EDP Soccer has announced its list of 30 Promising Young Coaches for 2025. Each of the coaches are under the age of 30 and represent clubs that compete in EDP Soccer Leagues.
Nominations for the list are made by club directors, and each coach selected is recognized for their hard work, dedication, and ability to develop players and teams.
“EDP Soccer appreciates all the hard work the member clubs do mentoring these young coaches.” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of EDP Soccer Leagues. “EDP Soccer looks forward to seeing these coaches on the sidelines this Spring in EDP Leagues and Tournaments, and we are fortunate to have them be a part of the EDP Family.”
See below for the full list of 2025 EDP Soccer Promising Young Coaches:
Megan Allaway - Long Island Soccer Club
22 Years Old
Megan grew up in England and played at University in England before coming to the United States. She has piloted many programs for the LISC Zone 1 players and for the LI Rough Riders Program and was instrumental in building the foundation for the clubs 2014 Academy team which won its division this past Fall. She holds a UEFA C License.
Emilio Alvarado - FC Copa Academy
27 Years Old
Emilio, a native of Allentown, PA, has been working in the soccer world for the past eight years. During this time, he began to specialize in video analysis and gained years of experience working at the MLS Next, adult, and collegiate levels including Sporting Athletic, Allentown United, Pennsylvania Prime, and Muhlenberg College. He holds his UEFA B license, gaining this qualification in Germany this past Summer.
Ethan Blakely - Hoboken United
25 Years Old
Ethan played at Moravian College for four years before playing semi-pro in Spain for two years. Named 2024 Red Bulls Youth Programs Rookie of the Year, he was also the Assistant Coach for Pequannock Township High School Varsity Soccer Fall 2023. He holds a UEFA C License.
Ismael Bravo - Cedar Stars Academy Hudson Valley
24 Years Old
Ismael transitioned to the coaching world after his collegiate career at Mount Saint Mary's College where he won two Skyline Championships. In Spring of 2024, he led the club’s 2014 Boys to EDP North Atlantic Division Championship. Known for being passionate, positive, and professional, he holds a USSF C License.
Emanuele Cocuzza - Juventus Academy DC Metro
24 Years Old
Emanuele grew up playing in Italy for Luciano Manara Club before moving to America where he was three-time Potomac Valley Athletic Conference at Washington Waldorf School. In addition to coaching at the club, he is their Assistant Director of Coaching, an Assistant Coach for Montgomery College Men’s Soccer Program, and a Maryland ODP Coach. He has five years of coaching experience and holds a USSF C License.
Michael Crentsil - Cedar Stars Academy – North
28 Years Old
Known as "Coach Nana," he is a proud product of Cedar Stars Academy and St. Benedict’s Prep. From his time as a standout player at the club and high school levels, to excelling for Division 1 program St. Peters and representing the Cedar Stars USL 2 team, Coach Nana has embodied the values of hard work and dedication. Now in his third year as a coach with CSA, he continues to inspire the next generation of players with his passion, drive, and a unique blend of authority and calmness. His presence motivates players on both the girls' and boys' sides to give their all in training and on the field, setting the standard for excellence within the Cedar Stars community.
Matt DeLima - AC Connecticut
24 Years Old
Matt is the head coach of the 13U and 14U National League sides and is a product of the local Danbury High School. Matt is known for his energy, passion, and ability to clearly communicate with his players. A true student of the game, he holds a UEFA B License.
Sarah DeWitt - Maryland Rush
24 Years Old
Sarah played five years of NCAA D1 Soccer with four at St. Francis Brookly and one at George Mason University. She then played professional soccer in Australia for one year and played seasons in the USL W for Nothern VA FC and UWS for Brooklyn City FC and Coppermine SC. She is the Head Coach of the 2012 Girls in USYS National League and Assistant Coach of 2011 Girls also in National League. The 2011 Girls were 2024 USYS National League Quarterfinalists and 2023 State Cup Semi-finalists. She is also a Maryland ODP Coach. She holds a USSF D License and is taking the USSF C license this Spring.
Cristian Escobar - United FC
21 Years Old
Cristian played at nearby Amityville Memorial High School and Division1 Program Long Island University. He is a proven winner as a player, winning a State Championship at Amityville and NEC Champion with LIU. Coaching for only two years, he has shown rapid and tremendous growth in such a short amount of time. He has once again shown his winning touch, claiming victories with two EDP League Champions and a finalist spot at the EDP Cup.
