Gary C.

Gary Cooke is a highly experienced soccer coach with a passion for developing young talent. With over 10 years of coaching experience, he has helped to mold numerous young players into successful soccer athletes.

Growing up in New York, Gary played competitive soccer for many years until an injury forced him to step away from playing. However, this setback only fueled his desire to stay involved in the game by taking up coaching.

Gary specializes in coaching goalkeepers, defense, and midfield players. His expertise in these areas has led him to become a sought-after coach by both players and parents alike. He is known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players to reach their full potential on and off the field.

As a licensed youth coach with US Soccer, Gary has undergone rigorous training and certification to ensure he is equipped with the latest coaching techniques and strategies. He is also a certified Goalkeeper Coach from ISSPF, further demonstrating his expertise in this specialized position.

Currently, Gary serves as the Coach of the Lady Flames 2013 Select Team, where he is committed to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for his players, where they can grow as individuals and as a team.

Overall, Gary Cooke is a dedicated and experienced soccer coach who is passionate about helping young players reach their full potential. His expertise in coaching goalkeepers, defense, and midfield players, combined with his commitment to excellence, make him a valuable asset to any team he works with.

In 2023, Gary Cooke established Defending Third, driven by a singular ambition: enhancing soccer players, especially goalkeepers, in Cleveland, TN. As a local club soccer coach, lifelong designer, and mindset coach, Cooke’s vision transcends mere skill improvement. He emphasizes the holistic development of players, focusing on the four essential pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical, and mental.

“For us,” Cooke asserts, “the essence of the game lies in fostering not just better soccer moves, but in cultivating body awareness, positioning, and movement that translate into enhanced athletic performance.” At Defending Third, the emphasis is on creating enjoyable soccer experiences facilitated by compassionate, seasoned, and growth-oriented mentors.

Defending Third offers a comprehensive approach to player development, integrating Technical Soccer Skills and Mindset Coaching seamlessly. This amalgamation provides players, especially goalkeepers, with an ideal environment to maximize their potential. By bringing world-class tools and methodologies to the local level, Defending Third ensures that players of all ages in Cleveland, TN, have access to top-tier resources.

The mission of Defending Third is clear: to elevate soccer players’ skills, confidence, and physical prowess through personalized training, leveraging technology and individualized data monitoring. This commitment underscores the dedication to nurturing not just better soccer players, but also better individuals within the Cleveland, TN soccer community.

60 Minute Sessions:
- Warm Up & Speed & Agility (10 Mins)
- Feet & Ball Mastery ( 10 Mins)
- Technical Skill Drill [teaching that session’s topic] (30 Mins)
- Tactical Talks [Soccer IQ] (5 Mins)

90 Minute Sessions:
- Warm Up & Speed & Agility (10 Mins)
- Feet & Ball Mastery ( 10 Mins)
- Technical Skill Drill One [teaching that session’s topic] (30 Mins)
- Technical Skill Drill Two [teaching that session’s topic] (30 Mins)
- Tactical Talks [Soccer IQ] (5 Mins)

120 Minute Sessions:
- Warm Up & Speed & Agility (10 Mins)
- Feet & Ball Mastery (15 Mins)
- Technical Skill Drill One [teaching that session’s topic] (30 Mins)
- Technical Skill Drill Two [teaching that session’s topic] (30 Mins)
- Goalkeeper Mindset Training (30 Mins)

What should I bring to training:
Ensure you're fully prepared for training by bringing the essentials! Remember to pack your goalkeeper gloves, firm ground cleats, and turf shoes to suit any playing surface. Dress in appropriate soccer attire for comfort and mobility, and don't forget to stay hydrated by bringing fluids to sip on during practice. Most importantly, come with a positive attitude and an open mind ready to absorb new skills and techniques. With the right gear and mindset, you'll be ready to make the most of every training session!