EDP Soccer honors 30 Promising Young Coaches under the age of 30

EDP Soccer recognized a group of 30 Promising Young Coaches under 30-years-old, participating in EDP leagues this season.

The honorees were determined based on nominations from club directors, based on the merits of hard work, dedication and competency in their abilities to develop players and teams.

“Being a soccer coach at the youth level requires dedication, time and a great deal of patience,” said Simon Collins, Technical Director of EDP Soccer. “Our sport continuously evolves and for soccer to be the preeminent sport in the US we need the up and coming young coaches that are listed on our 30 under 30 to drive the development of our players. Congratulations to the young women and men listed below. We look forward to watching you shape the future of soccer in our country.”

See below for the full list of coaches:

Brandon Adler
Jersey Crew SC
28 years old

After graduating from Providence College, Adler returned to New Jersey and is now a coach with Jersey Crew SC. In his playing days, Adler starred for New York Red Bulls Academy before heading to Providence College, where he was a four year starter and won numerous accolades including All Big East, Big East All-Tournament Team, Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Defensive Player, NSCAA Great Lakes All-Region and Team MVP. As a coach with Jersey Crew SC Vipers and Cobras, Adler led his teams to an EDP League Championship and also to a NJYS Presidents Cup final. He is described as a real player’s coach, whose passion, patience and selflessness make him a true leader.

Nick Bombard
PA Dominion FC
25 years old

After a successful college career, in which he was a conference champion at Philadelphia University and All Conference his freshman year at Alvernia, Bombard found his passion in coaching. In a short time, he has become instrumental in the success of PA Dominion FC. He is currently coaching the 2003 Boys, 2003 Girls and 2008 Girls, as well as assisting in training almost all teams at the club. His positive attitude and high energy is infectious with the players, and makes him very well respected among the families at the club. He currently holds his USSF ‘D’ license and is also a college coach at Jefferson University.

Emily Bradford
Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC)
25 years old

Bradford has been working with the Zone 1 Girls program at SAC and has done a tremendous job of developing players. Working with the U10 and U12 age groups, Bradford has been able to move numerous players up to the top teams in the club. She is a student of the game and focuses on the holistic development of players. She is a fantastic role model for the girls and is a very passionate and positive culture driven coach.

Morgan Burchardt
Albany Alleycats
24 years old

After a highly successful college career at St Rose College, Burchardt returned to her youth club to work with the next generation of Albany Alleycats players. Burchardt had to overcome significant adversity in her collegiate career — following an All-American sophomore season she tore her ACL her junior season and then again her redshirt junior season. During her time away from her college team while rehabbing those two years, Burchardt came back to the club she called home and channeled her competitive drive into coaching in the club’s youth academy. Her drive to play and return to form was an inspiration to Alleycat players who got to watch her return to the field for Saint Rose in 2018 and return to All-American form when she led the school to the NCAA Division 2 final four in 2019. In her first year removed from college soccer she has dived into coaching with the clubs 02/03 and 04 girls teams.

Juan Candela
Wall SC
22 years old

The youngest coach on the list, Candela has been instrumental in the success of the Wall SC Elite program. Working with the club’s younger teams, he has helped develop top players that have gone to play for state championships at all levels. In his playing days, Candela trained with Boca Juniors in Argentina, and played collegiately at College of Staten Island. Candela has a USSF ‘D’ license, and is described as calm, positive, encouraging, understanding and driven.

Ian Carmella
Real Jersey FC
26 years old

After a college soccer career at Stockton University, Caremlla joined the Real Jersey FC coaching staff and now works with the 2011, 2009, and 2008 girls. He has become an important part of the staff with a girls programming that is rapidly becoming one of the best in the state. He led the 2009 girls to a 2nd place finish in EDP’s top division, the 2008 girls play in the USYS National League Mid Atlantic Premier I division and the 2011 girls are one of the strongest teams in the EDP Futures league. In addition to his role with Real Jersey FC, Carmella is a college coach his second year on the coaching staff with Stockton University’s Men’s program.

Michael Custidiano
Cedar Stars Academy – Bergen
29 years old

Custidiano is Cedar Stars Academy Bergen Head of Sports Performance and also the coach of 2009 Boys Pre-Academy & 2011 Boys Pre-Academy. He helped the 2009 boys achieve a #1 ranking in the Country and led the team to be EDP Cup Fall 2020 Champions. Over the years, Custidiano has consistently developed players to play at the very highest level in the country. Through hard work and dedication, he has established himself as a key staff member at the club and is a valuable asset both on and off the field. His coaching style instills hard work in his players which gives them the confidence and belief to attack any challenge in front of them. As a player, Custidiano played collegiately for Kean University who won the 2010 NJAC Conference Championship. He currently holds a USSF ‘C’ license.

