"COACHING IS TAKING A PLAYER

WHERE THEY CANNOT TAKE THEMSELF"

Our Coaches – B1 Soccer Academy

At B1 Soccer Academy, our coaches are committed to providing the best training and development for our players. With extensive experience and a passion for youth soccer, our coaching team helps each player grow in skill, confidence, and passion for the game. We focus on not only improving technical ability but also fostering important values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Each coach is dedicated to creating a positive and challenging environment that pushes players to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

Meet the Team

  • Sergio Alfaro

    Director of Coaching

    From: California, USA
    Nationality: Costa Rican

    Playing History:

    Costa Rica National Team (U15 to U20)

    U15 UNCAF Champion

    U17 Professional (Second Division, Costa Rica – Futbol Consultants)

    U18 (Third Division, Spain – UE Cornella)

    Coaching History:

    UEFA B License

    Director of Coaching (DOC) at B1 Soccer Academy for 4 years

    Fun Facts:

    Attended the same school as Messi and Suárez's kids

    Scored 2 professional goals as a goalkeeper

  • Marcelo 'Chelo' Herran

    (U18 - 2007)

    From: Montevideo, Uruguay
    Nationality: Uruguayan

    Playing History:

    College and University League

    Coaching History:

    5 years competitive youth coach at B1 Soccer Academy

    Fun Fact:

    Supports Club Nacional de Football from Uruguay

  • Rony Rodriguez

    U16 - (2010)

    From: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

    Nationality: Honduras / Catracho

    Coaching History:

    US Soccer 11v11 Grassroots License

    8 years at LYSA

    3 years at B1 USA

    Founder of Lightning City FC

    Fun Facts:

    Supports FC Barcelona and Club Olimpia


  • Xavier 'Xavi' McDonald

    U13 - (2013)

    From: Florida, USA
    Nationality: Cuban / American

    Playing History:

    9 years youth soccer

    Coaching History:

    USSF Grassroots 9v9 & 11v11 license

    Pursuing D License

    B1, Gateway HS, and Varsity MS

    Dimitri Cup Champions, 2x SWFL Invitational Champions, EDP League Champions, Highschool undefeated season, Middle School undefeated regular season

    Plays for Fort Myers City FC

    Fun Facts:

    Left soccer in college for American football as a placekicker, played 3 years at the D1 level

  • Keshore Samaroo

    U11 - (2015)

    From: Trinidad
    Nationality: Trinidadian

    Coaching History:

    U.S. Soccer Federation USA F License, USA Grassroots

    President of LYSA (2019)

    3 years at LYSA

    LYSA Recreational Program (U8–U12)

    Assistant Coach at Mariner High School (Girls)

    Head Coach at Lehigh Senior High School (Girls)

  • Grady 'Coach Lee' Lee

    Movement Specialist/ Speed Agility Quickness (SAQ) (U10-U18)

    From: Tennessee, USA

    Nationality: American

    Coaching History:

    Golden Wings Academy - Co Founder, Director of Operations

    7 years of experience coaching speed, agility, and quickness, helping athletes across multiple sports reach their peak athletic performance.

    Fun Facts:

    Avid musician that loves to create music

  • Nader Soliman

    (U14/U15 - 2012/2013)

    From: Cairo, Egypt

    Playing History:

    Egypt El Shams Sporting Club, North Olmsted Premier, Cuyahoga College (NJCAA Ohio State Champs).

    Coaching History:

    25+ years experience. GPS, Lee County Strikers, Elite SA, Azzurri. High school HC: Gateway Charter, Riverdale, SFCA. USSF D License. Pursuing UEFA B. OHSAA and FHSAA Highschool license.

    Fun Fact:

    Coached against Messi’s son in the Florida Academy League.