INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY CAMP
SECOND ANNUAL July 7-10, 2026 Preston Park U8-U19 Boys & Girls $300 BEFORE MAY 5/1 OPEN TO OUTSIDE PLAYERS
Elevate your game with specialized training from top European academy coaches.
Eastside FC is bringing worldclass academy training directly to Preston. This elite camp features 8 highly respected European academy coaches from leading clubs.
Players will train in groups and rotate through multiple coaches, giving them rare exposure to different playing philosophies, teaching styles, and training methods used at the highest levels of the game. This format accelerates learning, challenges players in new ways, and helps them discover how elite coaches evaluate, teach, and develop talent.
This is more than a camp—it’s a chance to experience what top-level soccer development looks like around the world, without ever leaving home.
Stéphane Gallien
Academy Goalkeeping 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.
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.
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.
Dennis Bockelmann
Academy Coach
RB Leipzig, Germany
Bio coming soon
Gilles Vandermeulen
Academy Coach
Club Brugge, Belgium
Gilles Vandermeulen is a U9–U10 coach at Club Brugge, focused on developing players’ technical ability and movement skills to help them become more efficient footballers. Next season, he will lead the U8s while continuing to support high-potential players from U8 to U10.
He previously coached at KV Oostende and KV Kortrijk. Gilles is also the founder of Balbalvista, a football academy offering international training camps at elite clubs such as Inter Milan, FC Porto, Bayern Munich, PSV, and Tottenham.
Known for challenging players in creative ways, Gilles emphasizes mindset, flexibility, and personal growth. He is excited to share his passion and inspire young players 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.