Sage Dieterle
Long Island SC
24 years old

After a college soccer career at Adelphi University, Dieterle joined Long Island Soccer Club while still playing with the Long Island Roughriders in the UWS. Dieterle got an early start in the coaching world, working with CFC when she was 17. With Long Island SC, Dieterle coaches the Girls 2007 Premier and the Girls 2008 Orange. Dieterle is described as very driven and passionate about teaching the game, and always eager to learn and grow as a coach. She currently holds a USSF ‘D” license.

Justin Duque
New York Red Bulls
25 years old

After playing NCAA Division 1 soccer for powerhouse program St John’s University, Duque returned to NJ where he was a star youth player for TSF Academy and a two time national champion with St Benedict’s Prep. Duque joined New York Red Bulls in 2017 and after excelling within the clubs grassroots program and was promoted to work with the clubs U10 Pre-Academy Teams in 2019. He currently coaches the club’s 2011 boys, and his ability to connect with the clubs younger players is second to none which enables him to create an incredible learning environment for them.

Rick Domico
Yardley Makefield Soccer (YMS)
28 years old

A star player for Penn State Abington, Domico was named All-Conference and was the team’s leading scorer as a junior, and scored 10 goals his senior year. Following graduation, Domico joined the coaching staff at Penn State Abington, and is now a coach with YMS. With the club, Domico is coaching the 2010 and 2005 boys, who are a part of the USYS National League Mid Atlantic Conference. Domico has great technical and tactical knowledge, is very detail orientated, and his energy and communication really resonates with his players.

Declan Duffin
Cedar Stars Academy – Hudson Valley
28 years old

Originally from Scotland, Duffin moved to America in 2013 where he began coaching with SDA. After serving as the Youth Development Director at CSA Bergen West, Duffin joined CSA Hudson Valley in 2020 as the Zone 1 Director. In addition to his role as Zone 1 Director, he is the head coach of the 2007 Boys and 2008 Boys who participate in the USYS North Atlantic National League Conference. He currently holds a USSF ‘B’ license, USC DOC Diploma, and a SFA Level 3 Badge.

Damari East
Quick Touch Futbol
25 years old

East grew up starring for several clubs in NJ during his youth career. Following his youth and collegiate career, East spent time playing overseas in Italy for a few years and then played with the NJ Teamsters in the NISA. Beginning as a coach at 18 years old, he has quickly become one of the top technical trainers in the state. Along with club director Innocent Buule, East has helped develop each of the club’s teams to play some of the most attractive soccer across all of EDP. His passion and enthusiasm is evident in every session and game that he coaches, and his players feed off that creating a great energy and environment.

Paul Erne
New England Surf
26 years old

Originally from San Diego, CA, Erne attended college on the east coast and had a fantastic collegiate career at UMass Boston and Endicott College. After graduation, he worked with San Diego professional team Albion Pros in 2016, and as Director of First Team Operations at FC Breitenrain, Bern, Switzerland. With New England Surf, one of the top clubs in the USYS National League New England Conference, he coaches the Boys 2009 State Navy, Boys 2004 State Blue, and Surf 2003 Boys while also serving as the clubs Director of Marketing and Director of the clubs South Shore Region. Erne is also an assistant coach at UMass Boston, and holds his UEFA ‘B’ License, SVF ‘C’ License, and Swiss Analysis License.

Victoria Gemma
Stateline SC
29 years old

A former collegiate player at Bloomfield College and Ocean County College Women’s team, she won Conference and Regionals Championships in 2009 and 2010. With Stateline SC, she coaches the 2006 Girls, 2005 Girls, 2012 Girls and is currently an assistant coach at Hoboken High School. Since joining the club in 2016 she has become an important asset to the program. She recently became involved with helping run the day to day of the club and oversees all aspects of the club’s social media.

Quinn Khouri
Thunder SC
27 years old

A Maryland native, Khouri was a member of the MSYSA ODP program before playing at Centenary University. At Centenary, he set the record for most points and most goals and was a four-time All Conference Selection as well as being named All Region. With Thunder SC, he is the coach for the U10 Dynamo, U11 Red Stars, and U17 River Plate and holds a USSF ‘D’ license. He is well organized, can clearly articulate what he is looking for with his players, and is able to establish a good rapport with his players and their families. His enthusiasm combined with discipline and hard work make him one of the players favorite coaches at the club. He also serves as Marriotts Ridge High School Varsity Boys Head Coach.

