with fundamental yet crucial skills such as passing and receiving. Players will refine their ability to strike the ball cleanly with different surfaces of the foot (laces, inside, outside) and master controlled first touches off various parts of the body (thigh, chest, volleys, and thigh-volleys). These foundational techniques set the stage for high-level play, ensuring precision and consistency in real-game situations.

Tactical Awareness & Decision-Making
Beyond technical ability, I train players on movement off the ball, positioning, and game intelligence. Whether an athlete plays as a striker, center midfielder, defender, or winger, I develop position-specific drills to enhance their ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make effective decisions under pressure. Sessions may include:

Striker Training: Focus on attacking runs, finishing under pressure, quick turns, and composure in front of goal.
Midfielder Training: Emphasizing vision, scanning the field, turning in tight spaces, and distributing the ball efficiently.
Defensive Training: Improving tackling technique, body positioning, and decision-making under defensive pressure.
Game-Realistic Drills & Conditioning
Every session incorporates drills that simulate real-game scenarios, helping players develop a natural flow between technical ability and tactical execution. Drills include:

1-on-1 and small-sided drills to build confidence in tight spaces.
Combination passing drills that encourage quick ball movement and decision-making.
First-touch training with varied surfaces of the body to ensure clean control.
Dynamic finishing drills for strikers to sharpen shooting accuracy and composure.
I also integrate elements of soccer-specific conditioning, agility training, and injury prevention to help players develop endurance, strength, and resilience—key components of playing at a high level.

Mentality & Confidence Building
I strongly believe that confidence is a game-changer. My approach reinforces positive habits, encourages creativity, and helps athletes develop a resilient mindset. Whether training youth players or competitive high school/college athletes, my goal is to instill the technical ability, tactical awareness, and mental strength needed to elevate their game.