About
As a member of Greg Wheaton’s International School of Soccer Excellence team, my desire is to see so much more than soccer skill development. Our individual lessons, true to Greg’s South American upbringing carry a Brazilian flavor and focus on blending beautiful soccer form and function with the mental game of creativity, confidence, and decision-making. We feel deeply fulfilled watching your player reach new heights in both quality and joy. We promise to do our utmost to “work ourselves out of a job” through individual training plans and suggestions for personal soccer development outside of our time together. We love both the potential of beginners and the fine-tuning desired by already skilled students.
The International School of Soccer Excellence has existed for decades, ever since Greg Wheaton first brought his unique style of Brazilian soccer to America in 2006 after a successful professional career in Brazil. I (Coach Isaac) was asked to join his team seven years ago, developing talent at ISSE’s many summer camps. When I’m not playing at the semi-professional level, I can be found coaching on the sidelines of some of Youth Soccer’s most prestigious events, such as the World Cup of Futsal in Spain, playing against academies of the highest quality teams in the world, such as Barcelona, Santos, and the Corinthians. However, just as likely, you will find me coaching the men's side of the University of Northwestern or at a local park working with one player, blending the footwork, creativity, and decision-making of the indoor game, with the pace and beauty of outdoor. The result is a player technically and tactically sound, comfortable in tight spaces and able to create their own open ones. Above all, I long to see your player increase with the joy that realized potential brings.
Highlights
Specialties
Athlete's age
Years experience
Position
Reviews
Max T.
Gavin C.
Liam D.
Eric K.
Cooper W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Of course, my number one role is to determine what your goals and aspirations are. How far do you want this soccer journey to take you, and what do you see as your strengths and areas that need addressing? During the initial evaluation lesson, I keep your desires in mind and add to my "list" unmentioned areas that also need adressing. These are often the areas "beneath." Areas of form, areas in the mental game. We at ISSE consult with each other regularly about students, allowing us to provide the best and most rounded evaluation you will receive anywhere. From there I build out your personal plan, which of course I want you to see.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Member, United Soccer Coaches
5 year trainer, International Soccer School of Excellence
Starter, several semi-professional indoor and outdoor teams (Granite City, Joy Athletic)
All-year starter and captain, University of Northwestern
International Youth Futsal Coach, World Cup of Soccer and related tournaments.
Ralph Akele School of Futbol
Youth Player Development, Shakopee Soccer Association, St. Paul Blackhawks, Joy of the People
Concussion protocol certified
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$70 per hour, individual lesson. $120 per hour, two players. For groups of 3 or more, $50 per player.
What types of students have you worked with?
Both beginners (potential unrealized) and US National team players.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You must be comfortable with the coach, and the training sessions must be not only challenging/affirming, but also useful in real soccer situations. This is why I stress the use of an "extra man." This training partner allows for three person activities during the individual soccer lesson that mimic gameplay. No other coaches offer this. Their answer to this issue is a small group lesson, but no small group ever is a fit for your child.
Finally, please don't be impressed when we as coaches throw around our wide range of connections or our overseas coaching/playing experience. Although yes, I have these, there is nothing in the water of Europe that makes a great soccer coach. There are also players who should never be coaches, who do not have the heart of a coach. Your player is uniquely skilled and blessed with ability and potential. The wrong coach can destroy that.