"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

  • Juan 'Juancho' Pablo Garcia

    U17 - (2008)

    From: Bucaramanga, Colombia
    Nationality: Colombian

    Playing History:

    U15-U17 Orlando City DA

    Sueño MLS Top 10

    NCAA D3 Collegiate Soccer at Greenville University (2018-2022)

    2 NCAA Tournaments

    2 SLIAC Conference Championships

    1st Team All-Conference (2021)

    Coaching:

    2 years of youth soccer experience

    Fun Fact:
    Appeared in a Disney 365 Soccer commercial with Jake Short, with 10 seconds of screen time.

  • Rony Rodriguez

    U15 - (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


  • Jacob Rojas

    U14 - (2011)

    From: USA
    Nationality: Mexican / Puerto Rican

    Coaching History:

    US Soccer Grassroots 7v7, 11v11

    8 years of youth soccer coaching experience

    5 years at B1 Soccer Academy

    Playing History:

    Competed in club soccer from U12 to U19

    National Super Club Champion 2001 (elite clubs)

    High school soccer

    Fun Fact:

    Supports Liverpool FC

  • Xavier 'Xavi' McDonald

    U12 - (2013)

    From: Florida, USA
    Nationality: Cuban / American

    Playing History:

    9 years youth soccer

    Coaching History:

    USSF Grassroots 9v9 license

    B1, Gateway HS, and Varsity MS coach

    3v3 National Champions, Dimitri Cup Champions, 2x SWFL Invitational Champions, EDP Finalists, Highschool undefeated season, Middle School undefeated regular season

    Fun Facts:

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

  • Keshore Samaroo

    U10 - (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