HISTORY

For Mark Champion, coaching soccer is like breathing. Easy. Natural. Life-Giving.

Mark has been connected to the beautiful game of soccer since he was 5 years old and coaching it for over 20 years. He has worked with a wide range of players over the course of his career, spanning from youth and high school to collegiate levels. While coaching multiple players and teams simultaneously over approximately 60 “seasons”, Mark has acquired a vast amount of experience working with youth and young adults.

Growing up, Mark moved around frequently because of his dad’s career. His family lived in Houston, TX, Lynchburg, VA, and Nashville, TN, each a location that added to Mark’s youth athletic experience. Soccer became an immediate connection to the regularly new environments. It soon provided a gateway to friendships, as well as recognition for the talent and skill he demonstrated on the field.

Mark went to college to play soccer and suffered an injury the week before preseason. This event changed the course of the game for him. He began coaching at his high school Alma Mater, then shortly after began coaching in the youth soccer arena. He graduated from Trevecca University with a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science, coaching throughout his time obtaining his degree.

At the age of 13 playing club soccer, Mark was fortunate to be coached by two influential men, one from Sweden and the other from Nigeria. They instilled a passion into Mark that he never forgot. They gave him more than just “the game” and he took that with him, even as he played for other club teams moving forward.

When Mark himself started coaching, he wanted to enhance the game for his players like these inspirational coaches did for him. Mark desires to help athletes pursue their goals and aspire to new levels they might not even realize they can reach and take them to their next level.

Testimonials

“My son loves training with Mark, both individually and in group settings. Mark is practical, detail oriented, and pushes him to give 100% effort in each session. He takes the time to explain to the player why, when, and how to use certain techniques so that they have a deeper understanding of what he is teaching. His sessions on defending and finishing translate directly into results in 1v1 and game settings. He also asks for feedback on position and performance so that he can tailor each session to the individual player.” — Player’s Father

“Mark is the complete coach. He is extremely knowledgable in all aspects of the game, and understands what it takes for players to develop and compete at the highest level. He is patient, considerate, and seriously competitive, a balance that is unique in a coach. He has exceptional communication skills, always setting proper expectations for both parent and player. Mark’s coaching philosophy keeps kids on the right track for success in both soccer and life, and his Champion’s Guide coaching curriculum is proven by the accomplishments of his past and present players. Most parents have two objectives when they sign up their kid for soccer: development and fun. With Mark, you get both.” — Player’s Father