The Bundesliga Academy is proud of it's outstanding coaching staff. Our coaches have a wide variety of national and international playing and coaching experience and are licensed on multiple levels.

Coaching Staff

Martin Lippens

Martin is the founder and Director of Coaching of the Bundesliga Academy. He relocated from Germany in 1995 and has been coaching and playing soccer in the US ever since. He has coached at all levels, including professional, collegiate and High School and collected many accolades on the way. He is currently coaching 2 youth teams at FC Irvine in Orange County, California. He holds a bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is a licensed UEFA coach.

Willi "the duck" Lippens (then and now)

>>Lippens collector card <><<>>cover of WL biography<< >Lippens and Berti Vogts

Willi "the Duck" Lippens got his nickname through his unusual running style, that reminded of the waddling of a duck. He entertained the crowds in German stadiums for decades, all while scoring 92 goals in the highest German Soccer League. Even now, he is still a legend in Germany and considered a true German soccer icon. He is still active coaching soccer camps and playing in charity soccer games.

Erik Kirsch

Erik recently joined the Academy. He has been involved in youth soccer for the past 20 years and coached at the highest youth level. He is curently coaching with the Irvine Strikers. Erik also holds a UEFA b-license.