The mission of La Roca Futbol Club is to develop players to be successful in their current level of play and prepare them to progress to the next level of play. La Roca’s Technical Trainers work with players of all abilities and ages. They will identify technical areas that a player seeks to improve, then develop drills and exercises to achieve those goals.

DAVID CHEVEZ

Director of Coaching, Boys
Technical Trainer

David has extensive experience developing players of all ages. A native of Peru, David caught the attention of Alianza Lima (the biggest soccer club in Peru) and the Peruvian National Team at a very young age. David signed a professional contract and began training with Alianza Lima at the age of 15, and made his professional debut a year later. He became team and league top scorer before being transferred to Pae Aris in Greece where he played for 2 seasons before returning to Lima to continue his professional career.

After moving to Utah in 2003, David started his coaching education and began coaching youth teams. He has been coaching for La Roca FC since its inception in 2005. He has led numerous teams to State Cup champion and Regional finalist titles. David was the first coach in Utah to bring a National Championship trophy home to the state.

David shares his passion and love for the beautiful game with his players, many of whom have played at collegiate and professional levels. His greatest satisfaction is seeing players accomplish their goals on and off the field.

David Chevez
801-440-9363
david.chevez@larocafc.com

NELSON “NELLY” LOPEZ

Technical Trainer

Nelson Lopez, or “Nelly” as most people know him in the soccer community, is originally from Los Angeles, California. Nelly’s family moved to Utah when he was ten, and since then, he has seen first hand the incredible growth of soccer in the state of Utah.

Nelly’s passion has always been soccer and he now has the privilege of working with youth to develop the same passion, commitment and love for the game. Nelly has been working with youth for over ten years and currently holds a National Soccer Federation C License. Nelly knows how important technical ability is in this sport and how it can give a player a big advantage on the field. His mission is to help develop players to their full potential and achieve their goals.

On his down time Nelly loves to spend his time with his family, watch more soccer games and relax with friends.

Nelly Lopez
801-644-1794
nellynell10@hotmail.com

ODILON “JUNIOR” GARCIA

Technical Trainer

Junior Garcia joined the La Roca FC coaching staff in 2020 to coach two La Roca North boys teams, U7 and U8.

Born in Sacramento, CA, and raised in Ogden, Junior’s given name is Odilon, but we’re glad we can just call him Junior! He started playing AYSO soccer at age 7, progressed up through the club ranks, played for Ben Lomond High School, then played for Eastern New Mexico University and West Texas A&M University. After college, he played semi-pro and pro indoor soccer before joining the women’s soccer coaching staff at University of Texas Permian Basin. He also coached FC Dallas youth teams.

Besides soccer, Junior likes to mountain bike, hike, and hang out with his family.

Odilon Garcia
801-648-6425
odilon.j.garcia@gmail.com

Individual Training Session

(for up to 4 players)

$45 for one hour (6 sessions recommended)

Team Training Session

$160 for one hour

Contact David Chevez to schedule an individual or team session, then use button below to pay

The following Technical Tips were posted on La Roca’s social media pages.

Ball Control refers to a player’s ability to collect the ball and gain control of it using feet, legs, chest, or head. A player with a good ball control can receive passes both on the ground and out of the air with clean first touches.

Technique is the most visible element to success in soccer. Here are 4 key elements you can work on to improve your technique:

1. Ball Control
2. Dribbling skills
3. Passing accuracy
4. Body Control

Here are some of the most important skills that can help you improve your game and reach your full futbol potential:

1. Technique
2. Game Intelligence
3. Physical Fitness
4. Proper Mindset

Dribbling is a fundamental aspect of soccer, and without good dribbling training, the player in possession of the ball stands no chance against the defender. A great dribbler who has good ball control, balance and speed, is a very dangerous player.

“Talent without working hard is nothing.”

The outside of the foot pass or shoot is one of the most technically demanding in futbol.
It is often used to avoid kicking with the weaker foot. The supporting foot is placed level with the ball, but at a distance, because the kicking foot needs some internal legroom in order to make good contact with the ball. The kicking leg is angled and lifted. The ball is struck mostly from your ring toe to the middle of the outside foot.

Striking: While practicing the tips below, remember that deliberate repetition is the key:

1-Look up and scan where it is you are going to shoot the ball.
2-Focus on the ball, forgetting all other distractions.
3-Be certain that your plant/support foot is pointing in the direction you want to shoot.
4-Swinging your arms fluidly will provide you with balance.

Practice stationary trapping and passing with a partner. Start from a close distance.

Never stop working on improving your technique. Technical Players are the ones the make the difference.

FIRST TOUCH: Without it, you will not have a second one.

Stay tuned for tips and training ideas . . . .