Private Soccer Coaching in Greater Milwaukee

Finding the right private soccer coach can transform your child's game. Whether your young player needs help with defensive positioning, goalkeeper fundamentals, or overall technical development, the greater Milwaukee area offers an impressive range of individual trainers, specialized academies, and development programs across the Milwaukee area. This guide highlights the best options to help your family make an informed choice.

Why private coaching makes a difference

Club and recreational soccer provide essential team experience, but private coaching delivers something different: individualized attention that addresses your child's specific strengths and weaknesses. A skilled private coach can identify subtle technical issues—a defender's tendency to watch the ball instead of the attacker's hips, or a goalkeeper's footwork problems—that get overlooked in team settings with twenty players competing for a coach's attention.

Private and small-group training has become increasingly popular among Milwaukee-area families. Sessions typically run $50 to $100 per hour for individual training, with group rates dropping to $50-65 per player when training with teammates or friends. Many coaches offer package deals with 10-20% discounts for multi-session commitments.

Defensive skills training

For families specifically seeking defensive development, Rashida Beal of Just Breathe Sports stands out as the region's premier specialist. A former All-American defender at the University of Minnesota and current professional player with experience in Romania, Turkey, Lithuania, and Finland, Beal brings elite-level expertise to her training sessions.

Beal works with youth, high school, and collegiate players throughout the greater Milwaukee area, training at MFC Sports in Greendale, Uihlein Soccer Complex, and Brookfield Indoor facility. Her specialties include defensive positioning, ball striking technique, and the detailed footwork that separates good defenders from great ones. She primarily works with players ages 12-15 but accepts serious players outside this range.

Individual sessions run $100 per hour, with newcomer bundles offering significant savings: four sessions for $360, six for $510, or ten for $800. Group training provides even better value at $65-80 per player. Contact Beal directly at Rashida.Beal@gmail.com or through justbreathesports.com. Note that her availability follows her professional schedule, but she offers virtual lessons year-round for players who want to continue training during her season.

Goalkeeper training options across the region

Greater Milwaukee offers exceptional goalkeeper-specific training for young keepers looking to specialize. William B., current goalkeeper for the professional Milwaukee Wave of the Major Arena Soccer League, provides private training through CoachUp focusing on positioning, low saves, catching technique, and the mental intensity required between the posts. Training with an active professional offers a unique perspective on what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Mark Litton brings sixteen years of professional goalkeeper coaching experience to the area, including three MISL championships with the Milwaukee Wave and a current role as U.S. Futsal National Team Goalkeeper Coach. Litton has worked as goalkeeper coach at UW-Milwaukee (NCAA Division I) and UW-Parkside (NCAA Division II), and previously served as Director of Goalkeeping for Bavarian Soccer Club's Youth Academy.

The Legacy Goalkeeping Clinic at Uihlein Soccer Park provides intensive half-day sessions ($150) with a 10:1 player-to-coach ratio. Coaches Tomek Miaskowski and John Arendt bring combined experience of nearly 30 years at the club, college, and ODP levels. Sessions include a goalkeeper evaluation, elite technical training, and a camp t-shirt.

DriveGK offers Wisconsin camps with small training groups maxing out at eight players per coach, focusing on movement, footwork, communication, and shot-stopping fundamentals. For families willing to travel, Kronis Academy in the Midwest provides 36+ hours of pure goalkeeper training during their intensive camps, including NCAA-focused programming for high school players targeting college play.

Training with professional players

Field 99 in Brookfield represents one of the area's most innovative training options. Founded in June 2023 by Milwaukee Wave professional Andre Hayne and business partner Kelley Legler, this facility inside Brookfield Sports Complex offers training directly from professional players who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Field 99's Level 1 Training covers fundamentals for developing players ages U8 and up, including passing, dribbling, receiving, throw-ins, shooting, and goalkeeping basics. Level 2 Technical Training provides 60-minute sessions for experienced players in groups of no more than twelve, focusing on first touches, receiving, sending, speed, agility, and ball control in game-realistic situations. Their dedicated goalkeeper training limits groups to eight athletes.

The facility has earned praise from parents who've watched their children advance from State B league play to ECNL Regional League teams. Field 99 also offers special "Girl Power" training events. Book sessions directly at field99.com or email hello@field99.com. The facility sits at 19485 Lisbon Road, Brookfield, inside the Brookfield Sports Complex by Field 3.

Milwaukee County club training programs

Bavarian soccer in the North Shore

Bavarian United Soccer Club in Glendale has been developing players since 1929 and offers one of the region's most comprehensive training pathways. Their programs span recreational play through MLS NEXT competition, with dedicated goalkeeper training and summer camps including a partnership with Juventus. The club has won nine National Amateur Cup titles and operates USL League 2 and USL W League teams, providing a visible pathway from youth development to adult competition. Contact them at (414) 964-0300 or info@bavarianunited.com, or visit bavarianunited.com.

Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club at Uihlein Soccer Park (7101 W Good Hope Road) serves over 5,000 players seasonally through programs ranging from Mikro Soccer for ages 3-5 through competitive select teams for ages 7-18. Their nationally recognized facility features both turf and grass fields plus indoor training spaces. The MKSC Union competitive program emphasizes individual development plans and licensed, paid coaching staff. Call (414) 358-2678 or visit mksc.org.

The Whitefish Bay Kickers, an MKSC affiliate, provides strong connections to the Whitefish Bay High School soccer community. Head coach Pete Knezic is a Milwaukee Wave Hall of Fame inductee with 25+ years of experience who has helped more than 100 youth players reach Division I soccer. The organization shares coaching resources with the WFB Blue Dukes program, which captured the 2025 Division 2 WIAA State Championship. The Friends of Bay Soccer nonprofit (friendsofbaysoccer.com) supports the high school program and provides additional community connections.

AC Toros serves families in Franklin and southern Milwaukee County with a philosophy built on two-phase development: skill focus for ages 6-10, then tactical emphasis for ages 11-19. Their coaching staff includes four current college coaches, one professional player, and eight former collegiate players. Email info@ac-toros.org or visit ac-toros.org.

For families seeking affordable options, Street Dreams Soccer Academy on Milwaukee's southside was founded specifically to provide accessible soccer for low-income families, saving participants $600-3,000 compared to other clubs. Their 2009 Blue team won the WYSA Presidents Cup and represented Wisconsin at the US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup in 2024.

North Shore and Ozaukee County options

North Shore United Soccer Club serves as Ozaukee County's primary soccer organization, with over 1,500 players and eight full-time staff. Founded in 1978 as Cedarburg Soccer Club, NSU now includes recreational teams like Cedarburg Strikers, Mequon United, and Grafton Rangers.

Director of Coaching Joe Hammes brings ten years of professional experience with the Milwaukee Wave and membership on the U.S. National Futsal Team, holding a USSF "B" License. Technical Director Craig Gill holds a UEFA "A" License and directs their Elite Soccer Academy Camp. Summer camps include their Speed and Agility Camp ($180, July 7-11, 2025) and Future Stars Camp ($100, July 14-18, 2025) at PWSB Soccer Park in Cedarburg.

Contact NSU at (414) 604-7512 or reach Club Administrator Melissa Kunz at melissak@northshoreunited.org. Camp Director Joe Hammes can be reached at joeh@northshoreunited.org or (262) 674-4038. Their offices are located at W63 N643 Washington Ave in Cedarburg.

Port Washington Soccer Club offers specialized clinics in goalkeeping, ball mastery, goal scoring and finishing, and speed and agility, all led by elite trainers in small group settings. Contact Club Administrator Jenny Huber at clubadpwsc@gmail.com or visit portsoccer.org.

Waukesha and Washington County

SC Wave dominates competitive soccer across Waukesha and Washington counties with locations serving Waukesha County West, Washington County (West Bend, Hartford, Jackson, Slinger), Germantown, and New Berlin. Their pathway includes recreational programs starting at U4, Academy teams for U7-U10, and Select competition through U19.

SC Wave's Washington County program offers a WYSA-accredited Youth Academy with twice-weekly training led by licensed staff, a full Puma kit, and pool rostering for flexible game day participation. Select programs include 7-10 regular season games plus 3-5 tournaments annually. Winter training packages range from $275-475 depending on age group. Visit scwave.org for complete information.

Wisconsin Academy of Sports provides dedicated indoor technical training on 4,000 square feet of turf space equipped with Vertimax Raptors, Vald Speedgates, Blazepods, and reaction trainers. Programs include soccer skills classes, semi-private training, private one-on-one sessions, and speed and performance training. This facility works well for players seeking additional technical development outside their club training. Find them on Instagram @wisconsinacademyofsports.

Brookfield Sports Complex serves as the official practice facility of the Milwaukee Wave and hosts Nike Soccer Camps directed by Kyle Jones of Soccer Skill Schools. The 80,000 square foot indoor facility features two full-size fields plus a U11/U12 field. Open field time runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am-4pm for just $5 per person.

Southern Wisconsin

Rush Union WI emerged in April 2023 through a partnership between Rush WISE and AFC Union, creating the premier competitive pathway for Racine and Kenosha area players. Part of the global Rush Soccer network spanning 125 clubs across 48 countries, the program offers youth academy play for U8-U10 and competitive teams through U19, plus Rush Select for national-level competition.

