“Every exceptional athlete has an exceptional coach behind.” This is the main thing that sets East Orange Soccer Academy (EOSA) apart. The present-day coaches not only educate but also inspire the younger generation, build their self-esteem, and provide them with the experience of being disciplined and having friendships for life.
The coaching staff at EOSA is made up of experienced, licensed, and dedicated professionals who not only have a thorough knowledge of soccer but also the talent and capability to relate well with children.
The Coaching Philosophy: More Than Just Soccer
At EOSA, our philosophy is simple: “We are creating players, not only athletes.” We are of the opinion that soccer is not merely a sport but rather a whole lifestyle that, besides, asserts the kids’ character by making them patient, leaders, great communicators, and respectful human beings. The skills children gain on the soccer field are the ones that help them lead successful lives.
The training we offer is structured around four main principles:
- Technical Skills – Appropriate dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control are instructed. As kids develop, fine touch and ball control enhance.
- Tactical Awareness – Kids are not just educated to run fast; they need to understand how to play smart as well, e.g., when to pass, how to defend, and when to attack.
- Physical Fitness – Proper and safe exercises are taught to every age group to enhance strength, agility, balance, and endurance.
- Mental Strength – Coaches are trained to keep the balance of winning and losing, develop self-confidence, and play with a positive attitude at all times.
Our Licensed and Certified Coaches
What makes EOSA so special is its coaching staff comprising trained and certified coaches both from the USA and Europe. All our coaches establish a learning environment for children with their experience, knowledge, and passion. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important coaches who make EOSA stand out.
Coach Anthony Rivera – Director of Coaching and Player Development
Coach Anthony is the “heart” of EOSA. He has more than 15 years of experience and a USSF “A” License and UEFA “B” Diploma, which allow him to work with a variety of different countries and youth teams throughout the United States and Europe.
He tells the children that a player is a real player who has the ability to control not just the ball but the whole game too. Creativity, confidence, and making choices are the key aspects of his training sessions.
He loves to say, “The standard player has the ball under control, but the exceptional player dictates the game’s flow.” Thanks to his guidance, many EOSA athletes have made their mark in schools, colleges, and clubs.
Coach Sarah Johnson – Head of Youth Development (Ages 3–9)
If your young one is beginning soccer, one of the first faces they will encounter is Coach Sarah. Her smile and enthusiasm bring a passion for the game. She’s a USSF “C” licensed trainer and also has a degree in child psychology.
Her knowledge of how children think, act, and feel is invaluable. Her sessions are a great combination of play and education— By using stories, brief games, and colorful cones or balls, she instructs children in fundamentals such as dribbling, balance, and cooperation.
Her mantra is: “When children learn smiling, they learn more and remember longer.”
Coach Miguel Hernandez – Technical Skills and Performance Specialist
Coach Miguel’s sessions are high-energy sessions. He instructs players to play with their heads. As a USSF “B” license and former semi-pro player, he brings out the best in players’ technical play. His sessions involve video analysis, small sided games, and scenario-based drills.
For example, he illustrates to the children “when a split-second decision can turn the whole game.” He cites, “Soccer is a game played with feet but won by the brain.”
Coach Rebecca Lee – Strength, Conditioning, and Mental Resilience Coach
Coach Rebecca is of the opinion that “the body wins, but the mind leads.” She has a degree in Sports Science and is a certified Youth Strength and Conditioning Coach. Her mission is to assist in creating not just physically strong children but also mentally secure and confident ones.
She instructs athletes:
- How to properly warm up,
- How to establish breathing techniques,
- How to bounce back from defeat.
- Rebecca also holds workshops for mindfulness, nutrition, and goal-setting.
Her quote is: “Behind every great player is a strong mindset.”
Coach David Thompson – Competitive and College Prep Trainer
Coach David is a coach to players wanting to play at the high school, club, or college level. He is a USSF “A” license holder and a former NCAA Division I player, so he has plenty of experience.
He instructs players on how to read the tempo of a match, when to attack and when to defend. He critiques player performances, makes highlight tapes for them, and assists college recruits.
Continuous Learning and Coaching Development
The greatest secret to EOSA’s success is “working as a team.” Every coach talks to each other, reviews progress of the players together, and an Individual Development Plan is created for every child.
This way, kids get the experience and guidance of not only one coach, but the whole team. This team system makes kids grow constantly.
How Coaches Create a Positive Learning Environment
Training sessions at EOSA are not only hard work but also on a positive environment. Our coaches make sure that each child feels confident and has fun learning.
They adhere to a few important principles:
- Treating effort, not outcome.
- Focusing on errors as chances for learning.
- Treating every child with the notion that their improvement is important.
- Placing team spirit over individual performance.
This enables kids to be able to learn with joy, and not under pressure, and develop a profound passion for the game.
Parents as Partners in the Process
We at EOSA know that parents are also a significant part of an athlete’s success. That is why we engage all parents in this journey.
We do the following:
- Sharing regular progress reports.
- Parent-coach meetings.
- “Open Training Days” where parents get to see what the children are learning.
- We want parents to not just encourage their children but be a part of this journey as well.
- When kids witness the support they get from home and the academy, their confidence level skyrockets.
Success Stories that Speak for Themselves
A lot of EOSA players today excel on school, college, and club teams. Some have received scholarships, and others have made it to the national level.
But real success for us is when parents tell us, “Our child has grown in confidence, become more responsible, and now sees every defeat as a learning opportunity.” That’s the beauty of real education—not winning or losing, but growing.
Join the EOSA Family
If your child is kicking a soccer ball for the first time, or if he or she is already a seasoned player, East Orange Soccer Academy has the appropriate coach, the proper setting, and the right way.
Our certified coaches give every child one-on-one attention, support, and a learning path that will serve them not only on the field but in life. EOSA is more than a soccer academy—it’s a family, where passion and purpose collide.
FAQs:-
What qualifications do EOSA coaches hold?
All coaches are certified through national and international soccer organizations such as USSF and UEFA, ensuring top-quality training.
Who are the coaches at East Orange Soccer Academy?
Our coaching team includes licensed professionals with years of experience in youth development, competitive soccer, and professional play.
What makes EOSA’s coaching team different from others?
Our coaches combine expert knowledge with a passion for mentoring, ensuring every player feels motivated, supported, and valued.