Testimonials

  • "It has been an enormous pleasure being involved with Gary and Carine Ireland over the past decade. Their coaching philosophy epitomizes all that is essential for the complete development of young soccer players. I would break their process into three interlinked categories. Firstly and most critically is their emphasis on the technical aspects required in modern soccer. Working with the ball, based on the insistence of disciplined practice with the proper techniques, supplemented by repetition and more repetition. Secondly, this attention to detail is balanced by the encouragement to explore and experiment. Players are encouraged to take risks, to express themselves in passing and technique practices and during games, whether small sided or full scale competitive matches. By doing this players are coached without being over-coached, allowing them the scope to think and self discover. Although everyone enjoys winning, how the game is played takes precedence over the end result. With Gary's coaching the necessary physical requirements for soccer can be incorporated within the practices, whether they be small or full-scale games, drills or technique work. Thirdly, the fostering of the social development of the athlete completes their philosophy. Interaction between the different teams and age groups occurs throughout their training sessions. This interaction assists the younger players to follow the example of older players and for the older players to embrace that responsibility and become role models and leaders to the younger players. This holistic and athlete centered approach, combined with the skills and knowledge of Gary and Carine has made their program a unique, successful and arguably the most progressive youth soccer coaching in the USA. I look forward to continuing my coaching relationship with Gary and Carine"

Tom Sermanni

Head of Women’s Football, Western Sydney Wanderers (Australian W League); former Head Coach, USA, Australia & New Zealand Women’s National Teams; former Asst Coach, Canada Women’s National Team; former Head Coach, Orlando Pride (NWSL).

Anson Dorrance

Head coach, University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer, 21x NCAA Div 1 National Champions, 22x ACC Champions; 7x National Coach of the Year, coach of 70 All-Americans, multiple Hermann Trophy winners, multiple USWNT players, USWNT 1991 World Cup Champions; National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.

  • “Gary is a brilliant developer of talent. I have had the privilege to coach a number of talented young women the past 20 years but few with the technical sophistication of [US Women’s National Team player] Lorrie Fair. When I asked her about her extraordinary development her reply was quick: Gary Ireland made sure I understood everything about the ball, he was not only an amazing coach but a powerful motivator for me and my sister Ronnie.” On Lorrie’s recommendation alone I hired Gary one summer to watch him work and I came away impressed with his knowledge, his energy and his professionalism."

  • "The things I appreciate about Abner the most, as a coach, are his standards for soccer excellence. All the teams I've watched him work with play a very sophisticated level of the game without losing sight of playing to win the whole time. Abner is one of our top coaches in the country, and will take all the players to another level."

Clive Charles

Former Men & Women's Head Coach, University of Portland (2x NCAA Div I National Champions); Assistant Coach, US Men's National Team (1998 World Cup); Head Coach, US U20 Women's National Team; Head Coach, US U23 Men's National Team (finished fourth in the 2000 Olympics in Australia).

  • "It is refreshing to know we have coaches of the caliber of Abner Rogers involved in the development of women’s soccer. Southern California is truly fortunate to have him"

Olivia Athens

Seattle Reign (NWSL); former UCLA Women’s Soccer standout; former US U18 WNT; Dynamic Soccer & former PSV Union FC player (6 yrs.)

  • "Gary and Carine are true masters of the game. I was so fortunate to play for them because they both have a deep understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. The technical training they provide is unparalleled in the youth soccer community and was instrumental in my preparation to play and compete at the collegiate level. My teammates and I were always encouraged to implement the skills we learned in practice in our games and expected to take risks. This was different from many youth clubs who were more focused on the result. The freedom to experiment is one of the key reasons I was able to develop as a soccer player and why I loved playing for Gary and Carine. Our development always came first. As well, I experienced first hand their willingness to go above and beyond to help their players. Whether that was staying late after practice, their ability to demonstrate whatever skill they wanted their players to do, or their connections to the soccer world, they are 100% invested in their players if the are willing to put in the work. And, not only great coaches, they are great players. Having both played at a high level, they know what they are talking about. Gary and Carine opened so many doors for me and have changed my life, both on and off the field. I would not have gotten to UCLA if it wasn’t for them!"

Jerry Smith

Head Coach, Santa Clara University, 2-time (2001 & 2020) NCAA Div I Champions, 10-time WCC Champions; former US U21 Women’s National Team.

