SoccerDrive.com Contributors

Editor, Soccer Drive - Buffalo, New York

Don Herlan is a published author and the creator of Smedley’s Soccer Site. Don played his college soccer at SUNY Geneseo, where he earned his famous nickname of "Smedley" and also started his own coaching career. He has coached with men’s and women’s programs at the collegiate level since 1981, including stops at the University at Buffalo, Saint Francis University, Juniata College and Longwood University.  His website was recently named one of the five best soccer coaching websites in the U.S.  Don has attained the USSF National “C” Coaching License and the CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is currently teaching Physical Education at Niagara County Community College.

United Soccer Coaches - Kansas City, MO

Ian Barker has been with United Soccer Coaches as the Director of Coaching Education since 2012. Prior to his current position, he served as men’s soccer coach at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. He also has collegiate coaching experience at the University of Wisconsin, serving as an assistant coach from 1989-1996. In the eight-year span with the Badgers, Barker joined the squad in four NCAA tournament appearances. In 1995, the Badgers won both the Big Ten and NCAA National Championships.

From 1997-2007 Coach Barker served as the director of coaching and player development for the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). As a state association, the MYSA represented over 140 clubs and 75,000 members.

Scottish Football Association - Edinburgh, Scotland

David Baird has coached youth football for over 15 years and is currently a UEFA A Licence and UEFA Elite Youth A Licence candidate. He currently works as a Coach Educator and Football Development Officer for the Scottish Football Association. Prior to this David has spent time coaching in the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and most recently within the Heart of Midlothian Football Club academy in Scotland.

Evolving the Game - UK

At Evolving The Game we have been supporting & educating coaches at all levels of the game for over 17 years. Our resources are developed by UEFA A License Coaches, who have played & coached at a number of pro-clubs, along with grassroots. Our aim is to help engage and evolve both coaches and players to have a long lasting love for the beautiful game.

- Annalong, Northern Ireland

Currently first team coach at Ards FC playing the Northern Ireland Football League Championship. We are in the early stages of building a new stadium which should be huge benefit to the local community for years to come. Previously coached at Glenavon, Warrenpoint Town, Linfield & Cliftonville from youth to senior level. Passionate to see coaches develop and be innovative in their session planning.

- Mountain House, CA USA

Our mission is to provide tools and resources in support of player development and coaching education. We look to improve the physical efficacy of athletes in our programs through evidence-based best practices as part of our training methodologies. We provide educational materials that foster the growth of coaches and athletes in sports-specific and non-sports specific activities.

- Newcastle upon Tyne, England

UEFA A License and UEFA Elite licensed Coach/Head Coach.

Soccer Drive - Buffalo, New York USA

The goal of soccerdrive.com is to provide soccer and futbol coaches with the best online resource and coaching tool.  Soccerdrive.com provides a wealth of information for youth soccer coaches that include 3D animated soccer drills and tactics.  Members have additional tools that allow them to build practice plans, organize drills and tactics, and share this content with their team.  

We believe preparation is a key element to helping develop young soccer and futbol players and this responsibility ultimately lies with the coach and organization.  The tools offered at soccerdrive.com will help novice to experienced soccer and futbol coaches and their teams be prepared for every session.

- Tunisia

Former football player from Union Sportive Monastirien. Currently a football coach in Union Sportive Monastirien and Adem Sport Agba Football Academy working with U8, U9, U10, U11 and U12 players.

- Stockholm, Sweden

I'm Melker Lönn, a 19-year-old currently playing semi-professional football (Division 2) in Sweden. Alongside my passion for the game, I enjoy offering training tips and motivation to aspiring footballers.