PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS
MICHEL MOMMERTZ Assistant to Wiel Coerver for 20 years. Main assistant to Wiel and co-creator of much of Wiel's material as well as lead demonstrator
'When WC and I where doing a clinic/camp in New York, Manhattanville college, we met the brothers Simon and Gary Ireland, two energetic, passionate guys who loved to play soccer. We asked them to join us in the clinics and camps to give us a helping hand. It turned out that the brothers where very eager to learn and inexhaustibly in making practice hours. They understood immediately what the WC methodology was about.WC and I where very fond of the brothers, not only for there abilities but also as a person! We then decide to offer them a opportunity with us in Dubai at Al Wasl Football club to be our assistants and to further learn the methodology. Fantastic achievements they have made and great ambassadors for the Wiel Coerver philosophy!'
TOM SERMANNI: Current Head of Womens Football Western Sydney Wanderers (Australian W-League); Current Asst. Coach Canadian Womens National Team; Former head coach New Zealand, USA & Australia National Team, Orlando Pride (NWSL) & Canadian Women's National Team Asst. coach. FIFA Mentor Coach
"It has been an enormous pleasure being involved with Gary and Carine Ireland over the past decade. Their coaching philosophy epitomizes all that is essential for the complete development of young soccer players. I would break their process into three interlinked categories. Firstly and most critically is their emphasis on the technical aspects required in modern soccer. Working with the ball, based on the insistence of disciplined practice with the proper techniques, supplemented by repetition and more repetition. Secondly, this attention to detail is balanced by the encouragement to explore and experiment. Players are encouraged to take risks, to express themselves in passing and technique practices and during games, whether small sided or full scale competitive matches. By doing this players are coached without being over-coached, allowing them the scope to think and self discover. Although everyone enjoys winning, how the game is played takes precedence over the end result. With Gary's coaching the necessary physical requirements for soccer can be incorporated within the practices, whether they be small or full-scale games, drills or technique work. Thirdly, the fostering of the social development of the athlete completes their philosophy. Interaction between the different teams and age groups occurs throughout their training sessions. This interaction assists the younger players to follow the example of older players and for the older players to embrace that responsibility and become role models and leaders to the younger players. This holistic and athlete centered approach, combined with the skills and knowledge of Gary and Carine has made their program a unique, successful and arguably the most progressive youth soccer coaching in the USA. I look forward to continuing my coaching relationship with Gary and Carine"
JOHN OWENS: former MLS & US Soccer Federation Development Academy Technical Auditor for Doublepass; former Liverpool FC Academy Head coach/manager 19 years (coach of England captain Steven Gerrard, European Player of Year Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler & Trent Alexander Arnold); former England National team Schoolboys head coach; Advisor to Soccerbook Consulting
"Gary's enthusiasm for all matters relating to football coaching has given him an excellent knowledge of all aspects of coaching young players. He has many contacts in the game throughout the world. His open and inquiring mind has allowed him to study a variety of coaching styles and content. He adopts a fresh, open approach which allows him to accept and develop new ideas. In his coaching Gary successfully achieves a friendly, yet well-disciplined approach which puts the young player at the centre of the process. His different roles in a number of countries have given him a strong base of experience. Gary’s own high level of skills and techniques as a player allows him to provide excellent demonstrations which are so important when coaching young players. He has a strong philosophy which concentrates on the development of young players over the short-term aim of winning games. He educates and encourages his players to appreciate the true essence of the game"
DR ZDENEK SIVEK: Former Technical Director Czech Football Association; Current Co-Chair Union of European Football Trainers (AEFCA), UEFA & FIFA instructor. Advisor to Soccerbook Consulting
"Soccerbook Consulting/Dynamic Soccer through their founder Gary Ireland has a new, ambitious and attractive coaching program that helps players develop the highest level of technical and tactical skills and creative ability with strong motivation and psychological emphasis. I have to underline that during my stay at yours camps I always admired and appreciated your and Simon´s Coerver´s abilities, skills etc. Yours demonstration were always brilliant" (1992)