Cory Leggiero
FC Dutchmen
29 years old

After being a four-year starter at Cazenovia College, Leggiero has made a big impact in the coaching world in the NY Capital District. He has coached at both Amsterdam and Schenectady High Schools, and is now the Head Coach at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. In 2016, he was named Mountain Valley Coach of the Year NJCAA. With FC Dutchmen, he coaches both the U17 boys Battery and U14 girls Pride in the USYS National League North Atlantic Conference. He holds a USSF ‘D’ license.

Scott Maloney
Morris Elite SC
28 years old

Maloney joined Morris Elite SC after working with both the Long Island Rough Riders and Long Island SC. With Long Island Rough Riders, he was promoted from youth administration to Technical Director which led to his role with Long Island SC. With Long Island SC, he helped launch the boys program, and also coached in the US Soccer Girls Development Academy. In 2019, he joined Morris Elite as Director of Coaching and Director of Soccer Operations. Since joining the club, he has helped the club reach new levels. In addition to his director roles, he is the head coach of the 2006 and 2011 girls. Maloney currently holds his USSF ‘C’ license and is working towards his ‘B’ license.

Adam Marcu
FA Euro NY
29 years old

In his youth, Marcu played for Met Oval and played collegiately for Wesleyan University. With FA Euro, he played for the clubs USL Two team, and also serves as the club’s Director of Youth Operations. Marcu currently coaches the 2005 Academy, and 2007 Academy boys, and has won several tournaments with the teams. During Covid, he created online skill exercises, strength and conditioning programs, and held classroom tactical sessions through Zoom for the club. Marcu holds a USSF ‘C’ license and is passionate about the game and incredibly detail oriented. He understands the evolving developmental needs of players over time and he is able to adapt his approach as the players develop and grow. Marcu creates a connection with all players and is always available to them.

Scott Maxwell
STA
29 years old

A native of England, Maxwell has a great track record of success as a coach since arriving in the United States. A FA level 1 and USSF licensed coach, Maxwell uses his passion and leadership to motivate his teams. He has won EDP League championships at all levels of the league, and has also won an NJYS Presidents Cup, as well as working with a team who won a national championship. With STA, he is currently working with the 2011 Boys, 2010 Boys and 2008 Boys.

Kelly McDonald
Kearny Thistle United
27 years old

McDonald has undeniable commitment to player growth and education. She is a school teacher and high school coach, and coaches the 2012, 2011, 2010 girls teams for Kearny Thistle United. She is the architect behind the resurgence of the clubs girls program which she has done by creating a pathway from pre-k kickers to pre-travel 4v4 into travel 7v7. Through her efforts, Kearny Thistle United has fielded the youngest EDP girls teams in club history at U9 and U10. She is a great role model for her players, and in July of 2020 was named SkyBlue TeamSnap Most Valuable Coach.

Jake Nesteruk
Next Level SA
26 years old

A former goalkeeper at TCNJ, Nesteruk now works with NLSA and is the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Central Bucks East. He has changed the culture of the girls program, and the players really buy into the competition he creates, pushing players during every session. Nesteruk holds all of his players accountable, and is very big on character development, which in turn has created genuine connections with all of his players, his parents, and fellow coaches. He currently has a USSF ‘E’ license and USC National license.

Javier Oliva
Barca Academy Northern Virginia
27 years old

During his 18 months with Barça Academy Northern Virginia, Oliva has progressed from his role as a coach to an Age Group Coordinator. He is currently coaching the 2010 Boys Blue and 2003 Boys Blue and is also working to develop a new injury prevention educational program for the club’s senior Academy players. His enthusiasm and passion for the game and helping players to grow and be better on and off the pitch has led him to be a leader at the club. He is a mentor to new coaches and he has a great ability to communicate with parents and translate the Barça methodology to both players and parents. He brings a positive energy and enthusiasm to his teams and the club and his enthusiasm is contagious throughout the staff and players. Oliva holds a UEFA ‘A’ license.

Stephen Polimeni
FC Sesa
26 years old

A former collegiate player at Molloy College, Polimeni has worked with FC Sesa for over 5 years and was promoted to Director of Coaching in 2020. He currently coaches the FC SESA Strikers 04 NL, FC SESA Academy 2008, and has led the 04 Strikers into the USYS National League North Atlantic Premier I division, and the 08 boys into Premier II. The teams have won several EDP tournaments, and the club has continued to grow under the direction of Polimeni. He is also guiding the club’s high school age players through the college process, making sure the players have the correct balance of soccer and academics. Polimeni is described as committed, approachable and dedicated to a proper style of soccer.

