Derek Szanto is originally from San Diego, CA. As a youth player, he won 4 US Soccer National Championships and was involved with the USYNT. Derek attended Oregon St. University, played professionally in the USA for the Kitsap Pumas, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Colorado Switchbacks, and in England for Accrington Stanley, Macclesfield Town, and Burscough FC.

Since then, Derek has dedicated his time to improving the learning environment and enjoyment of youth players at ALBION SC. Derek currently holds his USSF C License and has been coaching full time for over 5 years.

Derek Szanto oversees the Pre-MLS player development pathway and manages the Development Academy teams U7-U10 and the coaching staff, assuring the program that the coaches, teams and players are in line with the curriculum and developing within the ALBION SC structure. In addition, Derek will be providing all of the U7-U10 teams with additional training days and implement many different aspects to the program that will assist the program in developing our players. The Development Program at ALBION SC is one that is very structured with an Academy setting and curriculum. Within the Development program there are expectations for each player to come away with that we will allow us to have one of the highest standards of youth players in the country.