PETER HORVATH: Puskas Academy Technical Director & Head of Individual Player Development former Asst. Manager Puskas Academy- Hungary
"At the age of 22 I decided to look further outside of Hungary and try to play football abroad, so I ended up in the USA. I thought that I knew a lot about the game of football and arrived with more than enough confident to California. Then I met Gary and Simon Ireland who proved me the opposite. I had to face the fact that how little I knew about this game and with their help I opened my mind for learning. That was the time that I met the real Coerver material- The skills training that Gary and Simon showed me was a completely different ballgame. Their passion along with their ability to move on and off the ball combined with the deep knowledge on real Coerver material had an everlasting impact on my life in football. So, I watched and listened carefully. We became teammates at the time, and I started my first steps in coaching under their supervision. Gary and Simon could work with all different levels of players regardless their abilities and ages and gender. The way they show the details of the moves to players was very special. I gradually became a better player myself just by learning and implementing the steps of different drills of Coerver. I started enjoying football trainings in a different way and I found out that football can still offer a lot. I was able to improve on my weaker foot at the age of 24 by executing Coerver ball work numerous times every day with both feet. I became much more comfortable during games as a midfielder to take my eyes off the ball prior to receiving it regardless which side the pressure was coming from. I also understood the importance of how to shield the ball (key points of using the arms, having perfect balance, shifting bodyweights from one foot onto the other in the right time and feel the opponent even if he is out of my vision) to keep opponent distant from the ball and not to lose it while making the necessary movements to continue the game efficiently. I became addicted to the real Coerver material and worked and lived alongside of Gary and Simon for the rest of my life in the USA"
ABNER ROGERS: USASA Hall of Fame; 2x California Youth Soccer Association Coach of Year; Head Coach USASA National Team; Region IV Women’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) Coach; Mentored & developed 13 players to Professional ranks, 31 to Regional teams & 24 to National teams- five in World Cup competition; Head Coach LA Sol in WPS & WPS All-Star team coach; OC Waves WPSL National Champions coach; WPSL Coach of the Year; Head Coach LA Sol; President & Technical Director Laguna Hills Eclipse Soccer Club: Director of Coaching & President Strikers FC ECNL; Socal Blues U16 ECNL, 2010 pre-ECNL coach
"Gary and Carine are great developers of talent. As a guest coach on many occasions I have always enjoyed working with Gary and Carine, as well as watching the quality of their work I rarely see. Gary and Carine are both excellent with young players at all different levels. Players are encouraged to be relaxed on the ball and be creative, even if it means taking risks at the cost of mistakes. Their energy, professionalism and attention to details puts them in a whole different category!"
MARIJO TOT: LEAGUE CHAMPION HEAD COACH WITH DINAMO ZAGREB-CROATIA * IRAN NATIONAL TEAM ASST COACH (QUALIFIED TEAM TO 2022 WORLD CUP) * ASST TO SLAVEN BILIC AL ITTIHAD IN SAUDI ARABIA * CURRENT GUEST LECTURER UEFA A & PRO LICENSE COURSE & CROATIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION * MANAGER CROATIA WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM * FORMER COACH OF CROATIAN NATIONAL TEAM STARS KOVACIC & BROZOVIC. PRO COACH IN CHINA, MALAYSIA, BOSNIA, CROATIA, IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA *
"19 years ago, when I came to California to work as a part of foreign staff for Vogelsinger Soccer Academy, I had a great pleasure to meet extraordinary people, the Ireland brothers,Gary and Simon.That friendship enriched me. In fact, many a time throughout my professional career as a football coach,I had mentioned two of them as an example of dedication, passion and expertise.We have stayed in touch all the time and I am impressed by the level they have reached throughout their platform Soccerbook. It can be seen as a reference point for either professional coaches,developing football players or the parents who want to be involved in the professional and personal development of their kids. Undoubtedly knowledgeable in technical,tactical,physical and psychological aspects of football game,their way of teaching others is a role model of transmitting pure knowledge,guidance,motivation and finally production of dozens of highly profiled youngsters. By offering all of the above they have influenced a significant number of professionals who are playing important role in today's global football family. My advice to all of you who have a chance to meet those two coaches is to keep them closer to you and you will definitely be better as a person, refreshed as a coach and gain a new perception of the game of football"
WALTER GAGG- former Head F.I.F.A Technical Dept.
