Ambersley building the next generation of soccer stars in St. Louis

Mike Ambersley’s professional playing career took him all across the United States over the course of 11 years, but today, the former Minnesota United forward is firmly planted back where it all began. Since hanging up his boots, Ambersley has dedicated his post-playing career to youth soccer development in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Minnesota connection

Before his move into coaching, Ambersley carved out a distinguished career as a reliable forward in the American lower divisions. Following a standout collegiate career at Indiana University where he won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2003 and 2004, he was drafted by FC Dallas in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. His journey eventually led him to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he won the 2012 North American Soccer League (NASL) championship and was named to the league’s Best XI team.

In August 2013, Minnesota United acquired the veteran forward in a trade with Tampa Bay. Ambersley brought instant championship experience to the squad during the club’s NASL era, making 12 appearances for the Loons during the latter half of the 2013 season. He then moved on to join the expansion Indy Eleven the following year.

A return to his roots

Ambersley had the unique honor of being the first-ever player signed by his hometown club, Saint Louis FC, ahead of their inaugural USL season in 2015. He spent the final two years of his playing career representing his city before officially announcing his retirement from professional soccer in January 2017.

He didn’t stay away from the pitch for long. Almost immediately following his retirement, Lou Fusz Athletic (formerly Lou Fusz Soccer Club) announced that Ambersley was joining their staff as the Director of Player Development and Identification for their Blue Star Development Program.

Shaping the future

Today, Ambersley remains heavily involved in the St. Louis youth soccer scene. In addition to his directorial duties guiding the curriculum for Lou Fusz Athletic, he works extensively as a private youth coach.

Having played at the highest levels of the American domestic game, he focuses his private training sessions on passing down the technical details of the sport. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamental ball skills, including first touch, passing, shooting, and dribbling, utilizing the same drills he experienced throughout his own youth and professional career. For the young players in the St. Louis area, having a former pro like Ambersley to lean on provides a direct link between the city’s rich soccer history and its next generation of talent.