About Ian McClurg Coaching
Professional Soccer Training, Player Identification and Professional Pathways
Our Mission to Develop Professional Soccer Players
Our mission is to empower dedicated youth soccer players aged 11-18 by providing elite soccer training, personalized soccer development plans, and direct pathways to professional opportunities in Europe.
We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and continuous improvement, helping players achieve their highest potential and realize their dreams of playing at the professional level.
Elite Soccer Training Programs: Pathways to European Success
Our programs are designed to match the intensity and rigour of Europe’s top soccer academies, providing young players with a pathway to professional opportunities.
We provide a comprehensive development pathway that includes detailed assessments, targeted training tailored to your specific needs, and exclusive player ID events. We prepare you to meet professional playing standards and arrange training and trials with top European clubs.
Located at the Ancaster Sports Centre in Hamilton, we proudly serve players across Ancaster, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Grimsby, Brantford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Milton, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Discover how our UEFA A licensed coaching, European-standard training, and personalized player development can elevate your game to the next level and open doors to professional soccer in Europe.
Why Choose Ian McClurg Coaching
UEFA A Licensed Coaching Expertise
Every player consults directly with Ian McClurg, a UEFA A licensed coach with over 20 years of experience in elite soccer training and development.
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Ian not only provides professional training comparable to Europe’s top academies but also leverages his extensive network to help players secure training and trial opportunities with European clubs.​
Training to Meet European Professional Standards
We tailor our training programs to match the professional playing standards in Europe, preparing players to compete at the highest levels.
Our approach ensures that players are not just trained but are equipped with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in Europe’s competitive soccer environment.
Player Identification & Development
We conduct exclusive Player Identification Events where we benchmark each player's performance.
These events are crucial for creating a personalized Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that guides players on their journey to reaching the necessary standards for European trials and professional opportunities.
Meet the Head Coach: Ian McClurg
UEFA A license & MSC performance coaching
Raised in Northern Ireland, Ian McClurg embodies the resilience and determination that has made his homeland a mighty force in international sports. Despite facing the disappointment of injury as a young soccer player, Ian channelled these challenges into a career that has seen him become an internationally recognized performance coach, author, and talent identification expert.
With over 20 years of experience, Ian has founded one of Canada’s leading private soccer academies and served as a coach and recruiter for European clubs, including Wolves FC and Fleetwood Town FC. His expertise in talent development has been showcased in international publications, and his coaching journey includes roles at the Toronto FC Academy and as an Ontario Provincial Coach. ​
Qualifications
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Masters in Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling, Scotland
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UEFA A licence
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Registered Football Intermediary
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Professional Football Scouting Association (Level 1 & 2 Talent Identification in Football)
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NLP Sport & Performance Practitioner
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Masters in Business Administration
Player Testimonials
We have successfully guided players to secure professional contracts in top leagues like the EPL and La Liga. Over 100 players have earned US scholarships, and more than 20 male and female athletes have represented Canada on the international stage.
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Here's what some of our Alumni have to say:
Theo Corbeanu
Granada CF, Former Wolves FC
"If you want to step up and make it to the next level, you need elite ball control. Being able to train with Ian McClurg from a young age made me realize the importance of this."
Hughie Graham
FC Thueringen
"I was able to secure a spot at a club in Germany through the training and guidance of Ian. He has helped me achieve my dream of playing professional football in Europe."
Brook McLaughlin
Granada CF
"Growing up I did a lot of training with Ian. His program always helped me develop my first touch, speed of play, passing, and other technical skills."
Get in Touch
Main Training Hub
Ancaster Sports Centre
1030 Lower Lions Club Rd
Hamilton, ON L9H 5E3
289 239 9602