"We would like to seize the opportunity to thank you as well as congratulate you on your efforts in favor of the development of youth football."
BENJAMIN ZIEMER: President NorCal Premier Soccer League. PDP selector, USSF Training Programs selector, USA National Id2 staff coach, former USA U15 Boys National Team Assistant Coach, Board Member US Club Soccer.
"Gary's has a world view of football. He has knowledge and experience of soccer, in the United States and around the world, both on and off the field. He has a proven track record of thinking "outside the box" which has provided his programs with a unique touch. From his training of players on the field, to his running of his soccer club, to the development of his soccer website, Gary has shown an ability to bring all of his experiences - both on and off the field - together to build programs which serve soccer at many levels. Above all, his love of the game carries through in all he does with soccer!"
COLLEGE COACH TESTIMONIALS
ANSON DORRANCE 23 x National Champion, University of North Carolina; 1991 Women’s World Cup Champion. U.S.A Women’s team Coach '86-'94
"Gary is a brilliant developer of talent. I have had the privilege to coach a number of talented young women the past 20 years but few with the technical sophistication of (USA Womens National Team player) Lorrie Fair. When I asked her about her extraordinary development her reply was quick: Gary Ireland made sure I understood everything about the ball, he was not only an amazing coach but a powerful motivator for me and my sister Ronnie.” On Lorrie’s recommendation alone I hired Gary one summer to watch him work and I came away impressed with his knowledge, his energy and his professionalism. He is a brilliant developer of talent"
CHRIS DUCAR: former University of North Carolina Assistant Coach, Goalkeeper Coach & Recruiting Coordinator 20 years & current General Manager of the University of North Carolina women's soccer program
"I have played with & worked alongside Gary Ireland for many years. His depth of knowledge on every aspect of the game is remarkable. Players love working with him because he has the right balance of intensity & levity. Each player that works with him finds dimensions they never knew existed”
COMMENTS FROM VARIOUS COLLEGE COACHES
"How did they become so good?"
"What do you do to train them?"
"We love the way you play!"
"Your players are outstanding!"
"We never see club players playing this way. They are a joy to watch"
"It is a rare thing to see girls play with such speed of thought and passing precision"
"They bring beauty to the game"
"I am appreciative that you had some time to share with me your vision and methodology'
"Whatever youre doing over there please continue"
PLAYER TESTIMONIALS
Lorrie Fair (retired) - 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Champion, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2004 Olympic Gold medalist, 120 appearances for the U.S. Women's National Team, former professional player with Chelsea FC, Olympique Lyonnais, Philadelphia Charge of the WUSA. 3 x NCAA Champion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sport Envoy for the U.S. Department of State (2009-current).
"they offer not only the opportunity to learn skills that will enable you to be able to become a world-class player, but also provides positive role models and a chance to create friendships that last beyond sport. You will learn skills that will enable you to become a world-class player. They add technique, finesse, and tactical awareness to raw athleticism, providing the tools and skills young players need to unleash their potential - whether that is university, professional, or playing for their National team"
OLIVIA ATHENS: Current Seattle/OL Reign Professional player. PSV Union FC player (6 yrs) & Dynamic Soccer student (7 yrs). Former UCLA womens soccer & USA youth national team player
"Gary and Carine are true masters of the game. I was so fortunate to play for them because they both have a deep understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. The technical training they provide is unparalleled in the youth soccer community and was instrumental in my preparation to play and compete at the collegiate level. My teammates and I were always encouraged to implement the skills we learned in practice in our games and expected to take risks. This was different from many youth clubs who were more focused on the result. The freedom to experiment is one of the key reasons I was able to develop as a soccer player and why I loved playing for Gary and Carine. Our development always came first. As well, I experienced first hand their willingness to go above and beyond to help their players. Whether that was staying late after practice, their ability to demonstrate whatever skill they wanted their players to do, or their connections to the soccer world, they are 100% invested in their players if the are willing to put in the work. And, not only great coaches, they are great players. Having both played at a high level, they know what they are talking about. Gary and Carine opened so many doors for me and have changed my life, both on and off the field. I would not have gotten to UCLA if it wasn’t for them!"
