I help soccer players transition from 'good' to 'elite' by leveraging 20 years of competitive experience. Having won state titles in multiple states and led teams to regional levels, I understand the different tactical styles required to win at high levels. With 4 years of coaching experience on top of a lifetime of travel ball, I provide the technical precision and mental toughness players need to stand out on the field.
Trains in Bloomington & virtually
Available: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Works with all age groups
Soccer
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Try Coach Ayalkbet risk free. If you don't love your first lesson, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund.
My Name is Ayalkbet but I just go by Al for short. I love to play the game of soccer and have a vast amount of knowledge I want to pass down to the next generation of player to foster the best outcomes for those players.
I bridge the gap between fundamental mechanics and advanced game intelligence. My training is tailored to the player’s current level while always pushing toward the next:
For Beginners: I focus on 'The Essentials'—mastering a perfect first touch, proper striking mechanics, and building 1v1 confidence. We build the muscle memory that stays with you for life.
For Advanced Players: We dive into elite-level tactics. I teach strikers how to exploit a defender’s blind spot and show defenders how to dictate where a forward moves.
The 'Multi-State' Advantage: Having played in various regions, I understand different coaching styles and tactical systems. I help players become 'adaptable'—the kind of athlete who can succeed in any system or league.
Every new athlete starts with a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation:
1. Technical Assessment (15 mins): High-repetition ball mastery circuits to test touch, coordination, and "weak foot" proficiency.
2. Positional IQ (15 mins): Forwards work on finishing angles; Defenders work on recovery footwork and body positioning.
3. Pressure Testing (20 mins): 1v1 live scenarios to see how the player applies techniques under match-like stress.
4. The roadmap (10 mins): A post-session breakdown where I provide a personalized development plan and specific "homework" drills.
My competitive journey began as a high impact Forward. In North Carolina, I led my club team to a State Title while netting 15 goals in a single season. I followed that performance in South Carolina, securing another State Championship with a dominant 17-goal season. This phase of my career was defined by clinical finishing and elite offensive positioning.
The Transition: Tactical Defense (Tennessee)
After moving to Tennessee, I began the season with 9 goals before the coaching staff recognized my tactical defensive potential. I transitioned into a defensive role, where I immediately helped my travel team secure another State Championship. This shift gave me a rare, dual-perspective understanding of how to shut down the very scorers I used to be.
The Peak: High School & Regional Success
In my fourth state, I solidified my reputation as an elite defender, winning yet another State Title. I brought that leadership to my high school program, where I anchored the defense and helped lead the team to back-to-back Regional Championships.
The best coach I ever had was when I was playing in Tennessee. He helped me expand my capabilities and pushed me to do things I was uncomfortable with. In doing that it really expanded my knowledge and love for the sport and helped me grow in a way that made me a lifelong fan of the game.
I will give everything in my power to make you or your child the best player they can be.
Monday
Unavailable
Tuesday
Unavailable
Wednesday
Unavailable
Thursday
8:45 pm - 9:45 pm
Friday
8:45 pm - 9:45 pm
Saturday
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sunday
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This is only general availability - more times may be available when booking!
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