Meet Coach Amobi O! Coach Amobi is a professional soccer player who plays for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS. He uses his year of soccer playing experience to improve athletes’ technical skills and work on agility and power training.

Tell us about your soccer career.

I currently play professional soccer for the Philadelphia Union as a midfielder/defender, and I have been playing professionally for the past four years. I went to UCLA for soccer for one season before I was drafted 6th overall in the 2010 MLS draft.

Why did you decide to become a private coach?

Growing up, I didn’t have private lessons. I went out and played in clubs on my own. I wanted to coach kids.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

I love having kids look up to you.
Coaching is so important to a player’s development. I’ve learned so much and want to teach it.

What can a client expect from private lessons with you?

I focus on technical skills. I work on first touch, passing with both feet, juggling, etc. It depends on the player.

What is your coaching style or philosophy?

I don’t really have a specific philosophy. I take what I’ve learned from my past coaches and use the best approach for a particular player.

Who is your favorite coach and why?

My dad was my best coach growing up. Also, my coach John Hackworth in Philadelphia.

What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?

My favorite moment was getting drafted and making my debut in Seattle.

Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete?

I coached one player who was nervous trying out for his team. It was all about building his confidence, and he ended up making the team.

Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)?

I was a first-team Parade All-American in 2009 and 2008. I was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in 2009 by Top Drawer Soccer. I’m a three-time NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American. I earned Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors. I also received second-team All-Pac-10 acclaim. I was the consensus All-Freshman selection nationally and started in all 20 games for UCLA.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?

I used to play basketball pretty seriously. I played football and volleyball. I like going to the batting cages. I like all sports really.

What is your favorite sports related movie?

Remember the Titans, Friday Night Lights, Rudy, and He Got Game

What’s your mantra or favorite saying (in the context of sport and/ or life)?

All you can do is all you can, and all you can do is enough.

What team do you root for most enthusiastically? (any sport)

Philadelphia Union