  • "One of the things that sets Abner apart from other coaches is that he really works on the development of the individual player. He is aware of the individual’s technical abilities, tactical awareness and psychological development within a team setting. He won't sacrifice individual development for the sake of a win at an early age: the emphasis is on development. Abner has worked at all levels, including the national level, and knows what it takes to get there. It is fitting Abner heads his own program after being successful at all levels.” 

Veronica Perez

Al Qadsiah FC (Saudi Women's Premier League); Club Tijuana Femenil “Xolos” (Liga MX Femenil); Mexico WNT, World Cup player & former University of Washington standout, former PSV Union FC player.

  • "Carine possesses all the qualities in a top class coach. She is incredibly knowledgeable, wants her players to develop into great players, and manages in a very professional manner. Carine cares about her players and if you show her that you are willing to put the work in, there is nothing she will not do to help you progress and meet your goals. When I was training for the World Cup she would train with me on the field every morning and then we would do it again in the afternoon with the club. You don't tend to find a coach who is able to demonstrate what they are teaching (correctly and at game speed) and work harder than you at practice. But I would say that best asset about her as a coach is how passionate she is about the game and how great she is as a player. She is one of the greatest players I have ever had the privilege to play with...

    Gary is an excellent coach/trainer, teacher and player of the game. There is no doubt that Gary has had a profound impact on my playing career. For the past 10 years I have been very fortunate to have someone so passionate and knowledgeable developing my game. Gary is different than any other coach have had. He's played at a very high level professionally. He knows what he's talking about."

John Owens

Former MLS & USSDA Technical Auditor for Doublepass; former Liverpool FC Academy Head coach/manager 19 years (coach of England captain Steven Gerrard, European Player of Year Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler & Trent Alexander-Arnold); former England National Team Schoolboys head coach

  • "Gary's enthusiasm for all matters relating to football coaching has given him an excellent knowledge of all aspects of coaching young players. He has many contacts in the game throughout the world. His open and inquiring mind has allowed him to study a variety of coaching styles and content. He adopts a fresh, open approach which allows him to accept and develop new ideas. In his coaching Gary successfully achieves a friendly, yet well-disciplined approach which puts the young player at the centre of the process. His different roles in a number of countries have given him a strong base of experience. Gary’s own high level of skills and techniques as a player allows him to provide excellent demonstrations which are so important when coaching young players. He has a strong philosophy which concentrates on the development of young players over the short-term aim of winning games. He educates and encourages his players to appreciate the true essence of the game."

Peter Horvath

Puskas Academy Technical Director; former Assistant Manager, Puskas Academy, Hungary

  • “At the age of 22 I decided to look further outside of Hungary and try to play football abroad, so I ended up in the USA. I thought that I knew a lot about the game of football and arrived with more than enough confident to California. Then I met Gary Ireland who proved me the opposite. I had to face the fact that how little I knew about this game and with his help I opened my mind for learning. That was the time that I met the real Coerver material. The skills training that Gary showed me was a completely different ballgame. His passion along with his ability to move on and off the ball combined with the deep knowledge on real Coerver material had an everlasting impact on my life in football. So, I watched and listened carefully. We became teammates at the time, and I started my first steps in coaching under his supervision. Gary could work with all different levels of players regardless of their abilities and ages and gender. The way he shows the details of the moves to players was very special. I gradually became a better player myself just by learning and implementing the steps of different drills of Coerver. I started enjoying football trainings in a different way and I found out that football can still offer a lot. I was able to improve on my weaker foot at the age of 24 by executing Coerver ball work numerous times every day with both feet. I became much more comfortable during games as a midfielder to take my eyes off the ball prior to receiving it regardless which side the pressure was coming from. I also understood the importance of how to shield the ball (key points of using the arms, having perfect balance, shifting bodyweights from one foot onto the other in the right time and feel the opponent even if he is out of my vision) to keep opponent distant from the ball and not to lose it while making the necessary movements to continue the game efficiently. I became addicted to the real Coerver material and worked and lived alongside of Gary for the rest of my time in the USA.”

Jordan Marada

Former professional player, Czech Republic & Japan; former USC Women’s Soccer player, former Stanford University Women’s Soccer Director of Operations, USYSA National Champion, Laguna Hills Eclipse Soccer Club.

  • "I played for Coach Abner at Laguna Hills Eclipse from 2007-2010.

    I learned more in the short time playing under Abner’s guidance than I learned in my entire club career (which began at age 9). 

