Edoardo R.

My coaching journey began while I was playing in the USL2 with Thunder Bay Chill in Canada, where I coached summer camps for kids aged 6 to 12. Most recently, I had the opportunity to coach at the prestigious Barcelona Academy Camps in the U.S., working with over 200 players between the ages of 8 and 18 across six different cities. It was a privilege to teach and apply the renowned 'Barça Methodology,' which emphasizes ball communication and short-passing tactics.

After that experience, I relocated to Kansas City, where I currently serve as both a scout and coach for Serie A Elite in the U.S. I've been a private coach for two years, focusing on developing youth and college players. My goal is to help them excel both on and off the field, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed for long-term success.

I left my hometown of Rome, Italy, at 15 to pursue my dream of becoming a professional soccer player. I was fortunate to play for professional academies, sharing the field with players who now compete in Serie A. At 18, I was called up to the First Team of a 4th Division club, where I gained invaluable experience playing alongside and against players 20 years older. This taught me valuable lessons about the mental and physical demands of the game.

Three years ago, after the COVID pandemic, I moved to the U.S. to continue my soccer career and education. I played NCAA Division II soccer at Young Harris College, where we won two trophies and achieved a #1 national ranking with a record of 18-0-1. After two successful seasons, I transferred to Elon University (Division I) to pursue my Master’s degree and was a regular starter, competing against top-tier programs like UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and South Florida.

After a few professional trials with Chattanooga, Charlotte Independence, and OPSM Network, I realized that my true passion lies in helping young players. While injuries eventually halted my pursuit of a pro career, they also gave me a new purpose. Now, I’m fully dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation, guiding them to avoid the pitfalls I encountered along the way.

In my 1-on-1 coaching sessions, I focus on consistent engagement and personalized feedback to help players develop their skills. One of the most important aspects I teach is the ability to scan the environment before receiving the ball. Having an awareness of your surroundings and understanding what to do next is one of the key traits that separates professional players from the rest.

The foundation of my sessions is mastering techniques through repetition. To internalize a skill, the mind and body need to repeat actions until they become second nature. I also incorporate high intensity to create a game-like environment, ensuring that players are prepared for real competition.

In addition to technical skills, I emphasize the importance of mindset. I believe in improving 1% every day, and with the right attitude, hard work, and focus, any player can achieve their goals. My aim is to not only build better athletes but to instill the confidence and work ethic they need to succeed both on and off the field.