Professional Soccer Training & Mentorship for All Levels of Play

Train with D'Arrigo

San Diego Soccer Trainer & Mentor

Individual Training

Personalized, comprehensive 1 on 1 training with a high-intensity technical focus.

Group Training

Small group sessions are designed for teammates and friends who want to develop their game, both individually and collectively.

Goalkeeper Camps & Curriculum Development

Bring coach to your city to run a traveling Camp or Clinic for your club and/or help develop your goalkeeper curriculum.

Who is Michael D’Arrigo?

Michael was a 4-year varsity starter at Catalina Foothills High School, 3x 1st team all state, 2x state champions, and was named Arizona Player of the year in 2008 where he recorded 13 shutouts in 18 games. He played for the Cisco Dragons and won a state championship with the club before moving on to Real Salt Lake’s (MLS) first academy team. He won 2 regional titles on this team, was a national semi-finalist in 2007, national champion in 2008, and won the 2008 MLS SUM Cup where he was named MVP of the finals. He also represented the MLS and USA abroad in the World Championships in Madrid, Spain. Michael was named to the Super-Y-League national team 2008 and played with the U-18 US Men’s National Team (USMNT).

After high school, Michael attended the University of San Diego where he was a 4-year starter for the Division-1 program. He places in the top 10 for many statistics at the university, ranging from: career games played/started in goal, career saves, career goals against average, single season shutouts, career shutouts, and single season saves. During his time at USD, the team was named WCC Champions, made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament, made a Sweet-16 appearance, and also made an Elite-8 appearance.

During and after college, Michael spent four seasons with FC Tucson (previously PDL, currently USL2). The team won conference championships 2 out of the 4 seasons and also made multiple appearances in the US Open Cup, playing the likes of Chivas USA, Houston Dynamo, Chicago Fire, Real Salt Lake, and LA Galaxy. Michael also spent 2 seasons training with multiple MLS teams in their preseason.

Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2013, Michael was invited to the USL Pro combine where he was picked up by the New England Revolution (MLS). After spending months training within the MLS, he was signed by Arizona United (currently Phoenix Rising), where he spent the next season and a half.

Missing the beaches and weather, Michael made the decision to step away from renewing his contract in Phoenix and denied talks with former Austin Aztex’s. He then moved back to San Diego to plant his flag and make San Diego his home.

With his extensive professional background and expertise, coaching was a natural transition for him. Michael made a name for himself coaching at several of the top clubs and colleges in Arizona, including FC Tucson, Fort Lowell SC, Arizona Rush, Sereno SC, Paradise Valley Community College, and Phoenix College, before transitioning to San Diego to coach youth, high school, and collegiate level teams.

Michael is one of the freshest and most sought after individuals in the region working for several youth clubs including Rancho Santa Fe Attack Soccer Club, Scripps Ranch Soccer Club, San Diego Soccer Club, multiple Matrix soccer regions, Cathedral Catholic High School, Miramar College, and USD. He creates custom goalkeeper curriculums for clubs to follow and has a hands-on approach with his players. He is currently the head goalkeeper coach at RSF Attack SC, coaches the BU18 and BU15 teams, and coaches at Cathedral Catholic and Miramar College, while also running his own training academy where he trains goalkeepers to take their game to the highest level.

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Professional Experience

Train with D'Arrigo

San Diego's Premier Soccer Training Experience, On and Off the Pitch

One-on-One Training

Personalized player training with a high-intensity technical emphasis.

Match Analysis

Live match analysis and complete written report of the players performance: including both strengths and areas in need of improvement.

Small Group Training (2-5 players)

Small group sessions are designed for teammates and friends who want to develop their game, both individually and collectively. (Packages offered).

Camp Creation/ DTA traveling camps

Learn what other clubs are doing with their players and bring in coach to create and run a Camp or Clinic for your club!

