Get To Know Your Coach - Brandon Rees

Brandon Rees’ love for soccer has always been intertwined with curiosity, community, and a passion for helping players grow. While he started kicking a ball in local house league as a child, it was his move to England in 2003 that truly immersed him in the sport. Teaching in Birmingham during his first year abroad, Brandon was struck by the city’s deep soccer culture. “The first question I got from every student was always the same: ‘Who do you support?’” A simple question that would shape his enduring connection to the game.

Coaching came naturally to Brandon. Inspired by mentors, sports documentaries, and his own curiosity about strategy and communication, he has pursued coaching across multiple levels for most of his adult life. Attending the NSCAA coaching conference in the mid-2000s was a turning point. “That conference was a game changer,” he says. “It gave me all the motivation I needed to keep learning and continue earning my coaching levels.” From high school PE teacher Ken Chisholm to local coaches like Shayne Campbell, Brandon has drawn inspiration from a range of figures who have shown him the power of leadership and player development.

Brandon has now spent eight years at Guelph Soccer coaching at the grassroots level across both rep and house league streams. His experience reflects his versatility and commitment to fostering growth in every player. “I like being able to take a vision that we create together as coaches and work alongside a team to build confidence and potential in kids,” he explains. “It’s about allowing them to succeed, learn in a variety of ways, and love the sport they’re playing.”

Growing up, Brandon was never tied to soccer alone. He was an all-around athlete playing road hockey, football, and running cross country; but his love for sports laid the groundwork for coaching. Off the field, Brandon’s life revolves around teaching and family. When he’s not in the classroom, he enjoys running the trails around Guelph and spending quality time with his son, Calum. The highlight of his summer came in a personal and unforgettable way, taking Calum to his first Premier League match to cheer on their favourite team, Aston Villa. “Up the Villa!”

Now, Brandon brings that same enthusiasm to coaching the U10 Boys (2016 age group), a role he has embraced for three seasons. His coaching style reflects his personality: intense, passionate, and deeply committed to helping players develop. “Coaching is where I feel most confident, most like myself, and most capable,” he says. “It’s about teaching players how to problem solve, how to create meaningful moments with their team, and how to love the game.”

Brandon measures his greatest achievements not by trophies or titles, but by the daily growth and effort of his players. “I can’t know what my impact has been definitively,” he admits, “but each day the kids come, learn, and work hard feels like a pretty big achievement.”

Brandon is focused on continuing his coaching journey, planning to pursue his grassroots diploma to further develop his skills and support the next generation of players. Brandon hopes to instill a love of soccer, a sense of teamwork, and curiosity in every player he works with. With his intensity, warmth, and unwavering passion for the game, it’s clear that Brandon has found his perfect place on the field.