MJ Tate
MJ Tate built DARE because youth soccer deserves better.
MJ's football journey began in the world-renowned Southampton FC Academy — one of the game's most respected player development environments and home to talents such as Gareth Bale and Alan Shearer.
A former professional player turned high-performance coach and football executive, MJ has spent more than two decades developing players and building winning environments — from youth athletes to professionals, college players to World Cup competitors.
After years of seeing too many young athletes underserved by a system focused on short-term results, he founded DARE to create something different: a high-performance training system designed to raise the standard and help serious players reach their full potential.
The Journey That Built DARE.
Youth · Reserve · 1st Team. Signed as one of nine YTS trainees at The Dell — named among "the best crop of lads we've had in 15 years." Trained and played alongside Alan Shearer, Neil Maddison, Nick Banger and Jeff Kenna. Reached the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup Final vs Aston Villa. Featured in official programmes vs Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Charlton Athletic. Born in Johannesburg, raised in Britain — described as a versatile player capable in defence or midfield.
Professional stint with Cardiff City FC in the Football League.
Southern Division. The headline read "Tate Earns A Point" after a stunning 25-yard equalizer vs Folkestone — evading a defender and hammering a blistering drive beyond the keeper.
Loan spell in the Netherlands with Willem II and VVV Venlo.
Non-league football in the north of England.
Southern League football with Hungerford Town.
Professional football in South Africa.
Continued professional career in South Africa.
Professional playing career spanning three continents. Holds USSF "A" license, UEFA B1/English FA Coaching Certificate, Cal South Instructor and USSF Trainee Instructor certifications.
Owner, Director of Coaching & Head Coach. Built Utah Rush into a powerhouse — led to back-to-back Southeast Division Championships and Southeast Cup Championships.
- → 2008 WU21 National Champions — Donnelly Cup @ Home Depot Center
- → 2008 G91 Nike Premier Division Champions
- → 2008 B91 State Cup Finalist & Premier Division Champions
- → Utah Select Women's Team — USASA National Champions (2008)
Head Coach & Co-Owner in the Women's Premier Soccer League, Victor Valley / High Desert, California. Featured in the Salt Lake Tribune and Victor Valley Daily Press. Built a national roster of college and semi-professional players competing at the highest level of women's soccer.
Invited to FC Bayern München's elite coaching education program at the Allianz Arena in Munich — studying the methodology, structure, and DNA of one of the world's most successful clubs. Sessions included the Bayern Women's Bundesliga programs, player development philosophy, and club identity framework. The same commitment to elite standards that MJ brings to every DARE session.
Founded European Pro Soccer Academy — the #1 camp and training program in the UT, AZ and ID region during the early 2000s. Delivered day camps, week camps and residential programs for boys and girls ages 6–18.
Founded Inter FC by merging EPSA with Cosmos Soccer Club — became the most successful youth club in Utah for a decade. Nationally ranked teams in the top 10 and featured in American Kicker Magazine's Top 100 clubs.
Head Coach, Owner & Director of Coaching. Built Utah Rush into the largest soccer club in the state (~5,000 members) with record back-to-back championships. Co-founded the first WPSL team in the High Desert at So Cal Rush, drawing record attendance and securing a $30K shirt sponsorship with Little Caesars.
Founded Fütworks and the FutPro training device — securing over $1M in capital investment and manufacturing in South Korea. In 2010, signed a 3-year production and marketing agreement with Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington of TV Goods. The Fütworks brand was valued at $5M at deal completion.
Director of Player Development at Tualatin Hills United, overseeing recruitment, retention and scouting. Then Technical Director at BSC Oregon — merged Newberg Soccer Club into BSC Oregon, increasing club revenue by $250K.
Built the most successful youth soccer program in the Pacific Northwest over four years — winning 8 State and Regional titles, achieving the #1 national ranking in Oregon, and increasing revenue by 700%. Named GPS Oregon Coach of the Year.
Tripled the size of OUFC through the pandemic. Launched the Oregon Premier League in conjunction with US Club Soccer. Grew cash revenue 300%+ in 12 months — including a $45K jersey sponsorship with Suzies and a $20K back-of-jersey deal with Mann Mortgage. Negotiated a 10-year multi-field facility partnership. Led the #LetThemPlay campaign from 0 to 30,000+ followers nationally.
MJ Tate · In the field · DARE Training Sessions
"MJ had such a big impact on me, not just in soccer but in the way I believed in myself and approached the game. From a young age, he encouraged me to take risks and think outside the box. He never wanted me to play scared or fit into one style. He gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and play freely, and that's something that has stayed with me throughout my career. He cared about development the right way. It wasn't just about winning games. He wanted me to grow technically, mentally and as a person too."
"I remember Coach Tate being very passionate about the team and striving for visually appealing and technically astute play. As a player, it was always my impression that you called out things the way you saw them and never shied away from asserting the higher mission statement of your work as a coach. Some might liken MJ Tate to a U.S. version of Pep Guardiola. You went out of your way to prepare us — I vividly remember training in a high-altitude simulator facility to get us acclimated to Colorado Springs."
"MJ has knowledge like Albert Einstein in a soccer version and swag like Cristiano Ronaldo. Having the opportunity to be coached by MJ was amazing — I was able to be developed as a great player and as a person. Not many people can say they played at a professional level like I can. I owe my experiences to MJ. I have seen him take teams and individual players that would never have had a chance to win anything and make them winners. He took me under his wing and guided me to the right path."
"I did private and group sessions with MJ when I was younger. His sessions are fun and help develop technical ability. What makes MJ stand out is how much energy he brings to every session. He has a very encouraging and supportive coaching style!"
