Building a Club’s Future with Data

This article explores how Fred Wilson, Executive Director of Mustang Soccer in Danville, California, is leading an ambitious technology initiative designed to integrate player data into a single accessible platform. Focused on player development, recruitment, customer service, and coach education, this innovative project will likely establish a new industry standard and positions Mustang Soccer at the forefront of youth sports leadership.

Fred Wilson’s Vision for Player Development

A real challenge for customers is differenting between sports clubs and only the most visionary leaders are finding ways to truly distinguish themselves. Fred Wilson, Executive Director of Mustang Soccer, is such a leader!  Wilson is spearheading a groundbreaking technology initiative that integrates player data across multiple platforms.

A Simple and Powerful Idea

At the heart of Wilson’s initiative is aggregating performance data from multiple technologies into a single, accessible system. Using ‘ACES Nation’ as the data integrator, Mustang Soccer is combining information from partners like Darkhorse AI, BeproAI, Beyond Pulse, BeOneSports, and Copa STS. Players’ performance, biometrics, cognitive skills, and physical movements are collected, analyzed, and presented through one streamlined dashboard.

According to Wilson, this approach solves a useability concern shared by customers, namely, “Parents love the information, but dislike jumping between apps. We needed to provide one place where all the data can come together.”

Enhancing Customer Experience Through Data

Mustang Soccer isn’t just developing athletes—they’re delivering outstanding customer service.  This approach also shifts parent-club interactions towards objective, data-based conversations. When concerns about playing time arise, coaches can refer to performance metrics rather than subjective opinions. It lowers emotional tensions and builds trust between the club and its families.

Building a Recruitment and Talent Pathway

Players now have a tangible “player profile” — complete with performance statistics, highlight reels, and biometric assessments — to share with college and professional scouts.  Already, Mustang players are leveraging these tools for success. One player, after sharing his data, secured a trial with Oakland Roots. Another was invited to Racing Louisville’s academy. In an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, having validated performance data gives players a critical edge.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Wilson’s vision is to use the initiative to enhance the club’s culture – with an emphasis of making more informed decisions at every level.  For example, players can track their development over time, set meaningful goals, and compare their progress against international standards. Coaches, armed with detailed insights, are better equipped to tailor training sessions to address specific performance gaps. Coaching education is deeply embedded in the model. Mustang’s upcoming Data Summit (July 9-10) will train staff and families alike, ensuring that participants understand how to interpret and use the information effectively.

“Learning how to win the right way,” Wilson notes, “is a developmental tool in itself.”

Smart Business Strategy

Mustang’s data-driven initiative creates a clear point of difference. Already, players and families are increasingly seeking for programs offering objective feedback and tailored development plans.   Mustang’s investment positions them at the front.  A very strong value proposition for current and prospective players.

For now, Mustang aims to be “first to market” with a fully integrated, player-centric model. However, Wilson’s long-term vision is even more ambitious. By setting a precedent, he hopes to inspire broader changes across youth soccer—perhaps even contributing to a national youth player database.

New Standards for Evaluation

While the system is designed with player development in mind, Mustang plans to use data to evaluate coaching effectiveness. Metrics like player engagement, training intensity, and achieving tactical goals during games will provide valuable insights into coaching impact.

Wilson emphasizes, “We want to help our coaches get better, not punish them,”. Education, collaboration, and patience will be key for the success of the new data culture.

Summary of Key Insights:

• Centralizing data across multiple platforms improves operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Data transparency helps provide actionable feedback and builds stronger parent-club relationships.
• Empowering players with data provides an advantage with High School, College and Professional coaches and scouts.
• A cultural improvement is possible.
• Innovation helps to differentiate Leaders and Clubs in highly competitive environments.
• A coach can be a highly significant benefactor, leading to improved performance and renewed commitment to the club.

Three Key Conclusions/Recommendations for a Club Executive:

1. Invest in technology that simplifies data, aids player development and enhances customer satisfaction.
2. Employ data to guide conversations and reinforce trust between the customer and club.
3. Prioritize education for coaches, players, and families.  An initiative like this will require regular interventions with all stakeholder groups to realize most of the benefits for players, parents and families.

Fred Wilson Bio

Fred Wilson began coaching youth soccer at Mustang Soccer in Danville, California, in 1989 and spent nine years coaching youth and high school baseball in the same community. Drawing on his academic background in business and early experience in sales and management, Fred transitioned into club leadership in 2005, initially serving as General Manager to oversee the launch of the Mustang Soccer Complex. He later advanced to Director of Soccer Operations, where he deepened his expertise in youth sports administration.

In 2010, Fred was selected by San Jose Earthquakes GM John Doyle to launch the club’s youth academy. Over eight years, he played a key role in the development of future professionals, including Tommy Thompson, Nick Lima, and JT Marcinkowski. During this time, Fred continued to support operations at Mustang Soccer, balancing leadership roles across both organizations.

In 2018, Fred stepped down from the Earthquakes to focus full-time on his role as Executive Director of Mustang Soccer, a position he holds today. He has also contributed to the broader youth soccer landscape through roles with NorCal Premier, Cal North, and as a board member for ECNL Boys since January 2024.

LEADERS CONNECT: Opportunities for you to connect and collaborate with your peers.