East Ridge Athletic Association

 East Ridge Soccer Club Names Joaquin Izquierdo
Director of Coaching and Player Development

Joaquin Izquierdo has been named Director of Coaching and Player Development for East Ridge Soccer Club (ERSC), starting July 31, 2011.  In this role Joaquin will be in charge of all aspects of player development, including managing tryouts for the 2011/2012 season, which will be held Jul. 31 – Aug. 4.  He brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest levels of soccer as well as a strong knowledge of training that lays the necessary foundation for players to be successful in the sport.

 “I love soccer!  Growing up in Merida Yucatan Mexico and watching the World Cup, it became my life.  We lived and breathed futbol – even playing in the streets,” said Joaquin.  “I want everyone who trains with me to enjoy the same passion for the game as I do.”  This passion has translated into over 10 years of coaching and training in the East Metro.

“We are very excited that Joaquin will be a part of our growing club,” said George Diaz, a member of the ERSC board.  “Joaquin is well respected in the Twin Cities soccer community.  Bringing him on as the Director of Coaching and Player Development will take our club to the next level.”  Hiring Joaquin shows ERSC’s commitment to developing players who will have the skill and passion to play soccer at the highest levels. 
 

After playing professional soccer and coaching teams in Mexico, Joaquin moved to the Midwest to attend school at UW River Falls.  He quickly became involved in the soccer community as a coach at Stillwater High School.  Joaquin then coached at Woodbury Soccer Club, Bangu Tsunami Futbol Club and, for the last 7 years, St. Croix Soccer Club.  He has a United States Soccer Federation B level coaching license - an achievement requiring over 400 hours of certified training - is an Olympic Development Coach and co-founder and Technical Director of MN Foot Tech – an Elite Development Training Camp.