Book Private Soccer Lessons with Coach Joel

I’ve played soccer at the high school, community college, and UPSL semi-professional levels, giving me firsthand experience in competitive environments. I studied at Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield, and my passion for the game led me to coaching.

I started coaching at my local middle school, helping young players develop, and now I coach at LA Surf, working with talented athletes at a high level. I also offer personal training sessions, focusing on skill development, game IQ, and confidence-building.

With my experience as both a player and coach, I understand what it takes to improve and grow at different stages of the game. My goal is to help athletes sharpen their skills, build their confidence, and take their game to the next level.

I help players improve by focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and mental toughness. Through personalized training, I build their confidence and game IQ, teaching them how to perform under pressure, make smart decisions, and stay physically fit. Whether it's mastering ball control, improving positioning, or developing resilience, I guide players to reach their full potential and excel on the field.

A typical training session starts with a dynamic warmup to get the body ready and prevent injury. Before the session, we always talk with athletes and parents to agree on the specific areas we want to focus on, whether it's technical skills, tactical understanding, or physical conditioning. After that, we dive into technical drills focusing on key skills like dribbling, passing, or shooting. We then move into tactical exercises, where I set up game-like situations to improve decision-making and positioning. The session also includes physical conditioning through agility or endurance drills, and finishes with mental coaching to boost focus and confidence. We wrap up with a cool down and time for feedback to track progress and set new goals.

The best coach I’ve ever had is my dad. He didn’t just coach, he built something from nothing. In a town where competitive soccer didn’t exist beyond AYSO, he created opportunities for kids who wouldn’t have had them otherwise. He coached me from ages 9 to 16, often without pay, sometimes even paying out of pocket to help our team compete.

What made him different was his commitment to the players and the community. He took teams to games with just 8 players because that’s all we had, never letting circumstances stop us. He didn’t just teach soccer, he gave kids a reason to stay off the streets and keep pushing forward.

For me personally, he was even tougher. He never handed me playing time, I had to earn everything. He pushed me harder than anyone else, making sure I improved, not just as a player but as a person. Looking back, that mindset has shaped the way I train and coach today.

Athletes and parents should know that I truly care about player development, not just on the field, but as individuals. I’ve played at the high school, college, and UPSL semi-pro levels, and I’ve coached at multiple levels, from middle school to LA Surf. That experience gives me a deep understanding of what it takes to improve and compete at different stages of the game.

I believe in hard work, accountability, and growth. I push my players to be better, but always in a supportive and structured environment. Every session is designed to build confidence, improve skills, and develop game intelligence, so players don’t just train,they learn how to apply it in real games.

For parents, I know firsthand the sacrifices that go into supporting a young athlete. I was raised in a community where resources were limited, so I understand the importance of opportunity. My goal is to provide high quality training and mentorship, helping players reach their potential no matter where they start.