Our Coaches

All three owners are professional Coaches and Directors in Major League Soccer, with 60+ years of combined experience and a proven track record of developing current and future professional soccer players.

  • PPP coaches have been directly responsible for developing current MLS professionals including Cade Cowell, Beau Leroux, and Kaedren Spivey, among many others.

  • PPP Coaches hold multiple degrees, masters, and
    international coaching licenses.

  • The ultimate PPP goal is to develop players' technical ability, decision making and improve success in small tactical situations of the game (1v1, 2v1, 2v2 and 3v2).

  • Luis Garcia

    Academy Head Coach and Head of Scouting, San Jose Earthquakes

    Luis García serves as the U14 Head Coach and Head of Scouting for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, where he plays a key role in elite youth development and talent identification across Northern California.

    Originally from Spain, Luis earned his degree from the University of Granada and is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and French. He also holds a UEFA A Coaching License.

    With extensive experience in elite youth soccer, Luis specializes in player identification, technical development, and tactical education for high-level players within the MLS NEXT pathway. Throughout his career, he has worked with athletes at every stage of development, helping guide players from grassroots soccer into elite academy environments.

    Luis’ coaching philosophy centers on technical mastery, intelligent decision-making, and helping players understand the tactical demands of the modern game.

    At Pro Pathway Programs, Luis focuses on developing technically confident, intelligent players who are prepared to compete and succeed in top academy environments.

  • Dan Neal

    Head Coach at San Jose Earthquakes Soccer

    Dan Neal is a Head Coach within the San Jose Earthquakes youth development system, working with players competing at the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States.

    Dan holds a UEFA B Coaching License and has spent years developing young athletes within professional academy environments. His expertise includes individual player development, position-specific training, and preparing players for the demands of MLS NEXT competition.

    His coaching philosophy is built around high-intensity training, game intelligence, and creating competitive environments that challenge players to improve during every session.

    At Pro Pathway Programs, Dan focuses on refining technical ability while helping players understand the professional standards, discipline, and mindset required to progress through elite soccer pathways.

  • Alex Saunders

    Director of 2nd Team and Academy, Professional Player Development & Talent Acquisition, Director of Soccer Operations for San Jose Earthquakes Soccer

    Alex Saunders is the Director of the 2nd Team and Academy for San Jose Earthquakes, where he oversees professional player development and talent identification for players ages U9 through U23.
    Originally from London, England, Alex has built an international coaching career across Europe and the United States, working within professional clubs, academy systems, and elite collegiate programs. His experience centers on developing high-level players and creating clear pathways from youth soccer into MLS NEXT, college soccer, and the professional game.

    Alex holds a Master’s Degree in E-Commerce and a Degree in History from Coventry University, along with a UEFA B Coaching License.

    Throughout his career, Alex has worked extensively with ambitious young athletes, helping them develop the technical skills, professional habits, and competitive mindset required to succeed at the highest levels of soccer.

    At Pro Pathway Programs, Alex brings professional academy structure, elite training methodology, and talent identification expertise to every session. His coaching philosophy focuses on creating a challenging, professional environment where motivated players can grow, compete, and reach their full potential.

Full Team

Why ‘PPP'?

Pro Pathway was established because we believe something is missing in modern player development.

Too often, training environments lack the technical detail, realistic game situations, repetition, intensity, and individualized attention required for players to truly maximize their potential.

Who The Program Is For

  • Grades K - 12th

  • Boys and girls of all levels

  • Elite mindset players that have the desire to be a professional soccer player, elite college player, professional academy (MLS) or play at the highest level of youth soccer (MLS Next)

  • Homeschool and flexible-education students

  • Players looking to perfect their technical ability and speed of play in game situations with confidence

Pro Pathway Methodology

  • Greater focus on technical player development within realistic game situations

    Opposed, high-intensity training environments instead of unopposed drills

    Additional professional-level training beyond regular club sessions

    Small group training that increases repetitions, competition, and individual attention

    Tactical decision making through realistic 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, and 3v2 scenarios

    Developing confident, creative players capable of performing under pressure in competitive environments

  • The ultimate goal of PPP is to develop each player’s technical ability, decision-making, and success in small tactical situations within the game, including 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, and 3v2 scenarios.

    Each training session is designed around multiple stations that maximize player development while reinforcing the key principles of the modern game in a competitive, high-tempo environment. Players are consistently challenged both technically and tactically to improve confidence, speed of play, and overall game intelligence.

  • During the first week, players will initially be divided by age and gender. Once coaches evaluate each player’s level and ability, players will be grouped by skill level to ensure every individual is training in an environment that appropriately challenges and develops them.

    As the program progresses, coaches will continually assess player performance and make adjustments to groups when needed in order to optimize long-term development, confidence, and competitive growth.

  • PPP is designed to create a professional, competitive, and development-focused environment where motivated players are challenged every session. Coaches emphasize high standards, accountability, intensity, and a growth mindset while helping players build the habits required to succeed at higher levels of the game.

Elevate Your Game With PRO PATHWAY PROGRAMS

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