Jeffrey L. ryan
'Coach Jeff'
founder | Lead coach
With 15 years of experience in the field of education at the high school and college level and over 40 years of combined experience both playing and coaching soccer, I view coaching from the role of a player and a teacher. For me, soccer is a cognitive game that requires thinking, decision-making, creativity, reflection, and vision. It is a game that can teach us about life, the interconnectedness of teamwork, the benefit of a growth mindset, and the importance of constructive communication. As a player, a coach, a soccer parent, and a lifelong student of the game, I have experienced a variety of coaching styles, philosophies, and methodologies surrounding player development. I believe that the role of a coach is to create a transformative learning environment where holistic development transcends the sport to evolve the whole person. I believe that teaching and learning are at the core of holistic player development and therefore are at the core of our TALA Soccer Training methodology. It is even at the core of our name TALA, a"Teaching And Learning Academy."
At TALA Soccer Training our sessions are individually designed on principles learned through a continuous pursuit of further education and professional coaching licensure. I am fortunate to have learned from the United States Soccer Federation, United Soccer Coaches, the English Football Association, TOVO Institue, the Scottish Football Association, US Youth Soccer, NFHS, a Master's Degree in Education from The College of Saint Rose and various other education and soccer-specific organizations. At TALA, we see coaching as an act of teaching where our players are the students and the field is our classroom. To best facilitate the learning environment, TALA is dedicated to meeting each player where they are at in their stage and phase of development. The game of soccer is complex and continues to grow and evolve within the technical, tactical, physical, social, and cognitive pillars of the game. As our players continue to learn and develop and improve their soccer knowledge, skills, and awareness on the field, TALA Soccer coaches are equally as committed to continue to learn, and develop, and improve our coaching methodology, philosophy, and education in the field of teaching and learning.
It is my belief that player development benefits from a dynamic coaching relationship rooted in a positive, supportive, and challenging environment that seeks to optimize effort by creating motivation and a passion for learning and playing the game. Our main goal while working with players at TALA Soccer Training is to provide an educational soccer environment where players come to learn, develop, and improve holistically. Each training session is designed to provide the player(s) with takeaway and application points that can be translated into the larger context of the game and practiced independently.
TALA Soccer Training provides a supportive community environment where players and families of all ages, from all backgrounds, and all ability levels can learn the game of soccer through the challenge and support of professionally licensed coaches. Through our cognitive approach to holistic player development rooted in the principles of teaching and learning, it is our goal to assist each player in reaching their full potential both on and off the field. I look forward to working together to assist you in the identification and achievement of your soccer-related goals.
Be well.
Coach Jeff
"When people think of the word 'drive,' they often think you have it or you don't, and that's where we're wrong. Drive is something that can be encouraged by a wonderful teacher, by a terrific classroom environment, by an awesome soccer team that you are on, and it can be squashed as well."
Angela Duckworth
founder and CEO of Character Lab
Author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Education
Master of Science in Education | The College of Saint Rose | College Student Services Administration
Bachelor of Science | Emerson College | Communications
Associates of Science | Champlain College | Liberal Arts
Shenendehowa High School
United States Soccer Federation
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National C Coaching License
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National D Coaching License
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Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments
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Creating a Culture of Belonging CPD
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Individual Player Development Process CPD
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Coaching Considerations When Working with Players with a Disability CPD
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Effectively Coaching Generation Z CPD
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SafeSport Training
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11v11 License
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9v9 License
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7v7 License
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4v4 License
United Soccer Coaches
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11v11/Pre-National Diploma
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7v7/9v9 Diploma
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4v4 Diploma
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Goalkeeper Level 1 Diploma
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Goalkeeper Level 2 Diploma
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Goalkeeper Level 3 Diploma
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Analyzing Goalkeeper Performance Diploma
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Sports Psychology Diploma
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Level 1 Futsal Diploma
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Advanced Technical Training Passing Diploma
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Advanced Technical Training Defending Diploma
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Defending Principles of Play Diploma
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Key Moments in the Game Diploma
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Urban Soccer Diploma
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Developing the 7C's Diploma
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Creating Talent: How to get the Best from Practice Diploma
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Developing a Team Philosophy and Purpose Diploma
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LGBT: Diversity and Inclusion Diploma
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Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer Diploma
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Attacking Principles of Play Diploma
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Functional Training for Forwards Diploma
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Attacking Transitions and Counter Attacks Diploma
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11v11 Formation and Systems Diploma
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United Soccer Coaches Member
American Heart Association
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CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
Cornell University
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification
NYS Department of Education
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Phase 1 Coaching Certification
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Phase 2 Coaching Certification
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Mandated Reporter Certification
Rush Soccer Development University
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Level 1 Certification
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Level 2 Certification
TOVO Institute
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TOVO 7 A-Side Methodology Certification
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TOVO Training Intelligence Certification