    Abner’s passion and dedication for the game shows in the way he gives his best to his players.  Abner’s success as a coach at the highest level is not a surprise as he sets himself apart from other coaches by paying attention to the small details that shape the top players.  Abner's attention to detail helps each player become more confident on the ball. My first touch improved immensely and I became so much more confident on the ball under Abner’s guidance. 

    My personal experience with Abner is something I am forever thankful for.  Abner not only challenged me to become a better person, but a better player as well.  He held me accountable for my actions on and off the field, and instilled in me the importance of hard work. He recognized my soccer abilities and always pushed me to my fullest potential. I wouldn't have had the opportunities I had playing collegiately & professionally if it weren't for Abner. I felt more confident on the ball and felt such a newfound joy and love for the game. I looked forward to training sessions. I felt myself getting better and I loved that feeling! I knew I was not only making myself better, but I was making my team better. Soccer is a team sport and knowing I was giving my best effort and able to contribute to the team's success made me feel great.

    Our club team went all the way - winning a Youth National Championship in 2010. I went into college in top form. I was in my best shape physically and mentally and I was ready for the collegiate challenge thanks to the coaching I had received. 

    Abner continued to support me in college and helped me during the transfer process.  Abner is so well known & respected  in the soccer community.  He trusted and believed in me,  more than I believed in myself at times. It felt great to have that support from a coach and it  gave me the confidence to pursue my next opportunity.  With Abner’s help, I ended up transferring to USC where I started every game in the #10 position and was the points leader in goals and assists my junior and senior years.

    After my collegiate career ended, I played in Europe (Czech republic) for 2 seasons and the top women’s league in Japan for a season.

    Thank you Abner for the constant support throughout my career!"

Chris Petrucelli

General Manager, Dallas Trinity (USL Super League); former Head Coach, Chicago Red Stars (NWSL); Two-time NSCAA Women’s College Soccer Coach of the Year; former Head Coach, University of Notre Dame, 1995 NCAA National Champions; former Head Coach, University of Texas, 13 seasons; former Head Coach, SMU, 9 seasons; former Head Coach, US U21 and U18 Women’s National Teams; former Head Coach, US Olympic Festival.

  • "Working with Abner is an enjoyable experience. His knowledge of the game is outstanding and his professionalism unmatched. He develops talented players who are winners both on and off the field."

Chris Ducar

General Manager, University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer; Assistant Coach, Goalkeeper Coach & Recruiting Coordinator (20+ years), University of North Carolina.

  • "I have played with & worked alongside Gary Ireland for many years. His depth of knowledge on every aspect of the game is remarkable. Players love working with him because he has the right balance of intensity & levity. Each player that works with him finds dimensions they never knew existed.”

Annie Karich

Player, SC Freiburg (Frauen-Bundesliga, Germany); 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Costa Rica; former Santa Clara University; 2019 ECNL National Champion.

  • "I played for Abner at Blues before I went on to play 2 seasons at Santa Clara, and now I play in the Bundesliga for SC Freiburg. Under Abner, I also broke into the USA youth national team where I continued to play from U15 through U23. Abner taught me the importance of small details, technique, and the work and movement you contribute without the ball. Learning and working at this at such a young age played a huge part in the success I’ve had so far in my career. I’m so grateful to have had a coach that invested so much time and effort into making sure I see the game the way he does, because I saw a noticeable change and improvement in my own game."

Bridgette Marin-Valencia

UCLA Women’s Soccer, Mexico U20 Women’s National Team, former Dynamic Soccer & PSV Union FC player (9 yrs).

  • "Gary and Carine Ireland have been a major part of who I am as a soccer player, as well as who I am as a person. I have been lucky enough to be coached by them for 8-9 years and I couldn’t have asked for better coaches. Not only have they helped me achieve many accomplishments such as being a part of the u20 Mexico national team and being able to attend UCLA with a soccer scholarship, but they also allowed me to increase my love for the game itself. Showing up to practice early to help with the younger girls and leaving late just to play extra at the end or to do the extra shooting was always the highlights of my practices. I have never looked at it as only a soccer club, but as my family as well. Both of them have incredible knowledge of the game, a passion that is unmatchable and that I have never seen anywhere else.

    Carine has and will always be my inspiration. The way she loves the game and will do anything to help you succeed, whether it’s learning a new move, showing a technique, or just uplifting you through rough times, she will always be there. I have been honored to be able to be coached by such a talented woman.

