Play Soccer at Margaret S. Hayward Playground

Hi I'm Derek! I recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz, where I played four years of college soccer as a winger and an outside back. Since graduation, I have continued to stay involved with the sport both as a fan (come on Arsenal) and by playing in the SFSFL and other pick-up games around the city. As a coach, I use my experience with technical drills I have found most effective during my 16+ years as a player, and shape my sessions around whatever skills you'd like to work on, whether that be finishing, defending, technique, etc.

"The lesson was pretty good, especially since I appreciated how close Derek liked to stay nearby during the drill. Though I still need to get more comfortable with the ball, I feel like I made some decent progress, and the lesson highlighted that proximity can really help with focus. Hopefully, next time I can build more confidence with ball control. If you’re looking for a coach who keeps things close and helpful, Derek might be worth a try.

With over 15 years of soccer instruction, I cultivate players' skills and passion for the game. I focus on fundamentals, strategy, and personalized development. My goal is to empower athletes to excel on and off the field.

"Got the Basics down super fast, he wanted to be taught enough to join school team and was super successful.

With five decades on the pitch, I bring a wealth of experience to every soccer session. I'm dedicated to fostering skill development and a lifelong love for the game in each student. Let's unlock your full potential together!