Learn Soccer with Francesco
⭑5.0 (11)
😊100
💰$125 weekly lessons
With over 28 years of soccer experience, I bring a lifelong passion for the game to every team I coach. I played competitively at Miramonte High School and have spent my life immersed in youth soccer—as both a player and a dedicated coach. My coaching philosophy centers around building strong fundamentals, fostering teamwork, and helping players develop confidence both on and off the field. Whether working with beginners or experienced players, I focus on creating a positive, disciplined, and high-energy environment where young athletes can grow and thrive. I don’t just coach the game—I build players who love it, live it, and leave it all on the field.
Background checked
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
😊100 Happy student score
🎓28 years playing
🔥11 Lessons
⭐️High School Coach
Reviews
Total reviews11
Average rating
5.0
Matt G.
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 15
Francesco didn’t just improve my soccer skills—he helped me become a better leader on and off the field. His coaching taught me how to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and inspire my teammates to give their best. Thanks to him, I’ve grown into a more confident and effective team player.
Mike B.
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 12
Francesco creates an environment where you want to push yourself. His energy is contagious, and he knows how to bring the best out of you without ever forcing it. I’ve not only become a smarter player, but I’ve also developed more confidence in myself on and off the field. He’s the real deal.
Graham T.
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10
Before working with Francesco, I was stuck in a rut, just going through the motions on the field. But his approach opened my eyes—he doesn’t just teach you how to play, he helps you understand why you play the way you do. That shift changed everything. Now, every practice feels like a step forward, and I’m excited to keep improving.
John
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10
Working with Francesco was a game-changer. He brings a rare mix of discipline, positivity, and real tactical knowledge. I not only improved my skills on the field but also gained confidence and mental toughness. You can tell Francesco genuinely cares about his players and their growth—both as athletes and as people.
Matt S.
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10
Francesco’s coaching goes beyond just soccer skills—he helps you build discipline and mental strength that carry over into every part of life. His attention to detail and genuine care make every session worth it. Since working with him, I’ve noticed a real boost in both my performance and my confidence.
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:22 locations available
Diablo Vista Park - Soccer Field (MTV)
Crow Canyon Rd
2083.5 miles awayOutdoors
Alameda Point Soccer Field
Lexington St
2102.2 miles awayOutdoors
Pleasant Oaks Park - South Field
149230009
2087 miles awayOutdoors
MLK Soccer field
Richmond
2101.5 miles awayOutdoors
North Oakland Regional Sports Center
6900 Broadway
2096.7 miles awayOutdoors
Elmhurst Soccer Field
9869 Plymouth St
2095.9 miles awayOutdoors
Krueger Fields
Cowell Rd
2083.4 miles awayOutdoors
Cesar Chavez Soccer Field
29th Ave
2098.7 miles awayOutdoors
Heather Farm Field 1
502 N San Carlos Dr
2085.9 miles awayOutdoors
Rumrill Sports Park
1509 rumrill blvd
2101.7 miles awayOutdoors
Longfellow Fields
3884 Martin Luther King Jr Way
2099.5 miles awayOutdoors
Hidden Lakes Soccer Field
Hidden Lakes Park
2087.3 miles awayOutdoors
Hellman Soccer Field
Richards Rd
2096.1 miles awayOutdoors
Bodnar Field
Bodnar Field at California State University Maritime Academy
2093 miles awayOutdoors
Arbolado Park Field 1
3699 Arbolado Dr
2083.8 miles awayOutdoors
Orinda Sports Field
Camino Pablo
2094.5 miles awayOutdoors
Harrison Park (Gabe Catalfo Fields)
1100 Fourth St
2100.4 miles awayOutdoors
Ohlone Middlefield Park
California St
2099.4 miles awayOutdoors
Edwards Stadium
2223 Fulton St
2098.6 miles awayOutdoors
Strawberry Creek Park Soccer Field
1307-1315 Bancroft Way
2099.7 miles awayOutdoors
Arbolado Park Field 2
3341 Arbolado Dr
2083.7 miles awayOutdoors
Sycamore Valley Park
2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville, CA 94506, United States
2083.1 miles awayOutdoors
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonI start by explaining that soccer isn’t just about kicking a ball—it's about building the body and mind to move well, think fast, and stay balanced under pressure.
We begin with simple conditioning: light jogging, dynamic stretches, and bodyweight movements to wake up the muscles and improve coordination. From there, we work on balance—single-leg drills, controlled movements, and exercises that teach players how to stay grounded and agile. The focus is on creating a solid athletic foundation—because if you’re in shape and balanced, the ball work becomes that much easier.
Lesson 4-10As we move into Lessons 4 through 10, the players will start to feel more comfortable with the ball at their feet and more aware of how their bodies move. The goal now is to deepen their coordination, develop consistent ball control under light pressure, and introduce them to the key elements of teamwork—like passing, spacing, and communication.
Lesson 2-3The goal is to help players begin integrating balance with ball control. We start with a warm-up that includes light cardio, dynamic stretching, and simple balance drills like single-leg holds and reach exercises. This sets the tone for understanding how crucial stability is in soccer.
Once warm, we shift into ball work, introducing dribbling in place and controlled cone dribbling. The emphasis is on keeping the ball close and using both feet. To reinforce balance, I introduce a challenge where players dribble to a cone, stop the ball, and hold a balance pose on one leg. We also begin incorporating simple passing techniques using one foot at a time, followed by a trap using the sole—encouraging control and patience. The session wraps up with a fun, competitive game of “Red Light, Green Light,” using the ball to help players react quickly and stop with control. We close with a cool down and discussion, encouraging players to reflect on what felt natural and what they want to improve. As homework, I assign five minutes of toe-touches and ball rolls each day to build confidence with the ball.
Lesson 3 focuses on strength in movement and introducing more purposeful interaction with the ball and teammates. The warm-up incorporates more dynamic strength exercises like jump squats, side lunges, and single-leg hops—designed to activate muscle groups that support quick, agile movement. These exercises also reinforce the importance of landing softly and staying balanced through motion.
Drills in this lesson include dribbling relays to get the players moving competitively while still controlling the ball. We then introduce shielding—the art of using your body to protect the ball—teaching players to feel where their defender is and maintain composure. Next, we work on the push pass, focusing on technique over power, and then combine that with a pass + balance drill, where players must stabilize themselves after each pass before continuing. This not only sharpens control but teaches mental reset and composure.
What you need to bringJust make sure to have athletic attire!
What I can bringI will have everything!
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
FA
Soccer with Francesco Avella⭑ 5.0 (11 reviews)