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10 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Gary C.
Soccer
SILVER
Background Check Verified
Learn MoreThis coach has passed an identification, basic background, and sex offender check.
A highly experienced soccer coach specializing in goalkeepers with 10 years of coaching experience and certifications from US Soccer and ISSPF. View all coaching experience
Training Locations
Packages
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Achieve mastery in goalkeeping with our NXT UP Platinum Package. With six immersive 2-hour sessions blending technical prowess and mindset training under Coach Gary's guidance, your goalie will dominate the field, empowere... See More
Session Length: 2 hours
$800 6 sessions ($133/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Pursue excellence in goalkeeping with our NXT UP Diamond Package. Benefit from eight intensive 2-hour sessions intertwining skill refinement and mindset training led by Coach Gary, within Defending Third's pinnacle program... See More
Session Length: 2 hours
$1050 8 sessions ($131/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Forge a legacy of greatness with our NXT UP Ultimate Package. Experience ten transformative 2-hour sessions integrating elite skills and mindset mastery under Coach Gary's mentorship, within Defending Third's unparalleled ... See More
Session Length: 2 hours
$1250 10 sessions ($125/ea) + applicable fees
Recommended
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Ignite your goalkeeper's potential with our NXT UP Bronze Keeper Boost Package. Over four immersive 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions led by Coach Gary, your goalie will elevate their skills within Defending Third's proven program... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$250 4 sessions ($63/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Accelerate your goalkeeper's development with our NXT UP Silver Keeper Accelerate Package. Enjoy six intensive 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions guided by Coach Gary, refining techniques within Defending Third's top-tier program, ... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$425 6 sessions ($71/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Elevate your goalkeeper's game to elite levels with our NXT UP Gold Keeper Elite Package. With eight comprehensive 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions orchestrated by Coach Gary, your goalie will master skills within Defending Third... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$575 8 sessions ($72/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Join Defending Third for personalized 1v1 private training sessions tailored to your goalkeeper’s needs. Under the guidance of Coach Gary and his NXT UP training system, your player will embark on a journey to enhance thei... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$75 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Dive into group goalkeeper training excellence with our NXT UP Bronze Group Keeper Package. Enjoy four dynamic 90-minute sessions led by Coach Gary, fostering skill development and camaraderie within Defending Third's este... See More
Session Length: 90 minutes
$425 4 sessions ($106/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Elevate your group's performance with our NXT UP Silver Group Keeper Package. Experience six intensive 90-minute sessions under Coach Gary's guidance, refining techniques and teamwork within Defending Third's renowned prog... See More
Session Length: 90 minutes
$625 6 sessions ($104/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Unleash your group's full potential with our NXT UP Gold Group Keeper Package. With eight comprehensive 90-minute sessions orchestrated by Coach Gary, your team will master skills and synergy within Defending Third's elite... See More
Session Length: 90 minutes
$800 8 sessions ($100/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Looking to train with friends? Our Group Training sessions offer the opportunity to split the cost across multiple players! Join Defending Third’s group sessions tailored to help goalkeepers develop the skills needed to el... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$110 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Get personalized 1-on-1 training sessions for your goalkeeper with our Bronze Package. With four sessions included, your player will receive focused attention from Coach Gary, enhancing technical and tactical skills to exc... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$200 4 sessions ($50/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Elevate your goalkeeper's performance with our Silver Package, offering six tailored 1-on-1 training sessions. Under Coach Gary's guidance and the NXT UP system, your player will refine their skills across technical and ta... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$310 6 sessions ($52/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Maximize your goalkeeper's potential with our Gold Package, featuring eight personalized 1-on-1 training sessions. With Coach Gary's expertise and the NXT UP training system, your player will undergo comprehensive skill de... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$400 8 sessions ($50/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Join Defending Third for personalized 1v1 private training sessions tailored to your goalkeeper’s needs. Under the guidance of Coach Gary and his NXT UP training system, your player will embark on a journey to enhance thei... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$55 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Immerse your group in goalkeeper excellence with our NXT UP Bronze Group Keeper Session. Enjoy four dynamic 60-minute sessions led by Coach Gary, fostering skill development and teamwork within Defending Third's esteemed ... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$325 4 sessions ($81/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Elevate your group's performance with our NXT UP Silver Group Keeper Session. Experience six intensive 60-minute sessions under Coach Gary's guidance, refining techniques and coordination within Defending Third's renowned ... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$525 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Unleash your group's full potential with our NXT UP Gold Group Keeper Session. With eight comprehensive 60-minute sessions orchestrated by Coach Gary, your team will master skills and synchronization within Defending Third... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$700 8 sessions ($88/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 6 athletes
Looking to train with friends? Our Group Training sessions offer the opportunity to split the cost across multiple players! Join Defending Third’s group sessions tailored to help goalkeepers develop the skills needed to el... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$90 1 session + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 4 athletes
Elevate your team's goalkeeping unit with our NXT UP Bronze Team Keeper Training. In four focused sessions lasting 60 minutes each, Coach Gary will work closely with up to four goalies simultaneously, refining skills and f... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$290 4 sessions ($73/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 4 athletes
Strengthen your team's defensive core with our NXT UP Silver Team Keeper Training. Across six intensive 60-minute sessions, Coach Gary will guide up to four goalies in refining techniques and coordination within Defending ... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$435 6 sessions ($73/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for a single athlete
Unleash the full potential of your team's goalkeeping ensemble with our NXT UP Gold Team Keeper Training. Over eight comprehensive 60-minute sessions, Coach Gary will mentor up to four goalies simultaneously, mastering ski... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$590 8 sessions ($74/ea) + applicable fees
In-Person Training
for up to 4 athletes
Elevate your team’s performance with Defending Third’s Team Training sessions designed for select and club level teams. Our specialized program focuses on honing the skills and tactics necessary to excel on the field. Unde... See More
Session Length: 1 hour
$75 1 session + applicable fees
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Kids, Teenagers
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Goalkeeper
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Penalty Kicks, Free Kicks, Passing, One-on-Ones, One-Touch, First Touch, Dribbling, Crossing, Corner Kicks, Agility
Credentials
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10 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Services
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Kids, Teenagers
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Goalkeeper
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Penalty Kicks, Free Kicks, Passing, One-on-Ones, One-Touch, First Touch, Dribbling, Crossing, Corner Kicks, Agility
More About Coach Gary
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!
Action Photos
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Client Reviews
Chris. P U15 Player (Testimonial)
I've learned what triggers my negativity. I've replaced these triggers with mindful responses, helping adjust my mindset.
M. Wats Mother of U11 Player (Testimonial)
My daughter's soccer passion blossomed, but self-doubt held her back from her team. Coach Gary's NXT Up Mindset transformed her game. With a tailored plan, we've honed her mindset for success on and off the field. Witnessing her confidence soar each game fills me with pride.
Stephaine C. / Mother of a U10 Player (Testimonial)
Ever since starting training with Defending Third and Coach Gary, Lilly's confidence on the ball has increased. She now makes quicker decisions on and off the ball and isn't afraid to scan and switch the field if necessary. In a few short weeks she has learned and implemented creating space by pushing off other players, holding up the ball while allowing other players to get in position to receive the ball, and she has become way more vocal on the pitch. She is learning how to communicate with her teammates her plans so that the runs become more successful. Obviously it's not pretty all the time but the skills she is learning and beginning to lock down at 8 years old will carry her far.
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