Stefano C.

I have over 10 years of coaching experience developing soccer players from beginners to elite youth, collegiate, and pre-professional athletes. Throughout my career, I have coached at some of the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States.

I have served as Head Coach for Orlando City Youth Soccer Club's U16, U17, and U19 teams, helping players compete in top-level leagues while preparing many for collegiate soccer. I also worked as Director of Coaching for Bologna FC Academy Florida, where I led player development and mentored coaches. Most recently, I have coached in USL League Two with King's Hammer FC Sun City and served as an NPL Director and Head Coach with Sporting Gainesville.

I work with players of all ages, typically from 8 years old through college-age athletes, tailoring each session to the individual's goals, position, and experience level.

I hold a U.S. Soccer National B Coaching License and a Director of Coaching Diploma. My coaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, tactical awareness, confidence, and creating an environment where players are challenged to reach their highest potential.

While my greatest accomplishments have come as a coach, I have a strong athletic background that has shaped my approach to player development. I played soccer at a high level in Italy, spending my youth career in the Inter FC Academy system through the age of 16, where I developed a strong technical and tactical foundation.

In addition to soccer, I competed in professional basketball in Italy's Third Division, an experience that strengthened my understanding of athletic performance, discipline, teamwork, and competitive mentality. Competing in two sports has given me a unique perspective on movement, decision-making, and the mental aspects of high-level competition.

Today, I combine my playing experiences with more than 10 years of coaching, helping players develop the technical skills, tactical awareness, confidence, and work ethic needed to succeed on the field.

Every session is customized to the player's age, position, and goals. I begin by evaluating the athlete's strengths and areas for improvement, then build a training plan that challenges them while keeping the session enjoyable and competitive.

A typical session starts with dynamic movement and ball mastery to improve coordination and first touch. From there, we move into technical work such as passing, receiving, dribbling, finishing, or defending, depending on the player's needs. As the session progresses, I introduce game-realistic exercises that improve decision-making, speed of play, and tactical awareness under pressure.

Throughout the session, I provide detailed coaching points, demonstrations, and immediate feedback so players understand not only how to execute a skill, but when and why to use it in a match. My goal is for every athlete to leave each session more confident, technically sharper, and better prepared to perform in games.