From the World Stage to 1UP Soccer: Natalie Martineau
1UP fam, it’s time we highlight another 1UP coach! This week is coach Natalie Martineau!
Natalie Martineau’s soccer journey is one of success and learning.
Hailing from Oakville, Ont., Martineau grew up playing soccer in the Toronto area, representing Oakville Soccer Club, Erin Mills Soccer Club and Dixie Soccer Club.
In 2004, Martineau was named to Canada’s under-17 national team and trained at the national training centre from 2003 to 2007.
She was also a member of Canada’s under-20 national team in 2005, scoring three goals in four games during a college tour in Nebraska.
Martineau represented the under-20 national team at the U.S. Youth Soccer Adidas Cup in Houston in May 2005.
From there, she was scouted to play internationally.
“I went on to play at Louisiana State University on a full scholarship, where my time as a student-athlete further shaped my understanding of high-level training, commitment and team culture,” Martineau said.
During her time at LSU, Martineau earned several honours, including second-team all-Peach Belt Conference in 2009, third-team all-Southeast Region in 2009, LSWA honorable mention all-Louisiana in 2010, LSWA Louisiana newcomer of the year in 2010, first-team all-Louisiana in 2011 and second-team all-SEC in 2011.
A recent move from Ontario to Calgary saw Martineau begin her coaching journey with 1UP in October 2025.
A standout female coach in the program, she made an immediate impact on players, something she values highly.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with motivated athletes and to be part of an environment that values development, effort and positivity,” she said. “I love being able to connect with athletes, push them to improve and watch their confidence grow over time.”
From her first day of coaching, Martineau was impressed by the 1UP community and the energy of its players.
“What makes the 1UP family special is the genuine sense of community. Coaches, athletes and families are all aligned in wanting the best for one another.
“Everyone is invested, and that creates an environment where athletes feel encouraged, challenged and valued,” she added.
Martineau has been involved in several 1UP programs, including small group training, the grassroots skills program, the community outreach program and the Winter Game Changer Camp.
She aims to continue improving every time she puts on the 1UP badge
“I’m looking to continue improving by expanding my ability to coach different age groups and adapt my approach to both boys and girls at various stages of development,” Martineau said.
“I also want to keep learning from other coaches and improve my communication skills so I can better support each athlete’s individual growth.”
Thank you coach Nat for all you do for the 1UP family and we strive to watch you continue your coaching journey!
Click below to view coach Natalie’s full 1UP coaching profile on the 1UP Soccer website
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This Week in Training:
Advanced Finishing!
(January 19th - January 25th)
Advanced Finishing!
This week’s objective:
Players will gain the ability to finish chances in and around the box, with three of the most clinical shooting techniques when in tight situations.
Coaching Points:
Whips (inside of foot) & Trivela (Outside of foot)
Hips Facing Corner Flag
Contact Cheek of ball, with inside (toes up)
Close hips sharply during contact
Big follow through
Chip
Hips facing target
Contact chin of the ball, with top of the toes
NO FOLLOW THROUGH
Click below to view the ENTIRE 2025/26 indoor training menu!
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1UP Sponsorship Opportunity!
1UP fam, we are looking for more sponsors!
If you have a business or know someone who are looking to sponsor either of the 1UP United men’s teams or sponsor 1UP’s youth academy, we have an opportunity for you!
Email 1UPSponsorship@ronic.ca for any sponsorship opportunities for a chance to be the NEXT 1UP Soccer sponsor
Recapping 1UP United’s
Week!
Both 1UP United squads were in action this week with both teams picking up wins!
6v6:
The 1UP United 6v6 team picked up two straight wins in Division 2. The first, a 7-2 coming on Wednesday, Jan. 16 against Neighbourhoods United and the second a 13-2 win against Titans FC on Monday, Jan. 19. 1UP United currently sits in first place in the Division 2 standings with an undefeated 8-0 record!
1UP United’s next 6v6 game is on Saturday, Jan. 24 against Legends FC at 9:30 p.m. at Shouldice Athletic Park Encana NE Field. Come and support your 1UP United 6v6 squad!
Futsal:
The 1UP United futsal team also had two games this week! First was a 3-1 win against SWU Avo on Thursday, Jan. 15. Next was a 3-1 loss to Ambrose University Lions. With the win and the loss, 1UP United sits in 9th place in the CUSA Futsal standings with a 2-6-1 record.
Next for the 1UP United futsal squad is the final match of the season against CJSC Sportif on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex at 5 p.m. Come and spport your 1UP United futsal squad!
Click below to follow 1UP United’s Instagram for the latest team news, scoring updates and other 1UP United related news!
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Thanking our Sponsors:
Earthfix & Italcor
1UP fam, we’d like to give a massive thank you to our sponsors:
EarthFix, 1UP’s youth jersey sponsor and Italcor, 1UP’s men’s team sponsor.
We are excited to have EarthFix as the Youth Academy front of shirt sponsor on a 2 year deal. Founded in 2001, EarthFix are Calgary’s leaders in erosion control and environmental services!
This partnership brings together two organizations that share a commitment to community, growth, and making a positive impact both on and off the pitch. With Earth Fix’s support, our players will take the field in kits that reflect the strength of our partnership and our shared values.
Graham Fisher, 1UP’s founder, commented on what the sponsorship means to him and the academy, “We would like to send Lyndsay and Dylan from EarthFix a heartfelt thank you for their sponsorship,” Fisher said.
“The Nichols have been apart of the 1UP family for years and we hope this only grows our relationship. You will see the beautiful EarthFix logo on our youth academy shirts starting tomorrow at our Advanced Skills Camp!"
Click below to view EarthFix’s website and social media!
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Italcor Concrete Corp!
A special shoutout to Italcor Concrete Corp for sponsoring our 1UP United men’s team currently competing in CUSA Division 4 for the indoor season. Italcor offers an exclusive 1UP discount on all concrete services. Whether you’re dreaming of a new driveway, patio or walkway, contact @italcorconcrete.corp to turn your vision into reality.
Email Enrico at enrico@italcorconcrete.com and mention 1UP for details.