Who We Train

We work with goal keepers of all ages and levels. From beginners learning the fundamentals, to Developmental Academy players looking for game specific advantages and nuances all the way to players looking for quality repetitions and drills in order to stay sharp and compete at the MLS / USL Pro Combine. With D’Arrigo Training Academy (DTA), players will enhance their skills and improve their techniques through age/skill-appropriate training. Training topics include but are not limited to:

  • Footwork
  • Positioning/Setting
  • Handling/Catching
  • Shot stopping/ Diving techniques
  • 1v1’s/Breakaways
  • Distribution (hand and feet)
  • Crosses/ High balls/ Set pieces /Back-to-the-bar
  • Reaction saves
  • Communication
  • Strength/Speed/Agility
Train with D'Arrigo

Coaching Philosophy

Michael’s coaching philosophy is grounded in the hands-on player-coach relationship. He believes that players must be pushed and challenged in order to reach their full potential on and off the field. His goal is to create a training environment where the athletes are tested by focusing on the technicalities (footwork, handling, setting,) tactics (specific communication, distribution, playing out of the back,) and physicality and mentality of goalkeeping. Michael excels in breaking down specific topics and creating game-like scenarios to provide a realistic impact for his players through experiential learning. This will not only give his players the proper tools to succeed in their performance, but to flourish as they continue to elevate their game.

Testimonials

  • Michael has made an incredible impact on my son. Not only has he give John a competitive advantage with tips about how to read a game scenario but he also makes it so my son doesn’t want to leave the field. His love for the game and drive to get better each day has grown because of the trainings and passion Michael puts into each and every session. My son plays at the DA level and has used multiple trainers through his club but feels that in one session with DTA he gets 10x the amount of work and technical know-how of what he can expect to face in the future. If your son or daughter isn’t working with Michael yet, you’re falling behind.

    Jacob P.

  • My son Alex has played exclusively in the goal for the past 4 years. He has trained with various coaches at other clubs before we moved to San Diego as well as with coaches at his current club. While he likes most of his coaches so far, Michael is by far his favorite. This is because Michael takes the time to connect with the athlete so that the workouts feel like a mutual progress rather than a standard workout. He takes time to explain techniques in detail and is really enthusiastic about coaching. He has even managed to help us find the best GK gloves for Alex. Needless to say, we highly recommend Michael to all young keepers.

    Michael J.

  • Michael's knowledge about the goalkeeping position is second to none. I have seen an amazing improvement not only in my daughter’s fundamentals and skills but her understanding of the position. He is teaching her how to anticipate the action on the field and to lead and communicate to her team how to defend. As he is doing all of this, what impresses me most is the way he is able to connect and communicate effectively to the kids so they understand what he is teaching them. He works incredibly well with my daughter, he creates a fun but challenging environment to make her better. She loves going to goalie practice. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for goalkeeping coaching.

    Sean & Kristen P.

  • My daughter was going through a little burnout phase. Several friends had recommended Michael so we decided to give him a try. I appreciate his professionalism and focus on players during their sessions. I definitely feel like I am getting my money's worth thanks to a drill-packed session and very little down time. Michael is great about not just having my daughter do the drill, but gives her constant feedback and she makes adjustments throughout the hour. When I asked my 10 yr old what she thought of Michael, she said: "He does hard but fun drills, is super nice, and I can't wait to go to his trainings!"

    Jennifer B.

  • Michael has helped my daughter take her game to another level. His ability to teach the fundamental skills of being a goalie while also teaching situational awareness is what has taken my daughters game to a new level. He takes the time to explain the drills and what he wants from them, so the kids understand every part of the drill and why they are doing it. His cool calm demeanor is what makes him great for every player at every level. My daughter looks forward to another season with Michael as her Goalie Coach and I don’t think I can ask for anything more from a coach then when she wants to go play for coach Michael.

    Kevin M

  • Coach Michael has had a very positive impact on my son’s development as a keeper. Coach Michael brings a wealth of experience as a player and as a coach to the keeper position. His training sessions are designed to address the needs of each individual player. He focuses on the physical and technical aspects of the keeper position. His use of video has been very effective as a feedback tool. Also, Coach Michael creates an excellent rapport with his players. His positive, yet demanding, approach results in getting the best of his players. In addition, he is very easy to work with and communicates at a high level. There is no doubt that he has greatly improved my son’s capabilities as a keeper and is preparing him to play at the next level.

    Kirk B.

  • Coach Michael has been amazing for my daughter. Not only have I seen her improve significantly in the goal she loves her training sessions with him and has even more passion for the game because of his support. The drills are creative and fun but push her to improve. He explains not just how to do something but why which my daughter says she finds it easier to learn from. When we go to leave she always says with a big smile on her face “that was so much fun!”. Thanks coach keep up the great work!