Technical Director Vlatko Minic can be reached at vlatko.m@rushunionwisconsin.com or (262) 515-5312. Their offices at 805 88th Ave in Kenosha are open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 10am-2pm. Financial aid is available for qualifying families.

Red Star Soccer Club bills itself as the longest-running competitive club in the Kenosha-Racine area, with programs spanning ages 5U through 19U. Their "Pass Back to Our Community" program eliminates travel fees for certain age groups. Director of Goalkeeping Joe currently plays at UW-Parkside. Contact them at redstar.wi@gmail.com or visit redstarsc.org.

AFC Union and RASA operate from the SCORe Soccer Complex at 9509 Dunkelow Road in Franksville, serving over 1,500 recreational players annually plus academy programs for U8-U10. Academy Director Cheyenne Skenandore can be reached at coachchey@afcunion.com.

Mobile training services that come to you

Dribbler Soccer provides mobile private training throughout all six greater Milwaukee counties, with coaches traveling to your backyard, driveway, or nearby field. All trainers have minimum two years of experience, pass background checks, and bring their own equipment including cones, balls, and mini nets.

Dribbler offers one-on-one private lessons and semi-private groups up to five players, focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and confidence building. They also provide specialized training for children with special needs. A $20 registration fee applies. Visit dribblersoccer.com to connect with available trainers.

CoachUp connects families with vetted private coaches across the Milwaukee area, with session rates ranging from $30-100 depending on coach experience. All coaches undergo background checks, and the platform offers a 100% money-back guarantee plus $1 million liability insurance coverage. Search available coaches at coachup.com or call (888) 680-4750.

Elite summer camps bring world-class methodology

Several international academies bring their training methods to Milwaukee each summer. FC Barcelona's official camp (July 2025) features UEFA-licensed coaches from Spain using the same methodology that developed Messi, Busquets, and Lamine Yamal. Ages 6-17 are grouped by skill level, with dedicated goalkeeper coaching available. Nike training kits are required. Visit fcbarcelona.us/locations/milwaukee for registration.

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Camp runs June 16-20, 2025 at Field 99 in Franklin for ages U7-U16. Early bird pricing is $449 for the full five-day program running 8am-2pm daily. PSG-certified coaches with UEFA credentials deliver official PSG curriculum. Register at psgacademyusacamp.com.

Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camps offer position-specific training including goalkeeping for ages 6-16, with the possibility of attending Real Madrid Sports City in Madrid for advanced players. Visit rmfsoccercampsusa.com/soccer-camp-milwaukee.

Milwaukee Wave Summer Camps provide training from professional indoor soccer players across dozens of locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Programs include Mini-Kickers, half-day and full-day options, team camps, and specialized Striker and Goalkeeper camps. Every camper receives a Wave Camp t-shirt, exclusive soccer ball, and two Milwaukee Wave game tickets. Visit milwaukeewave.com/summer-camp.

What parents should know

Before committing to a coach or program, ask about their playing background, coaching certifications, and experience with your child's age group. USSF licenses (D, C, B, A in ascending order) and NSCAA diplomas indicate formal training, but former college and professional players often bring invaluable real-world insight even without extensive certifications.

Observe a session before committing when possible. Good coaches maintain high energy, provide specific rather than generic feedback, and adapt their communication style to each player's personality. They should challenge your child while keeping training enjoyable—burnout is real, especially for young players.

Consider logistics carefully. A slightly less convenient coach who's available consistently may serve your family better than an elite trainer whose schedule rarely aligns with yours. Many families find success combining club soccer with monthly private sessions to address specific skills, rather than weekly private training that can become financially and logistically overwhelming.

Most importantly, involve your child in the decision. A coach who connects with your young player will achieve far more than one who merely has impressive credentials. The best training relationships develop when players feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.

Finding the right fit for your young defender

For families specifically seeking defensive development, the Milwaukee area offers genuine expertise. Rashida Beal's professional defending experience makes her the obvious choice for serious players ages 12 and up. Younger defenders benefit from club programs emphasizing positional play, particularly Milwaukee Kickers' academy curriculum and SC Wave's tactical development for ages 11 and up.

Many clubs now offer position-specific clinics during winter and summer breaks. North Shore United, Port Washington Soccer Club, and Wisconsin United FC all provide defensive-focused training sessions that can complement regular club participation. These shorter-term commitments let families evaluate a coach's style before making longer commitments.

The greater Milwaukee soccer community is notably interconnected. Coaches frequently move between clubs, camps, and private training, building relationships across organizations. Don't hesitate to ask one coach for recommendations if their specialty doesn't match your needs—they'll often point you toward colleagues better suited to help your child reach their goals.