    Gary has always pushed me to my limits and showed me those good outcomes will appear if I continue to put in the hard work. He has such a brilliant mind for the game, so I completely trust every word he says. He has always been there for not only me but my family as well. His intensity and love for the game have been a huge reason why I see soccer as a way to express myself, through the beautiful, scrappy, inspiring game.

    Both of them have allowed me to be the person I am today and I will forever be grateful for them and the club. I can never thank them enough!”

Courtney Lewis

2x USYSA National Champion, Former Santa Clara University Women’s Soccer, US Youth National Teams U16-U19.

  • "From the very first minute I stepped out on the soccer field I knew it had to be a positive and fun environment. When I first joined Abner and the world of club soccer I was nine years old, neither my parents nor I knew anything about what the “club experience” was all about. I do recall that much was made of the fact that MVSC had signed Mr. Abner Rogers, and that he was known as a top ODP coach (never mind that I had no clue what ODP was).

    Many people said don’t worry, Abner will spend his time with the “older girls,” and you will rarely see him.  Well, I think he took a liking to our “little team” as he spent a great deal of time watching our games and directing our training sessions. We had several coaches, but we always knew that Abner was the steady hand that guided our development.

    I really don’t think Abner knew how to take our “youthful exuberance.” You could often see him smile, laugh or just shake his head when we would do something silly like hang on to the crossbar of the goal and ride it up as it was being set in position and dangle for as long as we could hold on…you talk about fun, now that was fun! As much as he taught us, I kind of think he learned from us along the way that he could really enjoy developing the real young players from the ground up, and he seemed to take pride in our progress. Whatever the reason, I was truly blessed to have been able to start and finish my club soccer experience with a nationally recognized director/coach.

    Abner’s reputation as one of the best in the nation was not what helped me and my teammates improve, rather it was training session after training session, all of which were conducted with a purpose and with positive encouragement. In practice, Abner always pushed me to challenge myself. During shooting drills it was not about making the easy shots, it was ok to miss, but he wanted you trying for the upper-V or some other challenging spot. He always encouraged me to push my limits and continue to develop. Abner had a sly way of pushing me to continue to develop, to reach the next level. For example, as soon as I felt comfortable at a position on the right side, he would move me to the left side to develop both of my feet and to gain experience in multiple positions. I have benefited greatly by Abner’s belief in developing a complete soccer player who can play wherever needed. Looking back, Abner wanted us to succeed, but knew that he had to let us fail if we were going to become confident to try new things. Being free to try things only comes from knowing that your coach is not going to scream and yell.

    Many times young players and their parents focus on winning as the measuring stick of progress or success, Abner taught me that playing well, making good decisions and developing was far more important than the wins and losses and that college and the National team was where the emphasis would be properly placed on winning.

    Abner was very helpful to me in preparing for National Team Camps and narrowing down the choices of colleges. His experience and level approach were very helpful. He encouraged me to relax, play the way I was taught and to have fun. He was always honest with me and provided me many opportunities to improve and to demonstrate to the various National Team coaches and college coaches what I was capable of. The exposure has resulted in many opportunities with the various National Teams and allowed me the opportunity to earn an athletic scholarship to Santa Clara University.

    Abner, I can never say it enough, thank you very much for everything that you have done for me!"

Benjamin Ziemer

President NorCal Premier Soccer League. PDP selector, USSF Training Programs selector, USA National Id2 staff coach, former USA U15 Boys National Team Assistant Coach, Board Member US Club Soccer.

  • "Gary has a world view of football. He has knowledge and experience of soccer, in the United States and around the world, both on and off the field. He has a proven track record of thinking "outside the box" which has provided his programs with a unique touch. From his training of players on the field, to his running of his soccer club, to the development of his soccer website, Gary has shown an ability to bring all of his experiences - both on and off the field - together to build programs which serve soccer at many levels. Above all, his love of the game carries through in all he does with soccer!"

Vivian Wang

Carnegie Mellon Women’s Soccer; former Dynamic Soccer & PSV Union FC player (5 yrs).

