Objective:
To create and develop FC Blades teams playing at the GOLD and PREMIER levels in Coast Soccer League and thereby help our athletes achieve Division I and II College Scholarships.
FC Blades Premier Program is a specialized and structured program for our U14 -U19 teams to prepare our players technically, tactically, psychologically and physically, in order for each player to reach their full potential in club and high school soccer and eventually collegiate soccer.
Our professional coaching staff has extensive knowledge and experience in developing players in the U14 – U19 age groups. The FC Blades Premier Program coaches will be involved in local high school soccer programs which will give them the opportunity to gain knowledge of all older players in the area and develop the relationship between our club and local high schools. More importantly, our FC Blades Premier Program coaches will focus significant attention and resources in cultivating relationships with college soccer coaches from throughout Southern California.
Each FC Blades Premier Program teams and players will be trained by 2 coaches. Each coach will be designated a specialized age group and will focus on the structured development of players within that particular age group. As this program is new, we will implement our strategic plan in two phases:
Phase 1 will be focused on U14 through U16 teams (2010-2011)
Phase 2 will be focused on U17 through U19 teams (2011-2012)
Each specialized practice will be designed for age appropriate technical and tactical training. Our coaches will work from a proven curriculum and development model used by collegiate and professional teams. We will use technology to ensure our players are developing their skills fully (e.g., video instruction).
One of the primary focuses of the FC Blades Premier Program will be to help players navigate through the collegiate recruiting process. We will run specialized camps for our older players where we will invite college coaches to meet our players in person. These "College Showcase" events will help our players get the exposure they need to Southern California collegiate soccer programs. We will provide the players with best practices for how to "sell" themselves to prospective coaches. In performing this role our coaches will draw upon their proven experience in bringing European players into colleges in the U.S. We will host “College Nights” where we will explain to the players and parents the collegiate recruiting process and describe what they need to do to best position their players for maximum exposure. We will have guest speakers who have been through this exercise share their experiences and offer strategies for maximizing success in the collegiate recruiting process.
It is our goal and intention to eventually field 2 teams in each of the U14 – U19 age groups. Our coaching staff is committed to recruiting and retaining the most talented local players in order to help us achieve that goal.
The FC Blades Premier Program Director and staff will strive every day to help us achieve our club mission: ‘Individual Development, Team Success.’
Alex Filipovic Bio
Coaching License: • USSF National "B" Coaching License
Alex was born in Belgrade, Serbia. He started playing soccer at age four. Alex was coached by many professional coaches in the FK Partizan soccer club and played in many European countries. He was a member of the Yugoslavian National Indoor team.
Playing Experience:
Turned Professional at age 21
1986: New York Express
1987-1990 San Diego Sockers
1991 Baltimore Blast - Wichita Wings
1992 - 1996 San Diego Sockers
Coaching Experience: 2008- Current Coach and Professional Trainer for Slammers Futbol Club
2007- 2008 Coach and Professional Trainer for West Coast Futbol Club
2005 - 2007 Head Coach of Player Development (SD Pegasus)
2004 SD Pegasus B-U9 & G-U16 teams
2003 Coaching Director for Vista Soccer Club
2002 Coach and Professional Trainer for Vista Soccer Club
1998 - 2001 Coaching Director for Fallbrook Soccer Club
1994 - 1997 Coaching Director for Ramona Soccer Club
1990 - 1993 Coaching Director for San Marcos Striker
1990-Current Owner of the Magic Soccer School
(www.magicsoccerschool.com)
Coaching Philsophy:
We should treat our players as young professional players. The more we teach them, the more they will fall in love with the game. Soccer is the best game in the world. Enjoy it!!!
The Coaches:
Tim Woodcock
USSF "A" License, UEFA 'B' License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, English FA Coaching License. Tim has played soccer for 26 years and coached professionally in England and the USA for over 12 years, starting as an Academy coach for Derby County FC in the English Premier League. He has also coached at various High Schools in Southern California, along with being an instructor for the California Youth Soccer Association..
