2026 EDP Soccer Promising Young Coaches: Honoring Young Leaders Shaping the Future of Youth Soccer

EDP Soccer has announced its list of 30 Promising Young Coaches for 2026. 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. 

See below for the full list of 2026 EDP Soccer Promising Young Coaches:

Aidan Thornell, Anthracite FC 

26 Years Old

A 4-year member of the University of Scranton Men’s Soccer program, he then joined the program as an assistant coach. In his 2^nd season as an assistant coach the staff won Landmark Coaching Staff of the Year. Aidan leads by example, setting a standard of professionalism, teamwork, and inclusion that allows every player to thrive. Aiden holds a USSF D License. 

Alexis Doran, Vale SC East 

26 Years Old

Alexis was a 3-year starter at the University of Hartford and was an America East All-Academic Team honoree. Coaching the clubs 9v9 teams, she has consistently had her teams at the top of their league divisions and tournaments across the past two seasonal years. She is supportive and encouraging to allow for a fun learning environment, but decisive and stern to address learning moments and player development opportunities. Alexis currently holds her Grassroots 9v9 & 11v11 licenses. 

Arianna Durling, FC Copa Academy 

27 Years Old

A former player at Rowan University, she started coaching in FC Copa in 2024 took on a full-time role as manager of administration last year. She now coaches the 2014 Black boys and 2010/11 Gray girls out of the clubs Central region. She is astute on the sidelines and commands respect in training, combining clarity, presence, and attention to detail in every session. As an active player herself, she remains closer in age and mindset to her athletes, allowing her to communicate ideas clearly and relate to players in a way that accelerates learning and trust. She currently holds a USSF D license.  

Brian Nigro, Union County FC 

24 Years Old

Brian is now in his 3rd year as a coach and has quickly become an important staff member for the WSA & Union County Football Club. He currently works with 3 teams, U9, U12 Boys, and U15 Boys. In this period, he has had success both on and off the field, and is described as energetic, caring and super committed to his teams. He is always willing to do extra work to help individuals and teams improve - including additional video review sessions and 1on1 sit downs with players to help them along the way. He currently holds his USSF C License. 

Damon Van Reenen, NJ Premier FC 

28 Years Old

A former player for SC Purmerland and Former Ajax Academy assistant coach, Damon has been a key addition to the NJ Premier staff. A high intensity coach, his ability to teach during training and then allow players to make their own decisions in the game have been a big part of his team's success. Damon holds a UEFA B License. 

Darrell Etienne Jr., TSF Academy 

20 Years Old

Darrell is a former youth international, playing for Haiti U15, U17, U20 National Team and now playing Division 1 college soccer. Since joining TSF as a coach, his energy and enthusiasm has made him a player favorite, and his ability to relate to the players has helped his teams have instant success. Darrell holds a USSF C license.  

Dennis Cobbina, SC Gjoa Youth Soccer 

24 Years Old

A native of Ghana, Dennis has been a key asset since joining SC Gjoa. Working with several clubs in NY before landing with SC Gjoa, he left an imprint at each club he has been with. His ability to motivate players and positive attitude create an environment where players have truly flourished. Dennis currently holds a USSF B license. 

Giovanni Ortiz, CT Rush Southeast  

20 Years Old

Giovanni played for CT Rush through his entire youth career an All-State player in High School. Now working with his childhood club, he was named Ct Rush Southeast Branch Coach of the year. He is also the Waterford Middle School Head Coach, and Waterford High School Assistant Coach. Truly a development first coach, he cares about each individual player and meets them at their level to make sure they are being provided with the upmost attention, within the team environment and goes above and beyond for each of his players. Giovanni holds a USSF D License. 

Jaden Stumeier, JFC  

25 Years Old

An all-region performer at UNC Wilmington, he coached with Wilmington Hammerheads while in college. After playing in USL after college, Jaden moved back to New Jersey and now coaches with JFC. Recently finishing as a player, he is able to use his own experiences to relate to the players, giving them a role model to look up to. While very strict with his teams, he is well respected and admired by each of his players. 

Jon Firmino, PSA Princeton 

27 Years Old

Jon enjoyed a successful playing career before starting his coaching journey. He was a 4-year starter for Georgian Court University, played in Portugal with Vitória FC U23, CD Fátima and Aljustrelense, returned to the US in 2022 and played for Michigan Stars FC in the NISA. He is currently the Assistant Director for PSA Princeton and Head Coach of PSA Princeton '15 Orange and PSA Princeton '13 Orange boy's teams. He is currently completing his USSF D License. 

Jordan Littleboy, Albion SC Brooklyn  

26 Years Old

Jordan had a tremendous playing career. She was a youth national team player in England, played for Arsenal and Wolves, was an All-Region and All-Conference performer at Hofstra, and a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American. In her 2^nd year with Albion SC Brooklyn, she has led her teams to back-to-back runner up finishes. 

Jorey Garcia, Westbury Youth Soccer Club 

27 Years Old

Jorey was a member of the El Salvador U23 National Team and played collegiate soccer for Hofstra University. He is currently the President and Director of Coaching for Westbury Youth Soccer Club. Under his leadership, he has built a highly competitive and development-focused program, guiding teams to numerous championships. Jorey currently holds a USSF C License. 

Juanito Guzman, PA Classics – Reading 

27 Years Old

A club product, Juanito played his entire youth career in the Reading area and is now coaching the U10 Elite Boys and U12 Elite Boys, and has prior experience with both the High School and Rec programs. . He brings incredible passion and enthusiasm to every training session with challenging practice plans and a fun spirit for the players. 