VERONICA PEREZ: former Mexico Womens National Team World Cup player & Univ of Washington
"Carine possesses all the qualities in a top class coach. She is incredibly knowledgeable, wants her players to develop into great players, and manages in a very professional manner. Carine cares about her players and if you show her that you are willing to put the work in, there is nothing she will not do to help you progress and meet your goals. When I was training for the world cup she would train with me on the field every morning and then we would do it again in the afternoon with the club. You don't tend to find a coach who is able to demonstrate what they are teaching (correctly and at game speed) and work harder than you at practice. But I would say that best asset about her as a coach is how passionate she is about the game and how great she is as a player. She is one of the greatest players I have ever had the privilege to play with...Gary is an excellent coach/trainer, teacher and player of the game. There is no doubt that Gary has had a profound impact on my playing career. For the past 10 years I have been very fortunate to have someone so passionate and knowledgeable developing my game. Gary is different than any other coach have had. He's played at a very high level professionally. He knows what he's talking about"
REGINA HOLAN-GOULD - former Sparta Prague, USA U-20 Women's National Team & Greece Womens National Team. Former NCAA D1 player Univ. of Portland & Cal Berkeley
"You've made the game fun and pushed us to where we are now. As a result of working with (the staff) I was nominated as an Umbro and parade all American and chosen for both the USA National youth team (U20 & U16) and received a full scholarship to for and attend the University of Portland. I was also named to the 1996 Soccer America all freshman team and the final four all tournament team"
KELSY HOLLENBECK: 2 times NCAA Champion University of Portland. Introduced to Clive Charles by Gary & Simon Ireland
"I have been training with Gary, Simon, Carine and Peter continuously for over 4 years, and I attribute much of my passion for the game, skills, and strategic development to their professionalism, enthusiasm, and unique coaching techniques. They are truly a remarkable group. They helped me get to the top"
VIVIAN WANG- Carnegie Melon University 2022-2026
"Gary and Carine have done more for me than I can describe-both on and off the field. Since I joined them five years ago, I can only say that I wish I joined earlier. The environment is unmatched; Gary and Carine have fostered a unique soccer culture that can be found nowhere else. They taught me almost everything I know through their passion for the game and attention to every detail. I can think of nowhere else I would rather spend my time than spending hours after practice with Gary and Carine simply enjoying the game- whether that’s practicing the perfect shot or finding the perfect chipping technique. Soccer aside, they have instilled the values of respect, discipline and work ethic that are essential to every person and player. I am privileged to have been a part of their program and would not be where I am without Gary and Carine"
CHRISTIE GINANNI: NCAA D1 Colorado College
"Gary, Carine and Simon- taught me the skills and knowledge that enabled me to play at the level I am at now. They helped me earn a Division 1 scholarship to Colorado College and helped me in the recruiting process. The staff is very respected and well known by a majority of college coaches. Since I have been working with (the staff), my skills and confidence have improved greatly. In the seven years I've known the coaches they have always been role models and friends for me"
ANDREA LU . Utah State 2025. Dynamic Soccer student 10 years
"Gary and Carine have been a vital part of my development both on and off the field. They have supported me and pushed me to another level. Their dedication and passion for the sport translates into their coaching, and is what sets them apart. They have always instilled into all of their players that development comes first. They would always go above and beyond, by demonstrating themselves, what the skill was, they were trying to teach, and there are very few coaches that can actually demonstrate with such speed, and accuracy. When seeing the demonstrations in real time, it helps you capture what you’re supposed to do a lot more easily, and then you can go home and try and translate what you saw out on the field. This has truly been a vital part of my development. The environment Gary and Carine have provided from arriving early to practice, or staying to let us play for that “last goal” that never comes around. They truly have given me tons of life changing opportunities, and memories, that I now cherish with my heart. Gary and Carine have not only shaped my game, but they have taught me the lessons of hard work, drive, and grit. And, It has been a true pleasure to play for them for these past 10 years"
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
MAY FAIR: mother of WUSA & U.S. Women's National Team and former UNC NCAA Champion Lorrie Fair and Ronnie Fair, former Stanford WUSA & National Team player
"Gary and his family provided training for my daughters since they were 12 years old. Over the years they not only helped improve my daughters' technical skills, the staff also taught them the strategy of the game. Being great players themselves, the staff always teaches by example. There is a special place in my heart for this family. They gave emotional support for my children during a very difficult time in their lives. They were generous in volunteering their time as well in training a number of Bay Area youths that later became accomplished players in their respective collegiate careers. Thank you for what you have done"
Maria Marin Valencia. Mother of Natza Valencia (Univ. of California Riverside), Bridgette Marin Valencia (UCLA Womens Soccer & Mexico Womens National U20 team & former PSV Union FC- Recommended directly to Mexico U15. U17, U20 Womens National team. ), Makayla Marin Valencia & Layla Marin Valencia (current PSV Union FC players). Trained by Dynamic Soccer 9 yrs- Ages 9-18.