Tarek Fahmy - Manhattan Kickers FC
24 Years Old
Tarek played for top youth clubs Manhattan Kickers FC, BW Gottschee, and Met Oval Academy. He is the coach of the club’s 2016 team, training them starting from six-year-olds. The first year of competing at 9U, the team won their first outdoor league, the NJ State Futsal Cup, the US Youth Futsal Northeast Regional, and other tournaments, keeping an undefeated record. He holds a USSF D License.
Fernando Galvis - A1 Academy
27 Years Old
Fernando played in Orlando locally for Brandon Flames and Florida Rush before moving to Portugal and Colombia. He played two years professionally in the Portuguese 3rd Division before moving back to the United States to start his coaching career. The founder of A1 Performance, he has trained many top players who moved on to join Orlando City Academy. In 2024 the club’s 2013 team qualified for the EDP Florida Competitive League Playoffs in their first season.
Justin Hahn - Berks United FC
25 Years Old
Justin is a recent graduate of Temple University where he played for four years on the men’s soccer team. As a youth player, he played with OBGC who competed in EDP, and National League and finished his Senior year playing with DC United Academy. Coaching for four years now, he started off as an Assistant Coach for a combined 2008/09 team in the Fall of 2021 and was soon added as the Head Coach for the 2009 boys' team the following year. He has a true ability to really connect with the players and bring his teams to another level.
Nicholas Hines - Next Level Soccer
23 Years Old
A former NLS player, he is now helping shape the next generation of players. He coaches Wise High School, is the leader of NLS grassroots program, and coaches NLS Ajax 2010 who are champions their last four out five tournaments. Described as professional, detail-oriented, responsible, and very ambitious, he holds a USSF D License.
Rashad Hyacenth - Hartford Athletic
29 Years Old
From Trinidad and Tobago, Rashad played at top Division 1 Program Indiana University, competing in the Division I National title game in 2017. He is highly energetic and firm with players, helping inject a sense of responsibility and urgency into the players. He has vastly improved all the players and teams that he has been involved with since coaching with Hartford Athletic. He has a master's degree in Sports Management from Ivy League Columbia University.
Aaron Leggett - PSA Monmouth
25 Years Old
Aaron played for Athenry FC and Galway United in Ireland before moving to the United States. Enthusiastic, thoughtful, and approachable, Coach Aaron has made an immediate impact on both the players and his peers in his short time at PSA Monmouth. He holds a UEFA C License.
Rachel Marchini - FSA Football Club
25 Years Old
Rachel played for FSA in her youth career before playing for Division 1 Program UConn and in the UWS for New England Mutiny. While pursuing her coaching education through US Soccer, she is a student of the game, seeking mentorship under the coaching staff at the club. She started coaching in camps and clinics at FSA in 2022, served as an Assistant Coach for 9U and 10U girls teams in 2023 and is now an Assistant for 2016 girls team and Head Coach of the 2015 girls. Off the field, she is pursuing her PhD in Chemical Engineering.
Colin Muller - HEX FC Keystone
26 Years Old
Colin played collegiately for West Chester University and then played for Flower City Union (NISA), New York Red Bulls 2 (USL Championship), and Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL Championship). He served as an Assistant Coach for his alma mater Liberty High School for six seasons and is now an Assistant Coach at East Stroudsburg University. Calm, passionate, and knowledgeable, he coaches the club’s 2014 and 2015 boys and holds a USSF D License.
Gianna Nitti - Bergen Football Academy
25 Years Old
Gianna played her youth years at PDA, NYCFC Academy, and World Class, and then went on to have a stellar career at Stevens Institute of Technology. She was a three-year starter and made it to the NCAA tournament each season and to the Sweet 16 her sophomore year. The 2018 Rookie of the Year and 2019 MAC Conference Defensive Player of the Year, she is now coaching at Bergen Football Academy with all the girls teams and helping to build a successful program.
Kyle Norton - SJEB FC
24 Years Old
Kyle played 12 years at SJEB FC as youth player and then played four years at Rutgers University - Camden for SJEB FC DOC Tim Oswald. Kyle is also the Assistant Coach at Harcum College men's program, having spent the last five years developing young athletes. He began his coaching journey with Diamond Soccer from 2019 to 2022, where he honed his skills in player development and team dynamics. Kyle has been an integral part of the SJEB FC coaching staff since 2022, leading multiple Zone 1 boys' teams and continuing to foster a passion for the game in his players.
Corey Page - Lancaster Football Club
25 Years Old
Corey started coaching at 16 years old after a season-ending injury with Sheffield United and then continued to coach at Sheffield United until 2023. Since joining Lancaster Elite, he has led the clubs 17U and 19U teams to great heights within the USYS National League, at the EDP Cup Fall Showcase, and at the EDP Winter Showcase. He holds a UEFA A License, and comes from a coaching family, his father Rob Page coached the Welsh National Team from 2020 to 2024.
