Building Champions: The Multifaceted Journey of Soccer Coach Stephen Swanger

Coach Stephen Swanger {LinkedIn} isn’t just a coach; he’s a passionate advocate for the beautiful game. His two-decade journey, woven from experiences as a player, educator, and entrepreneur, exemplifies his dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for soccer at all levels. 

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Coach Swanger’s playing career laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy. From honing his skills through ODP, high-level youth leagues, and collegiate play (NCAA D2), to professional experience in Chile and Bolivia, he gained a deep understanding of the technical and tactical intricacies of the game. Representing the US Army National Team further solidified his commitment to teamwork and leadership.

The transition to coaching was a natural evolution. For over a decade, Coach Swanger thrived in the classroom, first honing his communication and leadership skills as an English teacher in Mexico, then later in the United States at the high school level after obtaining his Master’s in Education from LaSalle. These skills translated seamlessly onto the soccer field, where he guided high school teams, fostering player development and instilling a competitive spirit.

Driven by a desire to share his knowledge and passion, Coach Swanger established Fairo Sport LLC. Now in its eighth year, Fairo focuses on specialized individual soccer skills, goalkeeper training, and guest coaching, developing positional play methodology for teams and groups of all levels. His experience as a high-level player and a coach within the Valencia CF system fuels his commitment to continuous learning. He blends diverse perspectives from various courses, including the UEFA C (Wales) Coaching License, USSF D License, TOVO Method, and NSCAA Goalkeeping certifications, into a unique Fairo methodology. Additionally, Coach Swanger has created nearly 200 pages of training methodology, ensuring consistent instruction across all levels by the coaches he trains.

Beyond technical expertise, Coach Swanger believes in fostering a love for the game at every stage. His current role as Youth Program Director at the Spokane Soccer Center allows him to do just that. Here, he wears many hats, leading business development and attracting new players to keep the facility thriving. However, his heart lies in nurturing young talent. Programs like the Community Soccer League and his Homeschool Soccer Programs offer accessible entry points for players of all ages and skill levels, ensuring that the joy of soccer is widely shared within the community. 

Coach Swanger’s international coaching experience further underscores his global perspective. Guest coaching stints at prestigious academies like BvB Dortmund and working with professional teams in Colombia demonstrate his ability to adapt his style and share knowledge across diverse environments. Leading camps in China and Spain showcased his commitment to the global reach of the beautiful game. 

Stephen’s educational spirit is further evident in his approach at Fairo Sport LLC through a program that nurtures the next generation of soccer leaders. Fairo pairs young, passionate soccer players with younger players for private training sessions. These young coaches gain valuable real-world coaching experience while being mentored by active coaches within the Fairo Soccer Coaches Network.

This program benefits everyone: young players receive affordable and engaging training, while young coaches develop their skills and gain a head start in their coaching careers. By fostering this mentorship program, Coach Swanger cultivates not just talented players, but also future leaders who can share their passion for the sport and inspire the next generation. 

Fairo Sport pairs young, passionate soccer players (17-23) with novice players (4-12) for private training sessions.