About Left Back Academy

Left Back Academy is a premier private soccer training program based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to helping players take their game to the next level. The academy offers personalized training tailored to each player’s strengths and areas for improvement, emphasizing technical skill, tactical awareness, physical development, and mental resilience.

Whether you’re refining fundamentals or preparing to compete at higher levels, Left Back Academy provides a professional environment designed to help players of all positions grow, excel, and reach their full potential.

Coach Loïc

Coach Loïc Baures is a former NCAA Division I soccer player from Gonzaga University, where he competed at one of the highest collegiate levels in the United States. After his collegiate career, he pursued opportunities abroad, trialing with clubs in France’s 4th division and with multiple USL League One teams across the U.S. His playing experience at both the national and international levels has shaped his deep understanding of the game’s tactical, technical, and physical demands.

Today, Loïc brings that experience to his work as a private soccer coach based in the Portland area, dedicated to helping players of all levels reach their full potential. Through individualized training focused on technique, game IQ, and player mindset, he aims to develop confident, composed, and competitive athletes ready to excel at the next level.

Testimonials

"Coach Loic is more than just a soccer trainer. He is someone who will bring the best out of you and push you to be at your best every time you step in the field. He taught me discipline, hard work, creativity, and most importantly, confidence. Coach Loic is a special coach and working with him has taught me so much."

Vala Saghafi - Oregon Highschool Player of the Year, Portland Timbers

"Loic is one of the best trainers I’ve worked with. He’s a qualified soccer coach and great player who designs high-quality drills that actually help players improve their touch, speed, and game awareness. Whenever I’m on breaks from playing with University of Portland, I always make sure to train with him because his sessions keep me sharp and match-ready. His mix of professional and collegiate-level experience makes his training sessions game-applicable and challenging for players of all levels."

Wylie Trujillo - University of Portland Men's Soccer

"Coach Loic is someone whom I have trained with for several years. I always enjoy his sessions because he pushes me to be my best no matter what the circumstances. He is a skilled coach and more importantly a great person."

Ian Lama - Spring Arbor University Men's Soccer & Lane United USL2

"Training extra is very important to me, having a personal coach like Coach Loic and being able to work with Left Back Academy has really helped me get better and improve. I would highly recommend it to others."

Oruha Hayahsi - 2x All American, UCLA Women's Soccer