Hello,

McFarland Soccer Club families, partners and coaches. I want to introduce our new Director of Coaching (DOC) for our club. I am extremely excited to bring Brandon Wachholz into the organization. As DOC, Brandon will be providing our club with expertise in many facets of club operations and structure. Brandon will be the head coach for our Academy along with other professional licensed coaches.

Below is an introduction from Brandon:

About Me: I am 25 years old and grew up in Wausau, WI. I moved to the Madison area in August of 2017. I have been working in Special Education for over 2 years in the Oregon School District. My girlfriend and I will be moving to McFarland in August with our 3 year old dog, Pong, which we adopted in September of 2018! Outside of soccer we like traveling, camping, and visiting state parks throughout Wisconsin.

Soccer Experience: I began playing soccer when I was in kindergarten and played competitively throughout high school in both the State League and Midwest Region League (MRL). My love and passion for the game continues as I continue to play pick up games and indoor soccer leagues. I have been a soccer referee for nearly 10 years; during this time I have officiated at both the D2 and D3 college level, been selected to referee at Midwest Region National Championships, the Midwest Region Presidents Cup, and have been selected to officiate the WIAA State Soccer Championships for multiple years. I am currently the Referee Assignor for McFarland SC.

I began my soccer coaching career in 2014 at the high school level as a Varsity Assistant Coach for Wausau West High School. At that time, I also became involved in the youth club coaching multiple age levels from middle school to high school aged boys and girls teams with Marathon County United out of Wausau. Since moving to Madison I have coached for the Oregon Soccer Club starting in Spring of 2018, primarily working with the club's high school teams, but also the middle school boys and girls teams. I am currently coaching the Oregon High School girls team.

Outside of coaching and officiating I have set up and run 5 tournaments for MC United (all averaging over 100 teams) and the 2018 Oregon Fall Fury (over 130 teams). I served as the Vice President for the North Central Soccer Referee Unit and have been a liaison for MAYSA in working with sideline behavior and expectations.

Certifications: U.S. Soccer National “D” License, United Soccer Coaches Level 1 Futsal Diploma

Philosophy: I believe in creating a positive, engaging, safe and inclusive environment where all players can feel comfortable trying new things and making mistakes to make themselves a better player. I enjoy helping players be confident and creative with the ball, building on their skills, their self-esteem, and their personal attitudes, all while having fun playing soccer. I think another great take away for all kids is when we strive to create a positive team atmosphere where players work together, work hard and build relationships that lead to off field success!

Outlook with MSC: I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to be the next Director of Coaching for McFarland Soccer Club. The welcoming community atmosphere and people I have already met has been fantastic and I can tell soccer is heavily supported in the Village which makes me very excited for what’s to come. I look forward to working with everyone and making lasting relationships through the great sport of soccer. Please reach out to me and get to know me when you have time!

Please welcome Brandon to our great community. 

Thank you.

Ryan Amundson
McFarland Soccer Club President