Nick M.

I enjoy working with players on 1 to 1 and in small groups as I am able to really focus on the development of players fundamentals. I am a very technical coach and pay close attention to the small details to help players raise their game to the next level.

I hold my USSF A License, FA England Level 2, FA England Youth Module 1 & 2, FAI Level 1, NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, and BA in Physical Education.

I am from Dublin, Ireland and have played Soccer at a high level in Ireland, England, and here in the USA. I played in college with William Carey University, a very successful NAIA program where I also had a stint as Assistant Coach.

I have been coaching 13 years and have had experience working with all ages, levels, and abilities throughout Ireland, England, and the US. I have worked with players as young as 3yrs old up to 30yrs old, beginners, recreation, competitive, college, disability, and semi professional players.

I am a Director of Coaching at a Travel Soccer Club here in Chicago which provides programs for all ages and levels. I have built the program on a strong philosphy of TEACHING THE GAME. I believe in teaching my players how to play soccer the right way and be comfortable and confident with the ball allowing them to express themselves freely.

Played semi-professional in Ireland, England, and USA.
Coached semi-professional, collegiate, high school, travel, recreation, and tots.
Named captain of every team from club, state, college, and semi-pro.
Won numerous league and tournament championships as a player and coach.
Became the Director of a premier soccer club in the city of Chicago.

I like to sit down with the player and parent for a consultation prior to the training to get a good feel about what the expectations are for each and what they feel are their strengths and weaknesses. I will ask the player about what parts of the game they feel they need work and then ask the parent what they would like to improve on for that player.
I will then create a program for that player and as we work together I will give feedback on what I feel that player needs to improve on but also how to achieve it.

Part 1: Warm Up
Each session will begin with a dynamic warm up which will include the basic exercises along with Knee Injury Preventation exercises, plyometrics, stretching-strengthning, and SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness).

Part 2 : Technical
Breaking down the players technique using repetition for success but also rasing the difficulty level each time.

Part 3: Technical-Tactical Challenge
Relating the skill to the game creating challenges that will help in the real game.

Part 4: Recap - Homework
Go over in detail what we learned and how to work on that techique at home alone or in team practices.