Summer Soccer Training Series: Meet the Coaches Behind the Soccer Clinic in Cornelius, NC

This summer, Prime Focus Goalkeeping is hosting a high-energy soccer clinic in Cornelius, NC, focused on elite-level finishing and goalkeeping. Before the action kicks off, we want to give you a chance to get to know the coaches behind the training. In this post, we’re highlighting Hayden Criollo, a Division 1 soccer alum and freestyle content creator, and Brandon Miller, a former professional goalkeeper and founder of Prime Focus. You'll learn about their backgrounds, coaching styles, and what makes this summer soccer training experience one of a kind. If you’re attending our soccer clinic in Cornelius, NC, this is your inside look at the people who will push your game to the next level.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Coach Hayden: I’ve been playing soccer for about 22 years now. I started when I was a little kid and instantly fell in love with the game.

Coach Brandon: I've been playing soccer since I was 5 years old, so about 30 years now. I fell in love with the sport because my dad introduced me to it and when he passed away a year later, I kept playing because it kept me close to him.

When/why did you pick your position?

Coach Hayden: I originally played as a forward, but around high school I transitioned into an outside midfielder. It felt natural and played to my strengths. Then in college I spent time playing both positions.

Coach Brandon: I picked up goalkeeping around age 9. I was never a fan of running and we were getting to the age where the field was getting bigger and games were getting longer which meant I needed to be fitter or end up sitting on the bench. Thankfully, I tried out goalkeeping and I was pretty good at it so I stuck with it.

Where did you play in college?

Coach Hayden: I played Division 1 soccer at La Salle University from 2015 to 2018. It was an incredible experience, both for the level of play and the relationships I built along the way.

Coach Brandon: I played Division 1 soccer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. It was a great 3.5 years there; I dealt with a lot of ups and downs throughout my time there but ultimately it helped mould me into the person, player, and coach I am today. I got valuable experience that helps me mentor the youth goalkeepers I work with who are looking to play in college.

When is a time in your career that you had to persevere?

Coach Hayden: During my freshman year of college, I had to adjust to the lifestyle of playing soccer and going to school full time. For the first time I was living in another state  and I had to get accustomed to a new atmosphere. It was difficult for me to figure out how to perform on the field and in the classroom. Eventually, I figured it out how to manage the lifestyle of a college athlete.

Coach Brandon: The most memorable one for me was in 2019 when I got dropped from the starting lineup after 5 games at the beginning of the season. I was pretty frustrated and I wasn't sure how to channel my frustration. After the initial shock, I decided to put all my energy into getting my spot back. I put more focus and dedication into my training than I ever had. I was out of the lineup for a few months but I was ready when called upon and the next game I started, I ended up getting saving a penalty and getting a shutout. The comeback is always more rewarding than the setback.

Who is your soccer inspiration?

Coach Hayden: I’ve always looked up to Ronaldinho. He was my inspiration in learning skills and expressing myself using a ball. Ronaldinho was featured in Joga Bonito commercials on YouTube. I would watch his videos and try to recreate the skills which led me to becoming a professional freestyler.

Coach Brandon: Zach Thornton was always my soccer inspiration growing up. At the time, you didn't see too many black goalkeepers playing at the highest levels so I was always inspired by watching him playing and knowing that I could get to that level one day.

Why did you get into coaching?

Coach Hayden: I got into coaching because I wanted to give back to the game that’s given me so much. Helping players improve not just their skills but their confidence and love for the game is something I’m passionate about.

Coach Brandon: The main reason I got into coaching is because I want youth players to have a better soccer journey than I did. That isn't to say I had a terrible journey but if I can help younger players avoid some of the pitfalls that I experienced, it can make their journey more enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, players are going to face setbacks; but I want them to have the tools necessary to deal with them a bit better than I did.

What are you hoping to achieve with the finishing clinic?

Coach Hayden: I want players to walk away with skills they can immediately apply in games, better technique, decision-making in front of goal, and the mentality to be fearless when it matters most. More than anything, I hope they leave motivated and excited about their own potential.

Coach Brandon: I want players to have fun. I want to put them in challenging situations and see how they deal with them. I want the players to push each other to be the best that they can be. I want to see great goals, top class saves, players making mistakes, and pushing themselves to try things they haven't done before. Summer soccer clinics are such a great time to grow and learn and that is the type of environment I want to create.

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For more information about our soccer clinic in Cornelius, NC; head over to the website now! You can also see our entire summer soccer camps lineup on our website as well. Register early to enjoy discounts and secure your spot.