The purpose of the Manhattan Surf PDP is to provide top level training for players with specific technical training to aid their overall development. PDP is not design as a replacement for team practices but as an additional training. During team practices, the priority is placed on tactical functions of team play, where as the Player Development Program is designed to meet players’ individual needs and to further develop their overall soccer development.

The purpose of the Manhattan Surf PDP is to provide top level training for players with specific technical training to aid their overall development. PDP is not design as a replacement for team practices but as an additional training. During team practices, the priority is placed on tactical functions of team play, where as the Player Development Program is designed to meet players’ individual needs and to further develop their overall soccer development.

There will also be a goalkeeper specific development program, where goalkeepers will work on Goalkeeper Footwork, Goalkeeper Catching Drills, Diving, Extensions & Reaction Saves, Goalkeeper Distribution, Goalkeeper Communication and Preparing The Goalkeeper’s Mentality.

The training experience is further enhanced as the goalkeepers are incorporated into small group training sessions . Our goal is to provide every goalkeeper with the tools they need to continue to improve long after the conclusion of this academy.

With the Player Development Program, each player receives evaluation, feedback, and progress reports shared with the player’s families. The most important aspect of the Player Development Program is accountability from both player’s and the coach.

Coach Diego take on the role as Director of Player Development at Manhattan Surf where his focus will be to help guide our player’s development by evaluating players and providing a first-class training environment outside of general team practices.

Coach Diego served as Assistant Coach at Bethany College and was previously at Manhattan Christian College (MCC) in Manhattan, Kansas where he was the assistant soccer coach for the men’s team there. During this Fall 21 season, his MCC team set the school record for goals scored in a season with 104 which led to the team finishing 3rd in the NCCAA National Championships.

Coach Diego also has a decorated playing career. While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Diego was recruited to play on the All-Marine Men’s Soccer team before an ACL injury ruled him out. In college, Velasco helped MCC appear in the NCCAA National Championships in all 4 years of attendance to go along with 3 conference titles, two regional titles, and graduated as an Academic All-American.

We are absolutely delighted to have Coach Diego as a Premier Coach and Director of Player Development at Manhattan Kansas Surf Soccer Club.