About Henry Aiyenero

Henry Aiyenero holds a U.S. Soccer Federation “A” License and a Canada Soccer Association “B” License, along with a United Soccer Coaches (USC) Premier Diploma and a USSF National Youth License. He currently serves as the Technical Director and Head of Player Development at the Aiyenero School of Excellence (ASE).

Aiyenero brings decades of international playing and coaching experience, along with the energy, passion, and commitment needed to develop successful athletes both on and off the field. His mission is rooted in building a diverse, player-centered soccer culture that encourages growth, learning, and a lifelong love of the game:

“I am dedicated to helping create a soccer culture that is a diverse learning community and allows players to grow and to develop a growth mindset toward learning.”

A former Chicago Fire FC MLS Next Academy Coach, Aiyenero has also held leadership roles across the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, he served as the Director of Soccer Operations for Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer (TBAYS)in Traverse City, Michigan. Prior to that, he was the Director of Coaching for Stingers SC in Evergreen, Colorado.

His coaching resume includes collegiate and youth development roles such as:

  • Assistant coach for both the Edgewood College men’s and women’s programs

  • Associate Youth Director at Middleton Yahara SC (now Rush Wisconsin)

  • Player/Assistant Coach for the Madison 56ers in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)

  • Wisconsin Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaching staff member

  • Coaching education instructor for licensing courses

Originally from Nigeria and raised in Canada, Aiyenero played college soccer at Bethel College before launching a professional playing career with clubs in Hong Kong and Brazil. His wide-ranging background enriches his approach to coaching, emphasizing technical development, cultural inclusivity, and competitive excellence.

Aiyenero School of Excellence (ASE)

Inspiring Growth. Building Skill. Empowering Players.

At Aiyenero School of Excellence (ASE), we welcome players of all levels who are eager to deepen their understanding of the game and master the fundamental skills required to succeed in soccer. We offer training for individuals, small groups, and full teams, with a focus on intentional development and long-term growth.

Our philosophy is built on a simple yet powerful belief:

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best you are capable of being.”

We strive to create a training environment where every player is inspired, challenged, and empowered. At ASE, we believe that in order to truly develop a player, we must first understand the player. That’s why we invest in building meaningful, lasting relationships—one player at a time.

Leadership & Player Development

As Technical Director, Henry Aiyenero oversees all coaching and player development within ASE. His role includes:

  • Leading all training sessions, camps, and tournaments

  • Reinforcing ASE’s player development philosophy and curriculum across all levels

  • Providing mentorship to volunteer coaches in the community

  • Conducting private, group, and team training sessions each week

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for developing players both on and off the field, ASE continues to be a trusted resource for athletes striving to reach their full potential.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS

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  • Certified USSF “A” License Coach

  • Certified USC Premier License Coach

  • Certified CSA “B” License Canada Soccer Association

  • Certified USSF National Youth License and Youth Modules Instructor

  • Coaching Staff with Wisconsin State Regional Olympic Development Program

  • Colorado Soccer Association teaching instructor; teaching coaching licensing courses

  • Michigan State Youth Soccer Association; teaching coaching license course

What others say about Henry Aiyenero

"Coach Aiyenero has several qualities that make him an excellent coach: He has endless energy to devote to the game and players, he has a very good concept of the game as a player coupled with an ability to transmit those ideas to younger players, and mainly Henry's love of the game as well as working with people shines through every day."

- Jim Launder, Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching

"His energy and passion is infectious, and players of all ages and gender truly enjoy learning from him."

- Vince Ganzberg, U.S Soccer Academy staff coach

"He has worked the Notre Dame soccer camps for many years as age group director and has a truly wonderful personality. The youngstars who attend camp just love him. His personality, his ability as a player and his coaching make him an excellent ambassador."

- Bobby Clark, Notre Dame men's soccer coach