Jesus “Chuyy” Patino
From: Portland, Oregon
Current club: Tecos FC (Professional Mexican League)
Age: 23
“Coach Steve Purdy helped me in so many different ways. Not only on how to enjoy soccer but with life in general. When I arrived to California to play for Cal Victory he showed me nothing but love, and a strong interest in helping my teammates and myself. He taught me a lot of on field soccer skills , but the most important skill that really helped me improve my soccer was the mental preparation necessary to perform consistently at a high level in each practice and game. Through Purdy Performance, he taught me how to ignore all distractions and truly set your mind to focus on nothing but what’s ahead of you. He also taught me on how to never take anything for granted, at any given moment all of this could be taken away. That is why you have to enjoy what you do , and give it all you got every practice and game! Being able to play soccer at the professional level is a true blessing, and it is important to be grateful for it. These are all things he taught me, and with his experience and expertise he was able to show me the best and most effective methods to find true success on the soccer field. I couldn’t be any more thankful for all the advice Coach Purdy shared with me, a person that has lived it , that has played international matches for his country , played in Europe , played in the best league in America (MLS) , but even greater than that, overall he’s just an outstanding person and coach that is willing to help anyone.”
Yves Rubasha
From: Sydney, Australia
Current Club: AB Tarnby (Danish Football Club)
Age: 21 Years Old
“Steve helped me tremendously when I arrived in the US as a player for California Victory. When I arrived, I wasn’t in the best of form, and lacked significant confidence, which is essential as an athlete and in life. In life I’ve learnt it’s a journey and you always need advice and support from people who have been there and done it, Steve is one of those guys, I was blessed to be able to listen to his advice of being a successful pro. Being a student, working endlessly on your game, studying, brain training and gratitude. Not only is he a good football coach but also someone who deeply cares about all his players and I could feel it. The advice he would share with me have not only helped me now as a footballer but in life. He has helped me to appreciate life, and being grateful that we can play this beautiful sport and how precious life is, I have learnt when you come from a genuine place of gratitude and love, you will fulfil your potential on the pitch and off it.”
Ismael Rios
From: Fort Bragg, California
Current Club: Cal State San Bernardino Men’s Soccer
Age: 21 Years Old
“When I started playing on Cal Victory FC, I felt like I was playing really well. I was getting used to the speed of play and starting to build chemistry with the team. I would do well in practice, but sometimes would have off days. Growing up I never had the opportunity to play competitive soccer because the area I grew up in was secluded from any big town. As a result, I lacked experience and confidence that came with it. I experienced some inconsistency in my level of play throughout my soccer career. There would be days where I would be the best player on the field and days where every touch was off, and that was something that I wanted to change, but didn’t know how. When I had my first session with Steve, I learned a lot about myself as a person. I knew that if I wanted to move on to the next level I would have to do more than the average athlete. That next step was to train my brain in order for me to reach that certain level of success. I learned that it was all mental. I also learned that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Sometimes we just need someone to correctly guide us in order for us to achieve those goals. This process benefited me a lot because like Steve, I also play center back. I was able to pick his brain about the game and pick up some tips that helped me on and off the pitch. Now I am enjoying soccer at the collegiate level and can easily say that I wouldn’t be here without Steve’s help. He was a great mentor to me and we still keep in touch to this day. I am grateful for the things he’s taught me and recommend this to anyone that is looking to improve themselves, not only in sports, but in life.”
Matthew Albert
From: Marin, California
Current club: Dominican University of California Men’s Soccer
Age: 19
“The main thing I can attest to about Coach Purdy is his care for player development. I first met Coach Purdy when I came out to train with California Victory FC. I knew no one on the team and was just looking for a competitive place to play before I continued my college soccer career. Coming off my freshman season of college soccer, I was lower in confidence than I had ever been before. I rode the bench all season and needed to make a change. Coach Purdy gave me the chance to continue training with the team. Possessing a wealth of professional playing experience as well as a wide variety of coaching experience, I knew Coach Purdy was the perfect mentor. I spent every moment I could picking his brain about his experience as a professional and getting all the feedback I could. Coach Purdy helped me tremendously advance my game during my time at Victory FC. I went from just training with the team, to traveling with the team to Los Angeles for the UPSL Spring Championships, where I started the entire tournament. Coach Purdy instilled in me confidence that I lacked for so long. He gave me the opportunity to prove myself against current and ex-professional soccer players. All the extra time I spent one-on-one with Coach Purdy before training, working on specific skills and facets to my game, as well as his confidence in me to give me the chance to prove myself at the highest level, meant the world to me. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Coach Purdy. His openness to helping any player, regardless of the level of skill they have, is truly admirable and rare among many coaches. If it wasn’t for his wisdom, training, and support during that summer, I would not be as confident, knowledgeable, or as skillful as a player as I am now. We are still in contact today, which is a testament to his care for his players even after they have moved on. I highly recommend Coach Purdy to anyone that is looking for a mentor to help them improve their game and reach their full potential.”