It's About People

I am from Chicago, IL and I joined CITY in 2015 as I believed it was an organization leading the way in developing soccer throughout Chicagoland.

I started coaching with UK International as a summer camp coach while coaching AYSO Extra programs around Chicago. Before joining CITY I was the Director of the Manchester City FC Community Program at Haas Park in Logan Square.

My ambitions are to win a national hot dog eating competition and continue to develop my coaching skills in youth soccer. I attained my USSF B License in 2022. My favorite team is Manchester United and my favorite food is Chicago's own deep dish pizza!

PEER REVIEW

- has a helpful mentality about him as he wants to assist those around him to try & help in their growth & development. Has good intentions to help everyone.

- working hard to help support coaches development, understands how to get through to coaches with different personalities. He cares about his teams, works on self development constantly, very invested.

- wants to support everyone & make us all better.

- hard working, incredibly dedicated to improving coaching standards across our club. One of the good guys!!

- hardworking in all aspects, helps raise the standard

I am originally from Sugar Land, Texas, where I played college soccer at the University of Houston-Victoria before earning a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown.

Discovering a passion for the sport, I joined Chicago City Soccer Club in 2023, where I found the passion to be a coach.  I enjoy coaching young girls, inspiring them to excel, foster a love for the game, and create a safe, encouraging environment.

Outside of soccer, I enjoy the company of my two dogs, Milo and Koda.  

PEER REVIEW!

- works hard for the club, is consistent, energetic, and always helpful.

- reliable, loyal, and trustworthy.

- strong communication skills & is always looking out for the clubs best interests.

- a strong willingness to learn.

I was born and raised in a small town in New Jersey, just a few miles outside of New Brunswick, home of Rutgers University. I began playing soccer at a young age but began to fall in love with the game once I attended my first professional New Jersey MetroStars soccer match with my recreational team. 

As my passion for the sport continued to grow I carried on playing travel and academy soccer for multiple New Jersey clubs with my last stop before college being NJSA 04, Tab Ramos’s club. Playing at a top level club and High School allowed me the opportunity to be recruited and play D3 soccer at Kean University. In 2020 I graduated with a degree in Business Management. During my time in college, I was also able to go oversees and try to pursue a professional dream with a trial at a Serie D Club outside of Turin, Italy

I hold a USSF D License now, but I began coaching while in college at a grassroots level. I progressed to working with players of all levels from recreational/town teams to elite academy clubs in NJ/NY. My last stop was with the New Jersey Olympic Development (ODP) Program for two years before finally coming to Chicago City in 2023. 

I am excited to continue my coaching journey with Chicago City and thrilled to be part of such a great organization.

My favorite club is Chelsea FC, but also a huge New York Jets fan. My favorite food has to be pizza and although nothing beats a NY style slice of pizza, Chicago is a close second. 

I was born in Mexico City, but my family moved to Chicago when I was just 2 years old. Since then, I’ve developed a deep love for this city.

Growing up watching the Mexican national team, I always knew I wanted to play football. As my playing days came to an end, I found a natural connection to coaching and started coaching a small team back in 2018.

While attending Northern Illinois University, where I recently graduated with a bachelor’s in Sport Management, coaching took a bit of a back seat. However, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue long-term. During the summer of 2023, I interned with Chicago City as part of their game day operations team for the USLW/USL2 teams. I quickly realized that our values and love for the city were aligned. Now, after over a year of being involved with the club, I’m thrilled to begin my coaching journey with CITY!

PEER REVIEW

- positive mentality who's smile is infectious.

- energetic, hardworking & open to wearing multiple hats when needed.

- team player always looking to help others.

Soccer has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved the game, and growing up, I played on my school and university teams, where I learned the value of teamwork, discipline, and hard work. After moving from Lahore to Karachi and eventually back to Lahore, I pursued a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from the Lahore School of Economics.

My coaching journey began in the summer of 2020 in Boston with Viking Sports, where I coached and directed sports camps. That experience really ignited my passion for coaching and helping players develop both their skills and their love for the game.

In January 2023, I made the move to Seattle, where I began coaching the 2014 and 2012 boys teams at Seattle Celtic. It’s been an incredible experience working with these young athletes and watching them grow. That summer, I also had the chance to direct a two-week Nike soccer camp at the University of Washington, further expanding my coaching experience.

