2025
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY CAMP
Elevate your game with specialized training from European Academy Coaches.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Eastside FC hosts an elite soccer camp that brings international expertise straight to you. Seven highly respected academy coaches from Europe will be on hand to provide personalized training and coaching to young athletes. This is the perfect opportunity for any aspiring soccer star to learn from the best and experience world-class training techniques. Secure your spot today!
CAMP REGISTRATION CLOSED
Next Camp July 2026
Stephen Opoka
Academy Coach
West Ham United, England
Stephen Opoka is an experienced coach who has worked at West Ham for 8 years with roles ranging from Academy u14s lead coach to Women’s academy manager and first team assistant coach.
Stephen is an energetic individual who designs sessions which encourage players to problem solve game realistic scenarios. With a background coaching high performing male and female footballers Stephen’s ability to adapt to the demands of the players he is working with is a key strength.
Mohammed Ali
Academy Coach
West Ham United, England
With four years of coaching experience at West Ham United Academy, I’ve been deeply committed to developing players through “brilliant basics” — the foundational skills and habits that elevate performance and shape strong footballing minds. My journey in football has taken me beyond borders, gaining valuable international experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my approach to player development.
Whether working on the pitch or in conversation, I strive to foster genuine connections and create environments where players feel heard, understood, and inspired to grow. Development is more than just practices and tactics — it's about nurturing the person as well as the player. I’m passionate, dedicated, and always seeking new ways to impact the next generation of talent in meaningful and lasting ways.
Stéphane Gallien
Academy Coach
Paris Saint-Germain, France
Stéphane Gallien has been a dedicated coach at Paris Saint-Germain for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the club’s youth development program. Throughout his time at PSG, he has coached various age groups, with a strong focus on nurturing young talents from U10 to U13, helping them grow both on and off the pitch.
In addition to his work in Paris, Stéphane has traveled multiple times to the United States, where he has conducted training sessions and shared his expertise with aspiring players and coaches abroad. His international experience, combined with his deep understanding of youth development, makes him a valuable asset in shaping the next generation of football talent.
Sjoerd Bos
Academy Coach
Feyenoord Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Sjoerd Bos is currently in his second year as head coach at the youth academy of Feyenoord Rotterdam, where his passion lies in the development of young talents, both on and off the pitch. With a broad background in coaching and analysis, he is dedicated to helping players grow not only technically and tactically, but also personally within the academy.
Before joining Feyenoord, Sjoerd was active at Excelsior Rotterdam, where he played a key role as video analyst for the first team during their promotion to the Eredivisie and their successful stay at the highest level. Additionally, he was responsible for guiding and developing young players within the club as youth department coordinator.
With his experience and drive, Sjoerd continues to dedicate himself to preparing talented young players for the next step in their careers.
Gilles Vandermeulen
Academy Coach
Club Brugge, Belgium
Gilles Vandermeulen is currently a coach for the U9-U10 teams at Club Brugge. This season, his focus is on developing the players' technical and movement skills, helping them not only become better footballers but also learn to move more efficiently and effectively. Next season, he will take on the responsibility of guiding the youngest age group, the U8s, while continuing to support the development of high-potential players from U8 to U10.
Gilles began his football journey with roles at clubs such as KV Oostende and KV Kortrijk, where he gained valuable experience working with young talents. In addition to his work at Club Brugge, he is also the founder of his own football academy, Balbalvista, which provides boys with unique football experiences. A cornerstone of the academy is its international training camps, with memorable trips to elite clubs including Inter Milan, FC Porto, Bayern Munich, PSV, and Tottenham. These experiences support players not only in their on-field development but also in their personal growth and global awareness.
What sets Gilles apart as a coach is his constant drive to challenge players in new and creative ways. He places them in unfamiliar situations that encourage flexible and creative thinking. He is a firm believer in the power of mindset and is passionate about helping players discover and unlock their full potential. His mission goes beyond football—he aims to foster personal development and confidence, both on and off the field.
Gilles is excited to share his passion and expertise and looks forward to collaborating with and inspiring young talents in the United States.
Tiago Rodrigues
Academy Coach
Sporting CP, Portugal
Tiago Rodrigues has a decade of experience at Sporting CP, first as a player and now as a coach. He progressed through the club’s academy and the B team, while also representing Portugal up to the U20 level, where he competed in a European Championship.
Currently, he works with the U13 squad, helping young athletes develop technically, tactically, and mentally. His experience as a player and deep understanding of the club’s philosophy allow him to guide emerging talents with vision and empathy.
Having competed internationally and been exposed to different football environments, Tiago brings a well-rounded perspective to youth development.
Max Ruhner
Academy Coach
RB Leipzig, Germany
With over 10 years of experience at the RB Leipzig academy, Max is constantly seeking innovative ways to develop young players within a high-performance environment.
As the person responsible for methodology and development at the academy, Max has specialized in identifying the most effective methods for coaching football technique in a game-relevant context.
With a strong focus on execution details and clear communication with players, his goal is to use every opportunity to help players improve and reach their full potential.