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TOVO Positional Play Certification (Summer 2024)
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TOVO V1 Certification
Positive Coaching Alliance
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Culture, Practices, & Games Certification
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Coaching for Winning & Life Lessons Certification
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Developing The Triple-Impact Competitor Certification
The English Football Association
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Level 1 Talent Identification Certification
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Introduction to Futsal Certification
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Technical Principles for Young Goalkeepers CPD
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Goalkeeper Practices in Restricted Areas CPD
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Developing Possession Through the Thirds CPD
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Promoting Play CPD
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Concussion Guidelines Certification
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Respect for Coaches Certification
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Safeguarding for All Certification
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Safeguarding for Adults Certification
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Safeguarding for Committee Members Certification
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Equality and Diversity Certification
The Scottish Football Association
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Mental Health in Football Certification
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Children's Wellbeing in Football Certification
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Communicating Effectively with Children & Young People Certification
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Football Unites: Football v Homophobia Certification
United States Youth Soccer
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How to Lead an Effective Warm-Up Certification
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Introduction to US Center for Mental Health & Sport Certification
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Creating a Learning Environment in Sports Certification
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Recognizing Bias Certification
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LGBTQ+ Awareness Certification
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Futsal Certification
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Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Certification
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Preparing for the Season Ahead Certification
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TOPSoccer Coach Certification
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Coaching with Guided Discovery Certification
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Growth, Maturation and Age Effects in Sport Certification
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Developing a Great Team Culture Certification
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Coaching for Positive Youth Environment Certification
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Grassroots Soccer Coaching Certification
International Soccer Science & Performance Federation
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Certificate in Strength & Conditioning for Soccer Performance
National Federation of State High School Associations
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Concussion in Sport Certification
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Heat Illness Prevention Certification
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certification
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Engaging Effectively with Parents Certification
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Bullying, Hazing & Inappropriate Behaviors Certification
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ACL Injury Prevention Certification
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Sports Nutrition Certificate
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Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Certification
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Title IX Certification
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Teaching and Modeling Behavior Certification
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Social Media Certification
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Strength and Conditioning Certification
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Fundamentals of Coaching Certification
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Coaching Adapted Sports Certification
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Coaching Unified Sports Certification
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NFHS Coach Level 1 National Credential
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NFHS Coach Level 2 National Credential
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NFHS Coach Level 3 National Credential
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NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach
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NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach
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NFHS Middle School Coach Level 1 National Credential
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NFHS NCAA Initial Eligibility Certification
Changing the Game Project
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Transformational Coaching Certificate
Coaching, Playing & Education Experience
South Colonie Central School District | Rush Soccer | Academy of the Holy Names | Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Clifton Park Soccer Club | Watervliet Youth Soccer | Soccer Tots
Champlain College: Ranked #9 in the Nation: Two-time All-Region III Player
Shenendehowa High School: NYS Champion: Ranked #2 in the Nation
Adjunct Professor at The College of Saint Rose | Adjunct Professor at SUNY Adirondack | School at Northeast High School Teacher
Creator & Advisory Board Member of Northeast Parent & Child Society Mentoring Program
National Coalition Building Institute Trainer | Strengths Quest Trainer | Academic Counselor at The College of Saint Rose
Assistant Director of HEOP at Russell Sage College | Assistant Director & Interim Director of Upward Bound at SUNY Adirondack |
Graduate Assistant at Siena College in the Office of Multicultural Affairs | Transition Counselor at The SEAT Center
"You can achieve your dream if you put in the hard work, take responsibility head-on and believe in yourself."
Alex Morgan
US National team
Two time world cup winner | two time Olympic goal medal winner
tala soccer training
2024 Session FEES
Individualized
1:1 Training Sessions
fp or gk specific
$60 per session
all ages
60 minutes
Individualized
Small-Group Training Sessions
fp or gk specific
2 players - $40 per player per session
3 players - $30 per player per session
4+ players - $25 per player per session
all ages
60 minutes
Match Fit Sessions
$30 per player per session
$180 monthly membership available
set schedule | twice a week
maximum of 22 players per session
available during the outdoor training season
grades 7-12+
90 minutes
T3 Sessions
fp or gk specific
$30 per player per session
set schedule
maximum of 16 field players
Maximum of 8 goalkeepers
1:8 coach-to-player ratio
age specific
75 minutes
TALA Soccer Clinics
$40 per player per clinic
set schedule
maximum of 16 players per clinic
1:8 coach-to-player ratio
age-specific
120 minutes
TALA Recreational Soccer Program
$100 per player
spring six-week season
saturday mornings
limited space
1:8 | 1:12 coach-to-player ratio
u8 | u10 & u12
120 minutes
"Consider 'winning' as promoting learning and joy. Both of which you can do regardless of a match result."