Next-Level Mentorship for Committed Soccer Athletes

From Istanbul to Cologne to New York — and from grassroots academies to professional first teams — I’ve spent over 15 years developing players who don’t just improve, but thrive in competitive soccer environments.

My name is Alper Yaydan, and I bring a rare blend of real-world coaching experience and deep academic knowledge to every player I work with. After a decade of playing competitive soccer, I began my coaching journey in 2008 at Istanbul’s Marmara University, where I studied Soccer Coaching at the School of Sport Sciences. Soon after, I started coaching at Fenerbahçe SK, one of Europe’s most iconic clubs, working within their youth development system and learning the structure of elite academy soccer from the inside.

I later served as Men’s Head Coach at a competitive senior team in Istanbul before moving to Germany to pursue advanced studies at one of the world’s leading institutions in sport science — German Sport University Cologne.

At Cologne, I completed my Master’s in Exercise Science and Coaching, with a strong focus on performance development and movement optimization for soccer players. What sets me apart from many other coaches is that I understand not only how to teach technique or tactics — but how to apply sport-specific biomechanics, neuromuscular periodization, and load management for real, sustained development in soccer athletes.

This scientific foundation has allowed me to design smarter, safer, and more effective programs — whether it’s for a 14-year-old academy prospect or a 25-year-old pro recovering from injury. During my time in Cologne, I also coached at the city’s most respected youth academies, and as Head Coach of an MLS Next-level U13 team, I led my squad to a regional championship title — a testament to integrating modern methods with real coaching instincts.

Upon returning to Turkey, I worked as a scouting and player recruitment consultant for a top Turkish First Division club, traveling across Serbia, Bosnia, and the Balkans to scout and transfer top-tier talent. My success stories include:

Ognjen Todorović, transferred from Bosnia’s top flight to the Turkish 1st Division

Tomas Mejías, former Real Madrid goalkeeper, whom I mentored and advised during his move from England’s Championship to Turkey

Nicolo Avellino and Teoman Özkiper, young players I personally developed who went on to sign with top-tier clubs in Germany and Turkey

I later served as Head Coach of a professional first team in Turkey before relocating to the United States with my wife. In New York, I took on the role of U19 Head Coach at a major MLS Next academy in Brooklyn, where I continued to work with elite-level youth athletes preparing for college and pro opportunities.

Today, I combine my on-field coaching expertise with my academic and scientific background to offer mentorship that goes far beyond basic training. I’m not just here to run drills — I’m here to build players who are technically sharp, tactically intelligent, mentally prepared, and physically optimized.

I’m currently completing my second Master’s degree in Soccer Coaching at Ohio University, and I hold a UEFA B License. I speak Turkish, English, and German, and I’m comfortable working with players from all cultures and backgrounds.

Whether you’re a young athlete looking to break through or a competitive player seeking structure and strategy, I can help guide your path with a tailored approach grounded in both science and experience.

If you’re serious about taking the next step, I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.