Tel. (760) 631-8017
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT
Coach Craig was born and raised in South Wales, UK. After graduating from university in Swansea, where he competed at the collegiate level as a striker, he relocated to the United States to pursue his passion for soccer through coaching.
With over 15 years of coaching experience, Coach Craig has worked primarily with high school aged players, helping guide their development towards competing at the collegiate level and beyond. He is committed to preparing athletes for the next level by combining technical, tactical, physical, mental and personal development.
Coach Craig holds a USSF National A License.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Coach Craig’s coaching philosophy is rooted in long-term player development and the preparation of college ready athletes who demonstrate tactical awareness, decision making, and positional responsibility.
His game model emphasizes:
- Compact, organized defensive structure with clear principles and objectives.
- Controlled build-up play with positional discipline and an understanding of space and timing.
- Attacking creativity in the final third, encouraging players to recognize numerical advantages, exploit space & overloads, and execute under pressure
Training environments are designed to promote game-realistic decision-making, where players are encouraged to solve problems independently. Mistakes are viewed as a critical component of learning, allowing athletes to develop confidence, adaptability, and resilience.
Coach Craig takes a holistic and periodized approach to coaching, integrating physical demands, tactical objectives, and mental development within each session. He prioritizes creating a professional yet supportive environment that challenges players while promoting accountability, leadership, and consistent growth.
Ultimately, his objective is to develop players who are tactically intelligent, technically sound, and mentally prepared to transition successfully into the collegiate game and beyond.
LICENSES HELD
- USSF National “A” License
- FA British Licensed
- Ba (Hons) Degree in Public service management
- Safe Haven / Mandated Reporter certified
- CPR & AED certified
- First Aid certified
- Concussion Protocol Certified
COACHING EXPERIENCE
- 2024 – Present, Palomar College, Women’s Assistant Coach
- 2022 – Present, Carlsbad High School, Girls Varsity Coach & Program Director
- 2016 – Present, City SC San Diego
- 2016 – 2019, SDA High School
- 2014 – 2016, Murrieta Surf, CA
- 2012 – 2013, Burlington SC, MA
- 2009 – 2014, Challenger Sports Soccer Academy, Nationwide
- 2006 – 2007, Swansea University, UK, Assistant
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- Multiple regional league and tournament wins
- DPL National Champions (2022)
- DPL League Champions, South West (2021, 2022 & 2023)
- DPL National Finalists (2021)
- National State Cup Finalists (2019)
- Surf Cup Champions (2018 & 2019)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
- Swansea University
- Welsh League
- Bridgend District
- Porthcawl Town AFC
- Corneli United
