Upstate Development Academy
About
We offer individual or small-group training for soccer. Each training session addresses players’ specific needs, while helping improve technical and tactical abilities, as well as soccer IQ. No session is exactly the same. If you’re looking to improve your game, book a training session with us. We will travel to any area in the Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. We have trained players who eventually play Division I, II and III in college and have even had players who play for professional youth clubs!! We train players who are u8 all the way through adults. Contact us for more information or with any questions!!
-Our coaches have USSF coaching certifications, CPR/AED/First Aid certifications, have coached at the club & high school levels, hold current USSF referee certifications and have proven their methods work.
I enjoy helping players unlock their potential. It’s rewarding to be a small part of someone’s journey. Helping someone set goals and then achieve those goals is a great thing and is what I strive to do each and every day.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Paxton
Mike W.
Adelaide G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Usually prior to the first training session we discuss what a player/parent wants to accomplish through our session (first touch, passing, weak foot, speed of play, etc..) and we go from there. During our session, I additionally identify areas in which I think a player needs work and a player will leave with an understanding of what they need to continue to work on.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
-USSF D-License (coaching certification).
-Active USSF and VHSL Referee.
-Current CPR/AED and First Aid certified.
-6+ years coaching club soccer (u18/19 boys and girls) and 5+ years coaching high school soccer (varsity boys).
-20+ players currently playing collegiate soccer at various levels, with 20+ graduated collegiate players.
-United Soccer Coaches Level 1 Goalkeeper Diploma.
-United Soccer Coaches pre-National Diploma.
-NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Diploma.
-United Soccer Coaches Special Topics: Management of Soccer Programs Diploma.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing: $10/hour for individual sessions or $5/hour/player for small group sessions (2-4 players).
How did you get started teaching?
When I moved to Virginia this past December, I made the jump from coaching to refereeing. I used to do individual/small-group training when I lived out of state, but mostly did team coaching. Due to a busy schedule, I cannot commit my time to team-coaching. But I still want to give back to the game, so I am starting up my individual and small-group training again in the hopes of helping players unlock their full potentials.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with players from ages 7 - adults, with various skill levels (beginners - collegiate players). Last summer, in a typical day of individual training, I would work with an 8 year old one hour, and be helping a collegiate player with their summer workout the next hour, while then training a high school aged player the next hour.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I attend the United Soccer Coaches Convention every January. During the Convention week, I attend many educational classroom sessions, as well as multiple on-field sessions to learn the latest drills & coaching techniques. I get to meet and network with thousands of coaches from across the world & share our ideas and coaching philosophies. It is honestly the best week of the year for us coaches.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Give the coach a try & if your player responds well to their training, than continue to work with them.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
-What is my ultimate goal in wanting to sharpen my soccer skills??
-Am I ready to work on my own as well to sharpen my soccer skills??
-What areas of my game really need work??