Location: Spokane, Washington
About Me:
"As a local player from Spokane a former player International Development Academy player with European U23 experience and an ECNL Nationals participant who competed against youth powerhouses like Real Madrid and Valencia, I bring a unique and high-level perspective to private soccer coaching in Spokane. Inspired by a European footballing philosophy emphasizing attacking, possession-based play and intelligent technical development, I am passionate about building strong player relationships and fostering confident, tactically aware athletes ready for competitive environments like college soccer and the NPSL. My coaching focuses on long-term growth, providing personalized training to unlock your full potential and elevate your game."
Espen Sande
A Foundation Built on Diverse and Competitive Experience
My playing journey provides invaluable insights into the demands of the game at various levels, directly informing my coaching.
- IDA Academy Player: This demanding environment honed my fundamental skills and tactical understanding, instilling discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement – values I bring to my coaching to prepare you for the structured environments of college and the NPSL.
- La Vall D’uixo U23: Competing in European football exposed me to a highly competitive and tactically sophisticated footballing culture, broadening my understanding of different playing styles – knowledge I'm eager to share as you navigate diverse playing styles this year.
- ECNL Nationals Participant: Participating in ECNL Nationals signifies a high level of achievement in US youth soccer, providing exposure to top-tier competition and refining my understanding of the American soccer landscape, relevant to your upcoming college play.
- Played in the MIC Against Real Madrid and Valencia U-17: Facing elite youth academies provided invaluable insight into the highest standards of youth development, highlighting the technical and tactical proficiency required to compete at the top level, offering a benchmark for your own development.
My Inspiration:
Pioneering a New Soccer Ideology in the US
My coaching inspiration stems from a desire to elevate US soccer ideology. Experiencing the nuances of European football firsthand, I'm driven to contribute to a higher standard of player development for the next generation, including players like yourself aiming for success in college and the NPSL.
My time in Europe highlighted coaching methodologies emphasizing technical proficiency and game intelligence from a young age, fostering a possession-based, attacking style prioritizing player development over immediate results. I believe this approach can significantly benefit aspiring players in the US.
By working with me, you'll gain expert coaching and insights into a broader footballing perspective, learning principles proven internationally. My goal is to cultivate a deeper understanding of the game, fostering technically gifted and tactically astute players ready to excel in demanding environments like the NPSL and college soccer.
Key Skills:
- Technical Skill Development: Expertise in teaching fundamental and advanced techniques.
- Tactical Periodization: Ability to design and implement structured training plans.
- Player-Centered Coaching: Creating a supportive and empowering learning environment.
- Multilingual Communication: Effectively connecting with diverse player populations in Spanish
LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHT FROM COACH ESPEN
Soccer Coaching in Spokane
CAMPS
Fairo Soccer Camps go beyond simple drills and scrimmaging. At Fairo Soccer Camps, our experienced full-time coaches offer a unique approach that develops not just a player's technical skills, but also your tactical intelligence through the lens of positional play.
Why Positional Play Focus?
1. Become a Problem-Solver on the Field:
Our camps are designed to equip players with the skills to think two steps ahead.
- Spatial Awareness: Understand how to position yourself on the field to create scoring opportunities and disrupt the opponent's attack.
- Decision-Making: Recognize when to pass, dribble, or shoot based on the positions of your teammates and opponents.
- Anticipation: Learn to read the game, predict opponent movements, and exploit weaknesses.
2. Multi-Game Training for Practical Application:
Instead of repetitive drills, we emphasize game-like situations. Throughout the week, you'll participate in multiple mini-games and scrimmages, allowing you to immediately apply your learned concepts in a dynamic, competitive environment.
Benefits of Fairo Soccer Camps:
- Develop tactical intelligence alongside technical skills.
- Learn to solve problems on the field, not just react.
- Become a more creative and adaptable player.
- Increase your confidence and enjoyment of the game.
- Catered to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Coach Gakwandi is a coach serving Vancouver, Surrey and surrounding areas. Interested in becoming a soccer coach with Fairo? We provide all of our soccer coaches with free web pages.