I hold USSF 9v9 and 11v11 licenses, and I’m always striving to improve and challenge myself as a coach. For me, soccer is about more than just the game—it’s about teaching valuable life lessons and I've seen first hand how the sport has the ability to bring together people of different backgrounds.

I was born in Dublin, Ireland, and have spent most of my life in Athboy, County Meath. Throughout my youth, I played for several top teams in the area. At 18, I began my journey to the U.S., where I played collegiate soccer in Upstate New York and Iowa.

Most recently, I completed my Master’s Degree in Sports Leadership while serving as the assistant coach for the University of Jamestown Women's soccer team, where we achieved an impressive two-year undefeated record in conference play.

My deep passion for soccer drives my commitment to fostering sports excellence. I believe in creating an environment that nurtures talent, instills values, and offers opportunities for growth both on and off the field. I advocate for a holistic approach to player development, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and character building.

I’m dedicated to building strong partnerships within the Chicago community, as I believe that together we can inspire and empower young athletes to reach their full potential, positively impacting their lives and those around them.

As a devoted Chelsea Football Club supporter, I’ve always admired players like Didier Drogba. I started coaching at 15 with my local club, Athboy Celtic, and my passion for coaching has taken me around the world. I’m also a proud supporter of the Irish national soccer team and cherish the moments I get to attend their games.

One of my fondest memories is watching Ireland defeat Italy 1-0 at the 2016 European Championships—an experience I’ll always treasure, especially given the legendary spirit of Irish supporters.

As I embark on this exciting journey with Chicago City SC, I’m committed to fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration, and respect. I look forward to meeting everyone and getting to know the community!

I grew up in Urbandale, IA, where my love for soccer began. I was fortunate to win two state championships with my club team, JUSC, during high school. My soccer journey then took me to Canton, Missouri, where I played collegiate soccer at Culver-Stockton College. After graduating in 2016, I moved to Chicago to start a corporate sales career, which unfortunately led soccer to take a backseat for a while.

However, I quickly realized how much I missed the game. In 2017, I started volunteering as a coach with another City club and the Chicago Soccer Foundation, reigniting my passion for soccer through coaching. In 2020, I was lucky enough to join Chicago City as a part-time coach, helping Coach Ben launch our Loop location. By 2023, I proudly became a full-time coach to continue contributing to this amazing club.

Chicago City and I share the same values and goals, and the club has provided a platform to instill those values and a love for the game in kids of all ages and skill levels across Chicagoland.

I’ve now been living in Chicago for over 8 years with my wonderful wife, Justine and our dog, Eros. I’m a huge Chelsea FC fan and an avid fisherman, always looking to check off another fish from my "never caught" list.

I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. After pursuing my academic studies in
Ohio, my husband and I landed back in the Fox Valley to raise our family.

My coaching career began when my daughters began their journey into the game of soccer, but
my love of the game began at the age of 4 when I kicked my first soccer ball.

I am a lifelong fan of the game and my favorite teams to watch include Manchester City, the
Chicago Red Stars, and the USWNT.

I am proud to coach for Chicago City Soccer Club , and my daughter is proud to play for the
club.

I was born in Novi Sad, Serbia (at that time the country was called Yugoslavia). Growing up, I adored football (soccer) and when I was 7 years old I joined FC Novi Sad (2nd division club), which was always one of the top youth programs in the country. During my time there, through the high level of expectation I realized quickly I would have to work hard, no shortcuts, which taught me the value of doing things the right way.

I passed all of the levels in the youth program at FC Novi Sad and every year I was a part of the regional team and when I was 17 years old I joined the 1st team and signed my first professional contract. I was part of the 1st team for the next 6 years and then made one appearance for the National U-21 team of Yugoslavia. It was a dream come true and I was on the right path in my career.

I developed minor back problems, and over the years the pain worsened. Doctors eventually gave me a tough choice: stop playing or risk ending up in a wheelchair. Determined to improve, I worked with a physical therapist, followed a strict workout regime, and managed to play for two more years.

In 2003 my wife and I received the opportunity to come to Chicago so she could start her PhD studies. This led to me starting to coach my daughter's preschool team, just for kids to learn the game and have fun.

