The Pioneer of Individual Soccer Training

David Copeland‑Smith hails from Plymouth, UK, and relocated to the United States in 2003. He began his coaching journey in Florida before advancing to a role at high school powerhouse Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles. In 2011, he founded Beast Mode Soccer (BMS), a club neutral, individual development system designed to nurture technical confidence and self-reliance in players. BMS was built for those who sought more than just team training; it was for athletes ready to own their development with discipline, accountability, and standout technical growth

David’s early resources, The Better Soccer Blueprint, The Challenge, The Soccer Vortex, and The SWAG Mindset became foundational tools for individual training. In 2013, he published The Better Soccer Blueprint, a guide that sold thousands of copies globally.

In 2019, he launched the My Soccer Training app. By 2021, after a successful rebrand with Nike, the app evolved into Beast Mode Soccer Plus (BMS+), offering over 100 full, immersive training sessions, 10 full training programs, accountability tools, leaderboards, and a gamified experience tailored to each player.

David is regarded globally as a leader in individual technical development. He has been a featured speaker at the United Soccer Coaches Conventions in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2021. Additionally, he was interviewed on the 3four3 podcast (Episode 100), where he shared the motivations behind his work and systems, and has been featured in TIME, ESPN the Magazine, Sports Illustrated, NBC, Fox as well as a plethora of other magazines and TV shows.

Notable Clients & Impact

David Copeland‑Smith has carved his legacy as the go-to private coach for elite soccer players, and his roster reads like a who’s who of the international game. His technical system has shaped stars such as Alex Morgan, Rachel Daly, Mallory Swanson, Allie Long, Ali Riley, Jackie Ovalle, and even Landon Donovan. His impact is perhaps most powerfully demonstrated by the U.S. Women’s National Team: more than half of the 2015 World Cup–winning squad trained under David, and an astonishing 13 of the 24 players from the 2019 championship team were refined through his development system. These numbers are not only credentials, they’re evidence that his approach directly elevates performance in the world’s biggest moments.  

His influence extends beyond individuals into the professional club domain. David has collaborated with Tigres Femenil, one of Mexico’s premier women’s clubs, supporting their training culture and technical development programming. While specific projects are kept carefully behind the scenes, players and staff have publicly acknowledged his contribution to skills training and program design.  

On the U.S. side, David’s work with numerous NWSL teams, across both established franchises and emerging clubs, has become a consistent feature of his career. Over 100 NWSL players have passed through his one to one training system, benefiting from his methods regardless of their club affiliation. His influence spans the league, contributing to development work with players representing multiple NWSL teams, from West to East Coast, though specific team names are often kept out of the public narrative to maintain client confidentiality.

Philosophy in Action

David’s training goes beyond physical conditioning, focusing deeply on shaping identity, mental toughness, and player independence. His mantra, “all you need is a ball…and an old pair of socks”—reflects his belief that true development doesn’t require fancy equipment, just relentless effort. Despite the isolating nature of individual training, David is driven by the tangible impact these sessions have on players’ lives.

Summary

David Copeland-Smith is more than a coach, he is a pioneer of individualized player development. Since 2011, he has redefined soccer training with his player first methodology, disciplined systems, and innovative digital tools. Based in Los Angeles, he continues to guide global talent both in person and via his BMS+ app, inspiring players to push boundaries, take ownership, and continually evolve.