ABOUT ME
I'm Ian Dawson, Director and Coach with over 26 years of experience in the world of soccer coaching and player development. My journey began at the age of 15, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a wide range of environments and coaching at various levels of the game. From grassroots programs to more competitive teams, I’ve encountered many of the same challenges that players, coaches, and teams face at every stage of development.
Whether you're player, parent or coach navigating the everyday hurdles, refining player skills, or strategizing for personal/team growth, I’ve likely been in your shoes. My extensive experience allows me to provide real-world insights and practical solutions that can help you overcome obstacles and elevate your coaching or playing performance.
I offer personalized strategies, development tips, and actionable advice to help you grow. Whether you're dealing with specific situations or seeking ongoing support, I’m available for one-on-one calls or virtual sessions to address your unique needs. You can schedule a session at any time, or arrange for recurring sessions to ensure consistent progress in your or your player's soccer journey.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, I’d love to connect and help you achieve your goals.
The Four Pillars of Soccer
When training a player/team we focus on the "4 Pillars of Soccer". These are the four essential aspects of the game that every player, coach, and team should focus on to achieve development. These pillars encompass the fundamental skills and strategies necessary to play and develop in soccer:
Technical - This pillar involves mastering the basic to advanced techniques required to play soccer at the highest level possible. Techniques highlighted are passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control, and defending. Players must be able to handle the ball with precision in many different situations. Being well rounded within these technical areas will produce a modern level player whose comfort on the ball translates directly to accelerating the development.
Tactical - To enhance decision making, will allow you to play quicker and accurately in tight spaces and be confident in possession in all scenarios within the game. Tactical development involves understanding offensive and defensive formations, how to exploit weaknesses in the opponent's defense/offense, and how to manage the flow of the game. Teams need to work together to maintain a strong tactical game environment, adjusting to opponents, and responding to various game scenarios. The tactical pillar partners fluently with technical ability level, which allows you to execute those decisions and create more success/confidence on the field.
Physical - Soccer is a physically demanding sport, requiring endurance, strength, speed, agility, and power. Players must be in peak physical condition to perform at their best throughout the game, which involves a lot of running, quick direction changes, and maintaining focus for extended periods while exerting high levels of energy. Fitness training often focuses on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and explosive movements to ensure players can maintain their performance levels across full game minutes and more.
Mental - Mental resilience is crucial for both individual players and teams. Soccer can be unpredictable, with emotions running high and intense pressure during key moments. Mental toughness involves staying focused, managing stress, remaining confident after mistakes, and pushing through adversity. It also includes maintaining a positive mindset, showing leadership, and being able to stay calm under pressure, particularly in crucial game situations.
The 4 Pillars of Soccer—Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Mental—work together to form a well-rounded player or team. Mastering these pillars allows individuals to improve their overall performance and achieve success in the modern game.
Services
We offer a wide variety of services to support you both on and off the field, catering to all your soccer needs. To get a more detailed explanation of each service, click on one of the pictures below!
Player Mentorship
Parent Consultation
Film Review
Coaching Mentorship