I began my club coaching career with Chicago Premier SC who were based in the city but in 2016 the club announced that had to fold. I was approached by multiple clubs and when I was introduced to our Founder Nick, I knew CITY would be the place for me. I found like-minded people who cared about player development and I knew that the club had huge potential. I found my new soccer home where everyone is like a family.

Throughout my playing/coaching journey, three things never changed: hard work, having fun, and doing things the right way are always part of my passion for soccer. 

PEER REVIEW

- the father of the group, always looking out for the team which is greatly appreciated by all.

- the warm and kind and is always on hand to offer support.

- mature and reliable, always willing to help with a great sense of humor.

- mood elevator when he walks into the room, a calm presence that helps see the bigger picture.

- great coach and role model for players he works with, putting every bit of energy into working with each player.

- very reliable, hard working, & loyal always putting people first.

My passion for soccer grew as a young kid in CT. I was influenced by my dad's love for the game which was passed down to me. To this day my dad and I still share this connection through the game. He still tells me on the phone about what his over 70s team is doing wrong.

I played youth soccer in CT in a local academy and from an early age my dad would bring me to play men's leagues where I was able to understand the game on a deeper level.

At the age of 18 yrs old I tore my ACL which taught me many lessons that I took on to play collegiate soccer at Springfield College, Lycoming College, and Western Connecticut University.

After College I spent pre season with multiple USL clubs before playing in a showcase in Denmark where I was signed by a club in the Faroe Islands and played full time. I would be able to gain playing experience in Faroe Islands, Poland, and Spain before playing one more professional season in Canada.

Simultaneously I continued my education of the game via video analysis starting at the time of my ACL injury. This pursuit led me to create my own brand (Modern Football Analyst), write two books, work with the likes of Nuri Sahin, Orlando Pirates, and Arsenal F.C. who I currently work for today.

I am looking forward to continuing my work with CITY as we look to truly elevate our players and staff.

I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, in the Mangueira favela, considered the birthplace of samba. The memories of my childhood and youth are closely linked to soccer and samba, as the neighborhood is located next to Brazil's most iconic soccer stadium, the Maracana.

I started playing Futsal for the team that bears the same name as my neighborhood and has the colors green and pink. When I was 12, I switched from Futsal to Soccer and went to play for the Sao Cristovao club, the same club where Ronaldo Nazario started his soccer career.

I came to the USA for the first time in 2019 after finishing my university degree in Physical Education in Rio. Since then I've traveled to a few countries and wherever I am I try to identify how each culture sees and plays soccer.The more I travel the more I see that soccer is not about rules and shirts and angles and pitches. It's about people, about affections, about memories. It's about creating moments for our children to remember in the future, as I am able to remember today, with affection and gratitude to family and friends. Soccer has that power and that magic.

In the 2023-2024 season I completed my UEFA coaching license with the Spanish Football Federation and worked as a coach for the U13 and U9 teams of Rayo Vallecano, a passionate and traditional club in the city of Madrid.

PEER REVIEW

- very ambitious with a strong passion for the game.

- positive individual who is always willing to support others.

- hard worker who shows a willingness to learn & improve.

- a lot of potential at CITY & fits in great with the clubs culture.

My favorite team is Flamengo, whose great idol is Zico. Besides Zico, my favorite players are Marta and Ronaldinho.

I like to spend time with my family and friends, especially if it's on a beach, playing Footvolley or in a “roda de samba”.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, I’ve been passionate about football from a young age. I started playing for Ashbourne United F.C., where my dad, a major influence in my life, coached me. I later played with St. Patrick’s Athletic and Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Academy.

I studied at Coláiste Íde in Dublin, which helped me earn a scholarship to the U.S. At 18, I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to play soccer at Davenport University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2023. I’m currently pursuing my MBA at Roosevelt University, an NCAA Division II institution, where I have the privilege of serving as the Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach.

My coaching journey began at 16 in Ireland and continued with Michigan Rangers F.C. in Grand Rapids, where I coached for five years. I hold a USSF D license and am committed to ongoing learning and growth in coaching. As my dad always says, "the day you stop learning is the day you stop living."