Louis Rizo
Marlboro SA
25 years old

After playing collegiately at Keystone and Kings College, Rizo returned home to Monmouth County, NJ and began working with CTR and Marlboro SA. As Head Coach of the Pre-Travel Program, Rizo uses innovative training and small sided gameplay to help young players reach their highest potential. In the last two years, he has helped grow the clubs U7 program which feeds into the clubs EDP teams. He currently coaches MSA 2012 Spartans Blue, and MSA 2013 Thunder Blue, with the teams having strong showings in EDP Tournaments and EDP Future Festivals. Rizo is also an Assistant Coach at College of St. Elizabeth, and is working towards his USSF ‘C’ license.

Luke Schultz
FC USA
21 years old

At just 21 years of age, Schultz has already been a tremendous asset to FC USA. A great motivator and team builder, he was able to take over the FC USA Lightning 2007 Girls and build a great environment which led to an undefeated season in the EDP South Atlantic Premier IV division. He takes the time to teach each player individually, to incorporate team lessons, and to guide them off the field as well. In addition to the team’s undefeated fall season, they had more than one third of the players earn the FC USA Academic Excellence Award for straight As in school. He gives so much of his time to the players for their development and always continues to push his own boundaries by learning from other coaches.

Madison Tiernan
Hillsborough SC
25 years old

A standout at Rutgers University, and a former Sky Blue player, Tiernan coaches in the Hillsborough SC girls program. She currently works predominantly with the clubs Zone 1 teams and also the club’s Pre-HS girls team. Along with team training, Tiernan works with players in the club’s Short Sided Soccer programs and Individual Clinic Programs. Since joining the club, she has been a role model and an inspiration for all of our girls she works with and has elevated the level of the girls program in the first year. The players absolutely love her and always can’t wait to get back on the field to be with her. She is also a Volunteer Assistant Coach with the Rutgers Women’s Soccer team.

Cris Ugarte
TSF Academy
25 years old

A native of Clifton NJ and former player at Ramapo College, Ugarte is one of the top young coaches at TSF Academy. As a member of the USYS National League Mid Atlantic Conference and MLS Next, TSF Academy has a proven player pathway, and Ugarte is working in Zone 1 with the 2012 boys developing the clubs future stars. His patience, perseverance, planning, and reliability make him an excellent fit in the clubs Zone 1 programming, and has led to him also working with other teams within the club. Ugarte holds a USSF ‘D’ License and is currently working towards USSF ‘C’ License’.

Dimitrios Vassiliadis
FC Copa Academy
26 years old

A former standout player, Vassiliadis played professionally in Cyprus for THOI Lakatamias in 2017 and Olympiakos Lefkosias from 2014-2016 after his collegiate playing career at Rutgers University. With FC Copa Academy, he coaches the 2004 Girls Red, 2005 Girls Red, 2007 Girls Black and is also the Marketing Manager. As a coach, he has the ability to inspire his young players both on and off the field. He is dedicated to becoming a better and more influential coach, and currently has a USSF ‘E” license.

Natalie Wilson
Princeton SA
25 years old

A four-year starter at Albright College, Wilson made 74 appearances and was named to the MAC Academic Honor Roll in all four seasons. She is currently coaching PSA Princeton ’12 Elite Girls, PSA Princeton ’09 Elite Girls, and PSA Princeton ’08 Elite Girls, and her creativity and selflessness has really allowed her to connect with the players. In addition to her role at PSA, she is the Trenton Catholic Academy High School Girls Soccer coach and currently plays for Philadelphia Lone Star FC Women in the WPSL. Wilson holds a USSF ‘D’ license.

Alexander Wrona
Ajax Premier
24 years old

In addition to a great playing career with George Mason University and Bryant University in college, and Western United Pioneers in USL PDL, Wrona has also been coaching since he was a teenager and currently coaches several teams for Ajax Premier. A real student of the game, Wrona also works with Southington High School Men’s Soccer and the University of Hartford Women’s Soccer program. He has also worked with FieldPlayer Academy, Challenger Sports, and SoccerPlus Camps where he had the opportunity to work collaboratively with former Head Women’s National Team Coach and Olympic Gold Medalist Tony DiCicco. He currently holds his USSF ‘D’ license.