WSEU Soccer Academy Coaches

The key element that sets the WSEU Soccer Academy apart from many other instructional programs is the many years of practical, professional soccer experience of our coaches. In order to properly evaluate and guide young players, it is critical that the staff can not only explain, but also demonstrate the proper techniques. As in all sports, it is important to recognize the value of proper basic skills as the foundation of advanced skill development . It is extremely important to teach the correct methods at a younger age. Once the fundamentals are developed, they act as building blocks to the advanced skills.

All staff of the WSEU Soccer Academy have been cleared by the Manitoba Abuse Registry and City of Winnipeg Police Criminal Records Check.  All staff have obtained basic first-aid.

Patrick Di Stefani (WSEU Club Head Coach)

Our Club Head Coach, Patrick Di Stefani will lead the coaching staff for the WSEU Academies. Patrick brings with him the necessary technical skills and knowledge and will ensure the WSEU programs will offer an environment where players will learn new skills and gain the confidence to become better players.

Biography

• President, Focus9
• Canadian Soccer Association, Provincial "B" Licence
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Bosu Integrated Balance Training Instructor
• SAQ certified trainer
• Certified CPR

Athlete Experience

• Youth
  • 10 years with the youth Soccer pro system in Belgium
• Senior
  • 3rd division Soccer (Germany)
  • 3rd division Soccer (Belgium)

Coaching Experience

• Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Technical Director for the Association de Soccer de Charlesbourg Quebec city (2009)
• Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of Laval Woman's program (Quebec City) 2009
• Coach for the Sport Etude Francois Bourrin (Quebec City) 2009
• Course director and examinator for the Diplome Entraineur Provincial (Federation de Soccer du Quebec) 2009
• Assistant Coach For the Manitoba Provincial U14 Boys Team
• Assistant Coach for Manitoba Provincial U16 Girls team (2006/2007)
• Practicum conditioning coach for junior UEFA Pro club Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht (Belgium)
• Head Conditioning and Assistant coach second division team Royal Union St Gilloise (Belgium)
• Assistant coach for the Canada summer game team 2005 (Winnipeg Canada)
• Head Coach for the Manitoba Major Soccer League Association Hellas Soccer Club 2006 - 2008
• Head coach for Manitoba Major Soccer League Association (Ital Inter) 2004
• Head Coach for Manitoba Major Soccer League Association (FC Lucania) 2005
• Technical skill and Conditioning trainer for First, second and third division pro soccer player in Belgium
• Head conditioning trainer for Dry Land Rick St. Croix School of Goaltending , based in Winnipeg, Manitoba (former NHL Toronto Maples Leafs Goalie).
• Personal trainer for hockey players (Professional, University, College, AAA)

Achievements

• Official Scout for the University of Laval (Rouge et Or) Soccer program, Western Canada
• Former Director of Player Development South End United
• Founder and Director of South End United Soccer Academy
• CEO of Focus9 Elite Athletic Training
• Head Coach and Director Focus9 Soccer Academy (based in Winnipeg)
• Official Representative in North America for the Women's Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht First Division Team in Belgium, Pro league
• Official Representative in North America for the Royal Union St Gilloise (2nd Division team in the Belgian League)
• Scout for the University of North Dakota Women's Soccer team in Manitoba