Gianna Perri - Stars FC
26 Years Old
Gianna played college soccer at SUNY Oswego, where she started every game her Junior and Senior seasons. She was also captain of the Hudson Valley Crusaders. Coaching the 2014 girls EDP team and 2010 boys EDP team. She is personable, a real role model for the players, and can get the most out of all her players.
Akeem Phipps - Albion SC Brooklyn
27 Years Old
Akeem played locally in New York City before playing college soccer. He is one of the most productive coaches at Albion Brooklyn, integral in establishing the club’s thriving juniors' program. Capable of coaching all age groups and genders, he is especially successful with the younger kids. He has been very diligent in his knowledge and qualification growth, seeking out countless opportunities to improve himself as a coach, and holds a USSF D License.
Alexis Redford-Maung - Washington Capital United
27 Years Old
Alexis started playing soccer when she was five and in an all-boys team called the Takoma Tigers. Then playing for SAC and Pachuca, she went on to play Division 3 soccer at Kenyon College. In addition to coaching for WCU, she leads the Varsity Girls Team at the Field School. Since becoming the Head Coach in 2021, her team has won the PVAC championship and has been ranked Top 10 in DC. She sets high standards and demands accountability while also fostering a positive, engaging environment. Her players stay motivated and enjoy the game, creating a strong, team-centered culture.
Bryan Reyes - FC Delco
27 Years Old
Bryan was a four-year starter, team captain, and all-conference selection at Arcadia University, also playing for Lehigh Valley United in USL2. As a coach, he won the EDP division in Fall 2024 and also found success in multiple tournaments last Spring. He creates a competitive, growth environment where players are encouraged to use their mental traits just as much as their physical traits. He holds a USSF D License.
Sara Ribeiro - Match Fit Surf
20 Years Old
Sara was a Match Fit player herself and currently plays college soccer at Rutgers - Newark. She coaches at the club’s Essex Branch, leading the 2016 blue and white teams. She brings a lot of energy, is reliable, and connects well with the players. She makes a huge impact on her players' development and is a positive role model for her players. Her work ethic is second to none, coaching two teams while being a full-time student athlete.
George Simpson - Chelsea Piers Soccer Club
24 Years Old
George played youth soccer for Shoreline FC and in college for Manhattanville where he was an excellent student athlete, earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District. He started coaching in the club in 2023 and has developed the players very well in the two years as a Head Coach. A firm but understanding coach, he is very prepared and organized and speaks with his players in a very relatable way. He has a USSF D License.
Lena Staropoli - Huntingdon Valley
26 Years Old
Lena grew up playing for Deep Run Valley Soccer Club. She is a 2017 graduate of Lansdale Catholic High School, where she earned First Team All-League honors in both track and soccer. Lena took her talents to Holy Family University, where she became a four-year starter and team captain. She was a CACC Second Team All-Conference selection in 2019, and a four-year All-Academic player. Lena graduated magna cum laude from HFU in 2021. She coaches and trains multiple teams at HVAA, including the 2011 Union Girls team, and 2008 Courage Girls team. In her short career with HVAA, she has taken two teams to the State Cup Finals. Lena also leads the club’s College Development Program.
David Tichy - The Football Academy NJ
23 Years Old
David is a real student of the game, who began his coaching journey at a young age. Earning his USSF D License in September of 2021, he has worked his way up to a USSF B License by December of 2024. He has worked with several top clubs in New Jersey since 2020 and has been with The Football Academy NJ since 2022, helping develop one of the top Zone 1 programs in the nation.
Zach Tuccitto - CT Rush Select
24 Years Old
Zach was a four-year player at Southern Connecticut State University. During his time at CT Rush Select, he has worked with teams that have four USYS National League titles, three CJSA State Cups, two CJSA State Cup Runners Up, one USYS Eastern Regional Runner up, one USYS Eastern Regional Semi-Finalist, and one USYS National Championship qualifier. He is also Head Coach for the South-Central Rush program and has an exceptional talent in inspiring the next generation of young soccer players. He manages clinic and supplemental programs and has been a standout coach in the program throughout the past few years. He holds a USSF D License.
David Velez - Valencia Soccer Academy
21 Years Old
David works with the club’s Pre-Academy (U4-U7) and 7v7 and 9v9 Academy Teams. He coaches the 2016 Orange, 2017 Orange, 2015 Orange, and 2013 Orange teams. He has been an instrumental part in VSA's growth and prioritizes teaching and encouragement. His training sessions are engaging, exciting, and educational. His energy, positivity, and ability to convey key coaching points make him a fantastic coach.
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