About Erdi

Man in Adidas jacket standing outdoors with arms crossed, monochrome photo.

Erdi Engin began his soccer journey at the age of 8, playing for Beşiktaş JK Academy in Istanbul, Turkey. Known for producing some of the top talents in the game, the academy was where Erdi first learned the values of hard work, discipline, and continuous improvement. By age 15, he signed his first professional contract, starting a 12-year playing career that shaped his identity both on and off the field.

After retiring, Erdi transitioned into coaching. He holds a USSF A-Youth License and has worked with Division 1 college programs and top-tier youth teams, guiding players to success in state, regional, and national competitions.

Today, Erdi works with players of all ages across the Triangle area through 1:1, small group, and team training. His sessions combine modern tools and teaching strategies with a deep understanding of player development to help each player improve improve their actions on the ball, athletic performance, and overall game insight. He is equally dedicated to building strong, supportive relationships with his players, ensuring their growth both on and off the pitch.

He’s also the Founder of Crestline FC, a player-first club committed to long-term development and competing at the highest levels while staying grounded in shared values and community.

Professional Experience: 2017-2024
Crestline FC - Founder & President
Carolina Velocity FC - Head Coach & Boys Director
Northern Kentucky University - Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach
Cincinnati United Premier SC - Head Coach
Madison 56ers SC - Head Coach
Wisconsin Youth SA - State ODP Head Coach
Electric City SC - Head Coach

Playing Experience: 2003-2015
Karagumruk SK
Tuzla SK
Vefa SK
Vardar SK
Tuna SK

Academy: 1996-2003
Besiktas JK
Vefa SK

License & Certificates
National A-Youth License - USSF
German FA Coaching License - TFV
Mentorship Course Level 1 - FCE
Analyzing Games & Designing Training Sessions - FCE
Individual Player Development Process - USSF
Football Medicine - FIFA
Injury Prevention in Soccer - WYSA
The Science of Training Young Athletes- University of Florida
Grassroots Referee License - NC State Referee Committee
Bachelor’s in Business Administration- Anadolu University

Tools & Softwares
Wyscout/Hudl
Spiideo
Once Sport
Matchmetrics
Catapult
JumpForward
Veo
Trace
iMovie

  • Graham M.

    “Great session with Coach Erdi. He was patient, explained concepts well and his session was perfectly built for my son's needs. Would highly recommend him and am looking forward to more sessions.”

  • Adam D.

    “My 8yo daughter had a goalkeeper lesson with Coach Erdi and it couldn't have gone better. He was patient, encouraging and enthusiastic, all which contributed to my daughter having a great time and learning a lot. His communication throughout the whole process was prompt and professional. I would not hesitate to schedule future lessons with Coach Erdi.”

  • Dawn G.

    “Erdi was a great coach to my son! He cared about each player and their needs. He was passionate about the game and making them not only better players, but better people. He was a good communicator and I wish him the best of luck with his new endeavor!”

  • Ryder R.

    “Getting coached by Erdi Engin was a great opportunity. He has coached and played at high levels throughout his career. Coach Erdi builds strong connections with the players, while keeping the competition and intensity high. In practices he always challenges and pushes every play to get them to be at the highest level they can perform at. Coach also knows how to keep the body healthy so he helps with recovery and strengthening during the season as well. All around he's a coach that I would love to be coached by for the remaining years of my career. He knows what he's doing and is a great teacher and peer.”

  • Colin G.

    “I had the pleasure of being coached by Erdi for a year. Despite having a new coach, which can be difficult to handle, Erdi made the transition seamlessly to coach and encourage players to reach their full potential. For me, I can remember a specific example of Erdi’s ability to “man manage”. He sat me aside when my confidence was low, and continued to encourage me to play freely and without any pressure. As an attacking player, this is the best advice I could’ve heard. Erdi’s advice has helped me significantly as I continue to strive for excellence at Ohio Northern University!”

  • Emi A.

    “I had the pleasure of being coached by Erdi for two years through Madison 56ers. Both years, I learned more about the sport than I had in my previous 11 years of playing. Erdi is a super knowledgeable coach and cares deeply about each and every one of his players. Practices were structured around our performance in games and what he directly thought would make each of the members of our team better. He is one of the most supportive coaches I’ve had and one I will never forget.”

  • Kierstin M.

    “I played for Erdi my senior year of high school and it was one of the best competitive club experiences I’ve had. Our team chemistry was unlike any other team I had ever been on. Our trainings were productive and intense, yet one of the things I looked forward to most. Erdi helped me grow as a player and a leader and helped me become the college athlete I am today.”

  • Joe D.

    “I had the opportunity to work with Erdi while he pursued his US Soccer A Youth license. He demonstrated intelligence, eagerness to learn, diligence, and the ability to clearly communicate his ideas. Erdi is a consumate professional. His work is thorough, he collaborates with other well, and he continually refined and improved his craft from the beginning of the course until the end. He has a bright future in the game and will elevate any club or staff he is part of.”

  • Ezra W.

    “I play division 1 soccer at the university of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I had the honor of playing under Coach Erdi my U16 year at the Madison 56ers. He was an absolute joy to play under and taught the team and I valuable concepts that I still apply to this day at the division 1 level. He instilled confidence within each of his players while practice complete and absolute professionalism.”