On a personal note, my girlfriend Emma from Grand Rapids, MI, and I recently moved to Lakeview East in Chicago. I enjoy spending time at a lake in the summer, watching Notre Dame college football, and drinking coffee, Barry’s tea, along with any Irish snacks I can find.

PEER REVIEW

- very knowledgeable with great insights into the game.

- positive & optimistic on a daily basis.

- easy to talk with & open to learning each conversation.

- a curiosity to understand everything with a real ambition to be better every day.

- great preparation & always willing to support others.

I'm originally from Bolivia, I grew up in La Paz where I played soccer since I was 5. I played soccer in the Academy team in high School, and I was part of U18 of a ProTeam called Mariscal Braun.  

I was a solid player but not quite exceptional enough to pursue a professional career, which is why I chose to focus on my education. I earned a scholarship to Universidad Privada Boliviana, where I studied electromechanical engineering.

During my time there, I played for the college until I completed my degree. In 2010, I moved to Switzerland to study and live with my wife, my first worry when I arrived there was to play soccer right away fortunately, I found a club and I started to play in different levels from 5th division to 3rd division for 8 years.

My first experience as a coach was in 2017 when I was playing for Lausanne Nord Academy and the club told me if I was interested in coaching a U10 team. The season was not really good, but I liked the experience and I continued to coach in the club until 2020. In this time, I started my formation and obtained my UEFA C license.

I began my journey with Chicago City Soccer Club in September 2020 after relocating to Chicago for my wife’s job. I reached out to Nick to continue my coaching career.

From my initial contact with the club and my first training session, I felt an immediate sense of belonging, as we shared the same vision for the game, making it easy to connect with my fellow coaches. I am grateful for the trust the club has placed in me, and I am committed to helping the next generation of soccer players reach their full potential both on and off the field. In all this years with City I continued my education, working right now to get my USSF B License.

My interest out of soccer are Video games and food. I’m a gamer and a big collector of SNES and N64 games, also I like the food, I’m always trying new recipes and trying all the different food that our beautiful city offers. 

- hardworking, committed, & supportive to his colleagues.

- passionate with a growth mindset to be better each day.

- willing to help others & provide invaluable insight from past experiences.

- adaptable, organized, & competitive, always wants to give his best.

I was born in Mexico and grew up in Santa Cruz California. Then moved here Aurora Illinois where I graduated from West Aurora High School. Soccer was a part of my life from the moment I was born. My dad was a goalkeeper and I grew up watching him play but I wasn’t always a keeper I was a field player first before I was thrown in the goal after our gks were hurt. Never saw the field again and I protected the goal with my life from that moment on. 1994 I wanted to be like Jorge Campos the best goalkeeper Mexicos National team has ever had. I even dressed like him and had all his gear.

After playing and getting to see the soccer world in different countries like Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, England and the USA I decided to give back and show what I have learned throughout my playing years. Chicago City Soccer Club has giving me the opportunities to show the passion and dedication I have for the sport that makes me smile. To get to understand every single player that I come in contact with. To not only know him/her as a player but as a young human being.

I am here to make a difference in someone’s life and share the joy I feel when I coach.

My top clubs are Club America and Manchester City. I am happily married with 4 amazing kids and my wife Gina and 2 dogs Mickey and Minnie. 

I was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into a soccer family. My father played Division 1 soccer at Howard University and all 6 of my siblings play soccer as well. I played for Arsenal FC of PA during my youth. At 14 I was gifted the opportunity to move to Italy and play for the Serie A club Chievo Verona. The experience I gained at Chievo allowed me to join the Barça Academy DA in Arizona for the remainder of my youth career.

After playing college soccer at Elmhurst University, I played in multiple semi-professional leagues around the country. I discovered my love for coaching the game a few years ago through coaching soccer camps as well as training players at TOCA Football. I spent my first year as a team coach with FCX in Barrington and I discovered Chicago City through playing with our USL Program where I was offered an opportunity to make the switch to coaching at the club this fall. 

I love working with young children and building their love for the game of soccer. I’m beyond excited to coach for this amazing club and look forward to seeing what I can offer both the club and the communities we work with.

PEER REVIEW

- coachable with an open mind, willing to learn & improve.

- helpful & supportive with others.

- committed to being better.