  • "Gary and Carine have done more for me than I can describe— both on and off the field. Since I joined them five years ago, I can only say that I wish I joined earlier. The environment is unmatched; Gary and Carine have fostered a unique soccer culture that can be found nowhere else. They taught me almost everything I know through their passion for the game and attention to every detail. I can think of nowhere else I would rather spend my time than spending hours after practice with Gary and Carine simply enjoying the game— whether that’s practicing the perfect shot or finding the perfect chipping technique. Soccer aside, they have instilled the values of respect, discipline and work ethic that are essential to every person and player. I am privileged to have been a part of their program and would not be where I am without Gary and Carine" 

Skylar Little

Washington Freedom (WUSA); UCLA Women’s Soccer; MVP - Regional Championship, Valley United Wildthings (3x State Champions, Regional Champions, National finalist). Photo credit: Tony Quinn (Alamy).

  • "I started playing soccer when I was five, along with my twin sister Jacqueline. I guess you could say that I have never been the player who got tons of recognition, but I was the player who worked hard behind the scenes and just got my job done.

    My freshman year of high school, I made a crucial change which is the reason I have had the success that I have had. I tried out for Abner’s team the Wildthings, and was told I was behind but could make it up if I did the extra bit. So I joined the Wildthings and we became state champions three years in a row, and got the opportunity to play for a National championship.

    In an important time of development, I had a coach who instilled discipline and many basic skills that my previous coaches had overlooked. I think one of my main weaknesses was my basic knowledge of the game. Abner played us many Brazilian games so we could learn the sport through example. His training sessions were always challenging and we were encouraged to take care of small details. Now, I feel one of my strengths is defensively reading the opponent and the situation.

    When it came time to making decisions on colleges, Abner was very helpful. The amount of college coaches that respected him was quite staggering. His coaching has also given me the confidence as a person, and I was thrilled to accept an athletic scholarship to play at UCLA.

    I owe so much to Abner, and it’s no surprise to see so many of his players playing in top colleges, and five of my old team mates playing in the Women’s professional league. "

Marijo Tot

League Champion Head Coach, Dinamo Zagreb; Asst Coach, Iran National Team (qualified team for 2022 World Cup); Asst to Slaven Bilic, Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia); Guest Lecturer, Pro & A License Course & Croatia Football Federation; Manager, Croatia Women’s National Team; former coach of Croatia National Team stars Kovacic and Brozovic; professional coach in China, Malaysia, Bosnia.

  • “19 years ago, when I came to California to work as a part of foreign staff for Vogelsinger Soccer Academy, I had a great pleasure to meet extraordinary people, the Ireland brothers, Gary and Simon. That friendship enriched me. In fact, many a time throughout my professional career as a football coach, I had mentioned two of them as an example of dedication, passion and expertise. We have stayed in touch all the time and I am impressed by the level they have reached... Undoubtedly knowledgeable in technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of football game, their way of teaching others is a role model of transmitting pure knowledge, guidance, motivation and finally production of dozens of highly profiled youngsters. By offering  all of the above they have influenced a significant number of professionals who are playing important role in today's global football family. My advice to all of you who have a chance to meet those two coaches is to keep them closer to you and you will definitely be better as a person, refreshed as a coach and gain a new perception of the game of football.”

Dr. Zdenek Sivek

UEFA Technical Instructor, UEFA Pro Licence course; AEFA Vice President; Former Technical Director, Czech Football Association.

  • "Dynamic Soccer through its founder Gary Ireland has a new, ambitious and attractive coaching program that helps players develop the highest level of technical and tactical skills and creative ability with strong motivation and psychological emphasis.

    I have to underline that during my stay at yours camps I always admired and appreciated your and Simon’s Coerver’s abilities, skills etc. Your demonstrations were always brilliant!"

Abner Rogers

USASA Hall of Fame; Head Coach LA Sol (WPS) & WPS All-Star team coach; WPS Coach of the year; 2 x CYSA Coach of the Year; Head Coach USASA National Team; State and Regional team Women's and Youth ODP Head Coach; Mentored and developed 21 players to Professional ranks, 31 to Regional teams and 24 to National teams, 7 players in World Cup competition; OC Waves WPSL National Championship; WPSL Coach of the Year; President & Technical Director Laguna Hills Soccer Club Eclipse; Director of coaching & President Strikers FC ECNL; So Cal Blues ECNL and ECRL coach; UEFA "A" and USSF "A" coaching licenses.

  • "Gary and Carine are great developers of talent. As a guest coach on many occasions I have always enjoyed working with Gary and Carine, as well as watching the quality of their work I rarely see. Gary and Carine are both excellent with young players at all different levels. Players are encouraged to be relaxed on the ball and be creative, even if it means taking risks at the cost of mistakes. Their energy, professionalism and attention to details puts them in a whole different category!"