Soccer coach · New York, NYCoach Kotaro
Private Soccer CoachCoach Kotaro
Trains in New York City & virtually
Works with all age groups
Available: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri
Pricing
Get to know Kotaro
From pro pitch to your pitch: coaching for the whole player
I’m a former professional soccer player and a current talent scout and coach for MLS club New York City FC. After six years as a pro and a college career that reached the National Championship, I help players sharpen their skills and build the mindset and confidence to perform under pressure. My goal is to help you become a better player and a stronger person, so your confidence doesn’t depend on any one game.
How I can help you improve
I help players develop both their skills and their mindset. Having played at the college level and professionally for six years, I know what it takes to compete at each stage. I’ll work with you on technical focus, such as first touch, finishing, or positioning, game understanding, and the mental side of performance, including confidence, handling pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks. My goal is to help you play your best while building a sense of who you are that doesn’t depend on a single game or season.
A typical training session
We start with a short warm-up and a quick check-in on how you’re feeling. Then we work on technical skills through game-realistic drills, move into small-sided play to apply what we worked on, and finish with a short review of what went well and what to carry into your next game or practice. Sessions are adjusted to your age, position, and goals.
Career & accomplishments
- Former professional soccer player for six years
- First Asian athlete to sign with Joinville Esporte Clube (Brazil)
- First Asian athlete to win the United Soccer League (USA)
- Collegiate career at the University of Louisville and the University of Akron
- Currently a talent scout and coach for MLS club New York City FC
- Motivational speaker signed by Pro Athlete Community
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame for National Alliance on Mental Illness
Best coach I ever had
Coach Fabinho Santos not only helped me improve as a player, but also as a man. I've learned the importance of physically training your abilities but also the mental side of the game.
What athletes & parents should know
I care about players as people first and athletes second. I’ve experienced the highs of competing at the top level and the lows of setbacks and injury, so I coach with high standards and real empathy. I’ll push you to improve, and I’ll also make sure you know your worth isn’t defined by a result. I welcome open communication with parents and want to be a positive, consistent presence in a young athlete’s life.
Training locations
25% off your 1st lesson
$131
$98
Then $420/mo for 4 lessons, starting 48 hours after your 1st lesson. Cancel anytime.
Good Fit Guarantee
How it works
Find a Coach
Browse our roster of vetted private coaches to find the right fit for you.
Book Lessons
Book and schedule your lessons through our platform.
Start Training
Meet your coach in-person or virtually, and start chasing down your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact a coach?
If you’re looking to message a coach for the first time, go to their profile and click “Send a Message”. A type box will show, where you can enter and send your message. To follow up with a coach you've already contacted, log into your account and find the 'Inbox' tab. You'll see your message history and be able to send another note.
How do I book lessons?
Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
Can I pay my coach via Venmo or cash?
Paying AU coaches via cash, Venmo, or any 3rd party is strictly prohibited. AU coaches know this, but their partnership with us is to split all bookings 80/20 - so coaches keep 80%. We use our 20% to help them find clients & manage their business. Without the split, we wouldn't be able to help our coaches & community thrive!
What if I don't feel comfortable paying online?
We integrate with Stripe - the largest & most secure payment processor in the US - to facilitate bookings. Paying online is required, and it simplifies the process for our coaches since it helps track their schedule & earnings in one place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
Where will the coach hold their lessons?
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
When is the coach available to train?
Each coach sets their own schedule for training. You can see a coach's general availability by going to their profile and finding the 'Availability' section - it will list the days and times. If a coach doesn't post their availability, or if your preferred coach doesn't have your desired times available but you want to double check, message them to see if they can work with your schedule.
How do rescheduling, cancellations, and lesson credits work?
Good Fit Guarantee — If your first lesson isn't the right fit, we'll move your lesson credit to a new coach. No hassle.
Easy rescheduling — Cancel or reschedule up to 4 hours before a lesson, no questions asked.
Coach no-shows — You'll be fully credited and we'll help you find a replacement.
Flexible credits — Unused lessons last 12 months and can be used with any coach on the platform.
Questions? Our team is here to help. View our policies.
Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
AU was created by former college and pro athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process + background check, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!