- good energy, strong character.

I’m originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, and played college soccer at Davenport University while earning my BBA in Sport Management.

I began coaching during my junior year of college and quickly fell in love with the beautiful game all over again—this time through the lens of mentorship. I especially enjoy working with young girls, inspiring the next generation to break through barriers, build community, find joy through movement, and embrace challenges. I strive to use soccer not only to develop technical skills, but also to teach valuable life lessons along the way.

I am from Leicester, England, where I spent 24 years playing and coaching at my hometown professional club, Leicester City Football Club.

After starting my coaching career with Leicester in 2015, I realized my love for the game from the sidelines and the importance for our youth to have strong mentors in their lives.

I have made it a goal of mine to be an advocate for the girls game here in the USA and beyond. I want to support all players throughout the game by helping elevate them on and off the field, not only as soccer players but as people also.

With CITY I am committed to fostering the growth and development of all players while also utilizing our CITY Care model to ensure our club safety protocols.

I am a passionate Manchester United fan, I love ice cream, enjoying it no matter the weather.

I was born and raised in Meridian, Idaho and started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. I played soccer, softball, and basketball throughout my youth sport experience. I earned my undergraduate degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. During my time at Pacific, I competed in varsity soccer (four years) as well as varsity softball (two years). I continued to pursue my education, earning a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Sport Studies (Sport and Exercise Psychology) from Springfield College and a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology and Sport Studies (Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 

I am currently an Associate Professor and Training Coordinator in the Sport and Human Performance program at Adler University in Chicago, IL, USA. In addition to teaching courses in sport psychology and research, I also oversee all students’ applied training experiences. 

I have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Chicago City since 2018 when I moved to Chicago. The club provides their athletes with several opportunities, including working with our students to develop mental skills (e.g., self-awareness, self-confidence, focus) that will help them on the pitch, and in everyday life.

I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I grew up as a competitive gymnast for USA Gymnastics for 10 years and competed in pole vault and gymnastics for my high school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and communications from Michigan State University, where I was team manager of the MSU Gymnastics team. I currently attend Adler University, where I am earning a dual master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Throughout my athletic experience, I saw the need for sport psychology in athletics. My passion for this field ignited when I saw a sport psychologist during high school. Once I saw the simultaneous improvement of both performance and emotional wellbeing as a result of this process, I knew my dream was to help others in the same way.

I am so excited for the opportunity to provide mental skills training for Chicago City Soccer Club!

I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan where I found my love for sports. Following my older
brother’s footsteps, I participated in soccer, cross country, track and field, and basketball
throughout my childhood.

As I got older, I developed a passion for both basketball and track, but basketball ultimately took top priority and led me to Hope College in Holland, Michigan. I played competitively for one year and spent three years as a student-assistant coach.

Throughout my basketball career I experienced wonderful coaches, but also not-so-great coaches. During this time, I learned what characteristics I wanted to adopt and avoid as a certified mental performance consultant, along with how I can best serve others. Specifically, my college coach taught me how to value interpersonal relationships, hard work, and success. It was here that I learned important lessons, increased my passion for helping others, and was able to walk away with a National Champion title.

Currently, I am a second-year graduate student at Adler University working to earn a master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance. Through this internship, I aim to help athletes increase their mental skills and performance, while approaching each individual with a holistic perspective.

I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with Chicago City
Soccer Club!

I grew up in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, where I fell in love with various sports. I
participated in softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse throughout my childhood. As I got older, I continued playing basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse throughout high school. I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Auburn University. While I did not plan to play any sports in college, I joined the women’s club lacrosse team because I missed being involved in athletics.
Currently, I attend Adler University, where I am earning a master’s degree in Sport and
Human Performance. As part of my program, I have been working with two different externship sites. One being the City of Chicago Soccer Club and the other being Evanston Township High School. My love for sports has only grown since entering this field. It allows me to remain connected and involved in the sport world, while also teaching athletes different skills and
techniques to help them reach their full potential. I aspire to offer mental skills training to as many athletes and sport organizations as I can.
Outside of my work with my two sites, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going on
walks, trying different workout classes, and reading. When I can, I love to travel home to see my niece and nephew, as well as the rest of my family and all of our animals!