"Gary and Carine.Throughout the 8 years and counting of my family being a part of your club & coaching, my children have been helped to reach their full potential on the soccer field and off. With your guidance I have been lucky enough to watch them transform into young adults. You are our family! My children love coming to practice everyday! Seeing then so passionate is an amazing thing to sit back and watch, whether it’s frustration from them not being satisfied with their performance, or debates on who won and just seeing how competitive they are shows how much they care. You will always be a huge reason why my girls are the way they are, and will forever be grateful to you for that. They developed many characteristics that they would have never developed anywhere else. Also, you have provided so many opportunities for my children! They have opened doors for my kids that’s include a college education, national team selection, and it would not have been possible without your support. We are all so thankful and will never finish thanking you. The girls see you and your club as a family, and see you both as their 2nd parents! I don’t know where they would have been without you both and staff! And will always wish you the best”
MARK GINANNI - father of Christie Ginanni. former Colorado College, NCAA Div. 1. Trained by Gary & Carine foryears.
"Gary and his family have supported my daughter in many ways. The most important is reinforcing the respect, values and work ethic that we as parents try to instill in our children. The technical skill taught in training have molded her into the player she is. The respect, values and work ethic are what will mold her life. Lastly: their reputations created the opportunity for my daughter to attend Colorado College (coached by former USA WNT coach Greg Ryan) on scholarship...For all these gifts I am eternally grateful"
JIM KINGMAN: Parent of PSV Union 94G player Annie Kingman. USA U15 /U17 USA National team; UNC Womens Soccer. Trained daily by Gary & Carine Ireland from age 12-18 years of age through Dynamic Soccer and recommended directly to USA U15& U18 National teams
"Carine mentored the girls, played on the field with them, built up their confidence and speed of play. Carine brought in the available expertise over time…when the girls were physically and emotionally ready. Soon they were all out there playing together, Carine, Gary and frequent guest national and international players. Carine was/is a great coach to my daughter. She understands how to engage the girls in the process of becoming a player in every way. Not just on the field/games, but also in fostering independent play/training, creating fans of the professional sport (EPL etc.), and linking soccer success to academic success with college goals in mind. Through Carine’s contacts we have had a steady flow of interest from colleges throughout the country. My daughter is only a sophomore, but we are very confident that through Carine’s help she will have many college options going forward. And through Carine’s influence it is clear that my daughter will remain engaged in the sport in college and beyond; not for the potential scholarships and awards, but simply because Carine has taught her to love the game"
JULIAN LU- parent of Andrea Lu
"Carine and Gary are experts in developing the technical and tactical skills required to succeed at high levels of the game. My daughter and all their players have been taught to trust in their individual skills due to the talented trainings offered by Carine and Gary. Anyone who trains with them have also gained invaluable traits for a well-rounded individual. They learn to never be satisfied and to put their heads down, compete no matter what, and work harder than everyone else. This work ethic cleanly bleeds into other aspects of the player’s life, making it possible for them to succeed in all other facets. Carine and Gary have been able to provide many connections and opportunities to both colleges and European clubs, helping my daughter and other players reach their top potential in any environment"