Coach Derek

Fantastic person, fantastic with kids. I’ve sent both of my kids to his classes. Both had a great time and learned a lot. Couldn’t recommend him more!

My daughter was signed up for coach Derek’s 8-​week tennis class through her school. One of the days was cancelled, and the following week we got an email that coach Derek signed up for a movie opportunity and would be sending a replacement that knew nothing about tennis in his spot. I requested a refund and pulled my daughter out of the class. it’s been almost 3 months with repeated emails, phone calls, back-​and-​forth to receive a refund for the rest of the classes and I’ve never received anything. What a waste of my time and money.

The coach and the classes ROCK

Our kids have been taken multi-​sport classes with Coach Derek in Playa Vista since they were 2 years old and they love it! All of the coaches are really amazing and so great with kids. We love Coach Mike and Coach Josh as well!
When my son had a cast from a foot injury both Coach Derek and Coach Mike sent personal video «get well soon» messages. It was adorable and lit up his day!
Now my son takes afterschool sports classes with Coach Derek and is eager to return once his foot heals!

We just started our soccer session today (6 weeks) at Playa Vista. Our daughter had a fantastic time. Coach Derek is friendly, prompt (unlike most of the parents who sauntered over to the park 10 – 15 minutes late), and has a great approach to kids. He talks to them at their level and is enthusiastic and encouraging. He mixed it up throughout the class — running up and down the length of the park and up and down the (little) hills, kicking into goal nets; and kicking the ball to knock down cones. The class is a bit crowded but we’re hoping it’ll thin out, and the location can’t be beat (free community parking and walked to the Farmer’s Market after class).
Take a chance and be sure to check out the filtered reviews as well. Coach Derek has more positives than negatives here and we really enjoyed his class.

I am on my second session with Coach Derek. I am taking my 3 year old grandson. I think the classes are terrific. As little as they are they are learning age appropriate skills for each sport. He has a great demeanor with these little ones and makes the sessions fun. I am constantly amazed at how he corrals these little guys. Q

If you plan to enroll your child in an athletic class, make sure to do it with Coach Derek. I have played high school and collegiate sports and Coach Derek is one of the best coaches I have seen in a long time. He teaches great fundamental skills while the kids play soccer, baseball and basketball and does it in an energetic, positive and caring way. Since my son has enrolled in Coach Derek’s classes, I have noticed an improvement in motor skills, coordination, responsibility, following directions and excitement. While I cannot say enough about Coach Derek’s sports classes, it is watching my son walk out of his way to give Derek a hug and kiss after class, which makes this coach, head and shoulders above the rest.

Is a little pricey but worth the money overall. Coach Derek is good with the kids, pushes them just enough but is gentle when needed. My son really enjoyed his classes and he did learn. We will return.

My son Arlo has been in Coach Derek at Beach Babies for a couple years. He loves it. That’s the most important thing is that he have a positive association with sports and that he gains confidence and learns to be a good team mate. One day I watched the class from a distance without him knowing. I was really impressed. He has great enthusiasm and spirit and somehow manages to keep control of a bunch of 3 year olds on the playground at one time.
Thanks Coach!
Adam
Redondo Beach

Total disappointment.

My children have really enjoyed Coach Derek’s class. He treats them with respect, kindness, and motivation. My daughter who was terrified in AYSO is actually excited to go to class with Coach Derek. Her confidence is building. And my my son is so excited and has learned so much. He has also been kind to me. I appreciate the service that he offers and would recommend to everyone I know, that their kids attend his classes.

I signed up with Coach Derek initially with a friend and knew nothing about him before. And I’m so glad I signed my son up. (We are on our third session). He really gets kids — he adapts to each child’s pace and needs and makes sports so much fun for them. He’s incredibly patient and in-​tuned to kids. My 3 year old son was unwilling to play any ball sports before he started Coach Derek’s class, and now, he looks forward to it each week. In my experience, he’s always professional to the parents.

Here’s my update! Coach Derek cornered me in the parking lot of my daughter’s preschool this afternoon because he had seen my review on Unilocal.He called me a coward for writing my review and tried to embarrass me in front of the moms passing in the parking lot. He asked what my problem was and when i tried to tell him he repeatedly cut me off, called me «sweetie» in that annoying derogatory way and tried to bitch me out some more. Oh yeah, while this was going on my daughter was right there in her car seat within earshot of this jerk calling her mother a coward — so professional!