Stefan McIntosh
““I coach my players to train like they’ve never won, and compete like they’ve never lost.””
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe players learn best and improve the most by simply playing the game of soccer rather than memorizing routines. In my training sessions, you won’t see a lot of isolated exercises that do not involve these 3 key components of every soccer action: 1) Communication, 2) Decision-Making, and 3) Execution of the decision. Without these components it isn’t soccer—it’s something else.
Therefore, isolated training exercises are the exception and not the rule. Fitness is accomplished within the context of the game, rather than through non-soccer conditioning or fitness training. And we will learn within the context of the game, so that everything is game-like, with pressure, and uses a soccer-specific reference. I also believe that mistakes are essential to learning, and I encourage my players to have the confidence to try things without fear of failure. I want them to go full speed—without letting the fear of making a mistake hold them back.
But most importantly, we must have fun. If it isn’t fun, nobody will want to keep doing it. And I want my players to develop a lifelong love for the game of soccer.
““The journey IS the destination. So enjoy every moment, and don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your full potential.””
Coaching Experience
PSA Force, Head Coach: 2016–2021
Lake Stevens Soccer Club, Head Coach: 2012–2016
Fuerza FC, Assistant Coach: 2014–2015
Marysville Youth Soccer Club, Assistant Coach/Goalkeepers: 2012
Lake Stevens Soccer Club, Assistant Coach: 2009–2011
Coaching Education/Licenses
USSF National D License (In-Progress)
USSF National E License
USSF Grassroots 11v11 & 7v7 Licenses
World Football Academy Certifications: Football Tactics 1 & 2, Football Action Analysis, Football Fitness, and Football Braining
Education
Bachelor’s of Science—Industrial Design, Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)
