Parkside Athletics

Albert Martin joined the Parkside women’s soccer program as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach in February of 2026. He brings more than 25 years of experience developing athletes at the youth, collegiate, and elite club levels.

A former collegiate goalkeeper, Martin holds a USSF C License and an NSCAA Goalkeeper Diploma, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University. Throughout his coaching career, he has built a strong reputation for developing goalkeepers and guiding players through the college recruiting process.

Martin has served in a variety of leadership roles with elite Chicago-area programs, including Seekers FC Chicago/Sockers FC as a staff coach, goalkeeper trainer, director of goalkeeping, and director of college placement. He most recently worked with Chicago Edge Soccer Club (2024–2026) as director of goalkeeping and college placement consultant, and currently continues his work with True Player Development and Camp Shutout as a goalkeeper recruiting consultant and trainer.

His coaching philosophy centers on functional, game-realistic training, emphasizing position-specific technique, decision-making, mental resilience, and performing under pressure. Martin has mentored numerous goalkeepers and field players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.

In addition to his soccer background, Martin recently retired after a distinguished career as a firefighter/paramedic with the Village of Palatine Fire Department. He brings the same leadership, discipline, accountability, and commitment to service into his coaching, helping student-athletes excel both on the field and in their academic and personal lives.