    Kate & Leiah N.

  • We are so glad to have found Coach Michael. He really knows his stuff and he's so good with kids. He works at their level and makes them want to get better. He's helped our daughter improve and we feel like this is just the beginning. He seems to motivate her in the way that she needs. We highly recommend Coach Michael.

    Jason F.

  • Coach Michael at D’Arrigo Training Academy has significantly improved & advanced our 2006 goalie’s mental awareness & keeper skills! He began with an individual assessment to identify needed areas for growth & then targeted those skills through a variety of drills & activities that were both strenuous but also fun & engaging for our daughter. She has grown tremendously as a keeper this year through Coach Michael’s training & guidance in both his individual & group sessions. We highly recommend him for GKs at all levels who want to advance their skills!

    Tara & Paul S.

  • Working with Coach Michael for the past two years has helped me become a better keeper than I ever thought possible. The intense and well-thought-out drills have helped shape me as a keeper. All of the technical skills, different techniques, and helpful tips that Michael taught me has helped me save countless shots. Every time I train with him, I learn something new and further develop as a keeper and soccer player. I appreciate both his complimentary nature, but also that he provides constructive criticism when warranted. Of all my weekly activities, I look forward to goalie training the most. Thanks, Coach Michael!

    Patrick C.

  • My 11 year old son is considered an advanced keeper for his age and as such, we are very picky about who trains him. We met Coach Michael at a keeper camp he put on months ago and were highly impressed with his attitude and coaching style. After that camp, Coach Michael started doing private lessons with our son and we are extremely happy with the results. Michael is a no nonsense coach who is very friendly with his keepers but also walks that tightrope between coach and friend in a very professional manner. Michael's workouts are very demanding but tailored to the level/experience of each keeper to ensure training sessions are interesting, challenging and educational. Michael is not afraid to tell parents what he actually thinks, not just what the parent may want to hear and that honesty is a huge factor in us having him train our son. Michael is a great motivator and has a unique, positive way in interacting with kids that is beyond what most coaches can do, to bring out the best for each keeper and in a manner that will make every parent/keeper glad they have Michael as a coach. As such, we highly recommend Coach Michael for your keeper’s training needs

    David H.

  • My daughter has been working with Mike for over 4 years and he is without a doubt the best youth coach I’ve been around.  And we are so lucky that he has been not only a great coach for our daughter, but more importantly for me, he is a fantastic mentor and role model.   He is exactly the type of coach and influence I want to have mentoring my young athlete.   His ability to connect and communicate is second to none. Caelie loves every workout she has with Mike because of the way he challenges her, how much fun he makes it and she sees great growth every practice because of his knowledge of the game and position.   Her development since he’s been coaching her has been awesome.   We couldn’t be luckier to have Mike coaching Caelie and having the great impact he is having on her not only as a goalkeeper and her skills, but most importantly as an athlete and person.

    Kevin B

  • Michael is an amazing goalie coach. My daughter has had 4 sessions with him and I can already see improvement. She says he is very easy to to talk to and can pinpoint things immediately just by watching you to improve your game. His drills are intense a great goalie workout. In her words "He is just  good Mom an all around great teacher." I would highly recommend Michael as a goalie Coach.

    Laura M.

  • Coach D’Arrigo is a true professional goalkeeper coach. He brings a great attitude and wealth of knowledge to the position. He’s great about teaching technique especially in the areas you need to get better at as a keeper. Coach D’Arrigo had me prepared to come into school and start playing D1 soccer. He talked to me about the game at the next level and what I need to be prepared to expect. I feel lucky to have him as a coach.

    Kayden K. (USD)

  • From the moment warm-up begins you know you are in professional and very capable hands. My son loves the challenge Michael provides to expand his understanding and skills of a very unique position in soccer. Finding DTA was such a gift as my son has been taught correct technique from the beginning. As his understanding increases, Michael’s challenges for him do too. I know with continued training my son will be the top of his game and a competitive keeper as long as desired. We absolutely love Michael & are forever grateful to train with him!

    Autumn C.

To provide high quality training to goalkeepers of all levels. Goalkeepers play a pivotal role within a soccer team. They are the anchor to the backline, the only player who cansee everything on the pitch, and they can make or break every game with one save or one mistake.

[email protected]
(520) 444-9647