Julian Boehning, West Side Soccer 

26 Years Old

Julian has experience coaching at the collegiate level with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and with Manhattan Kickers and NY Red Bulls. His passion for the game is immediately felt by everyone around him. His preparations for sessions, connection with players, and commitment to player development are all second to none. Julian currently holds a USSF D license. 

Justin Harris, Soccer Association of Columbia 

24 Years Old

Justin played college soccer at Powerhouse University of Maryland. He now is Head coach of the U10 and U12 teams and is assistant coach of the U14 and U16 of Baltimore Armour Academy teams. He is a positive and player centered coach focusing on building hardworking players by creating an environment where players feel challenged but also supported. Justin currently holds a USSF D License. 

Kenneth Granowski, Silver Lake Soccer Academy 

20 Years Old

A former player at the club, Kenneth is in his third year of coaching at Silver Lake Soccer Academy. He currently serves as Head Coach of the 2014 Girls Fire, who recently completed an undefeated Fall season. Over the past three years coaching the Fire, Kenneth has led the team to significant success, including multiple tournament championships, and multiple first-place league finishes He als serves as Assistant Coach of the St. Joseph by the Sea Girls JV Soccer team, which just won a City Championship after an undefeated Fall season. Kenneth currently holds a USSF D License, and is also currently a Dean’s List Student at Kean University 

Maddie Rush, Bury City FC  

22 Years Old

Maddie began her soccer journey with the Salisbury United Soccer Club (now Bury City FC), where she competed in EDP through her graduation. She proudly served as captain of her high school team and went on to play Division III soccer at Stevenson University. She began her coaching career by offering free training sessions to local U7 girls through her home club, Salisbury United Soccer Club. What started as a small group quickly grew into a dedicated team that she has coached and developed over the past five years. Off the field, Maddie is continuing her education by pursuing her MBA while balancing a new full‑time career. She recently was named Wicomico County Youth Soccer Coach of the Year. 

Maximino Casares Martinez, World Class FC

27 Years Old

A star player at Dominican College, Maxi was a product of Real Valladolid in Spain. He joined the club in 2023, and has been working with the clubs younger teams, producing top level players. His focus is on the development of both the technical and tactical growth of each of his players, while maintaining a caring and approachable relationship with his players. Maxi currently holds a USSF D license and is working towards a C license. 

Mike Boyle, Scotch Plains Fanwood SC 

28 Years Old

A local product of Scoth Plains Fanwood, he played for legendary coach Tom Breznitsky, and is now leading the next crop of Scoth Plains players. In addition to his coaching roles, he oversees the clubs' 4v4 programs. The consummate educator, he believes in learning through guided discovery and has an exceptionally calm manner on the sideline. Mike currently holds a USSF B license.

Natalie Melillo, FC Delco 

29 Years Old

Natalie played at Troy University and Saint Leo University before playing internationally at Sassari Torres Famminile in Italy. She has coached FC DELCO since 2022 and in 2024/25 was EPYSA  Challenge Cup Finalist with the U17 and U16 teams. She is also an Assistant Coach for Eastern University. Natalie has a Masters in Sports Management and Mental Clinical Health. 

Natalie Pantelone, SJEB FC 

25 Years Old

Natalie is a homegrown coach, playing for SJEB FC 2000 Girls team for a total of 8 seasons. She went on play at Drexel University and Rowan University where she was captained the team her senior year and won the 2022 NJAC championship. She got her master's degree in Sport Management & Coaching at Rome City Institute where she competed in Serie C with Trastevere Calcio Femminile. She also coaches for RCSJ Women’s program. Natilie holds an USSF D License. 

Nic Sucy, Steel United Hudson Valley  

25 Years Old

Nic was a 4-year player at Bard College, and now is the programs assistant coach. Coaching 3 teams from Steel United, he is coaching on both the boys and girls side of the club. His technical approach to the game has really shown in the progress of his teams. Nic holds a USSF C License. 

Nicole Brown, Hex FC Dominion 

23 Years Old

Nicole was the first player in Clarion University history to start every single game over a 4-year period. A former player at the club for 7 years before college, she is now instilling the club culture in the next generation. She was instrumental in creating the clubs' Zone 1 Program on the girl's side and has guided teams to quick success.  

Paul Bechtelheimer, Real FA  

25 Years Old

Paul was a star student-athlete at Stockton University starting 51 games during his collegiate career. Paul is now with Real FA, one of the top academies in South Jersey, working primarily in the clubs' zone 1 programming. His high energy, charisma, and enthusiasm inspire his players to play for him, making him a key asset for the club at these young ages. Paul currently holds a USSF D license. 

Rans Newton, Middletown SC 

23 Years Old

Rans has become an invaluable asset for Middletown SC and SST since joining. His work across multiple clubs in Monmouth County has left a lasting impression on his players. He currently coaches Middletown Riptide Red and recently went back to his native country of Ghana to run soccer camps for disadvantaged players.  

Rhys Cotter, Monmouth United 

26 Years Old

A former player a Wigan Athletic F.C. academy in England, he was a key member of the team at Georgian Court University and a 2-year captain for FC Monmouth. A key member of the staff at Monmouth United, the club is now known for the top-quality teams and players they are producing. His high soccer IQ and ability to engage with the players make him valuable asset. 

RJ Parrilla, Southeast Soccer Club 

24 Years Old

RJ had a stellar college career at Babson College with 61 games played with 54 starts. As a coach, he has worked with multiple levels of players, working with the 2017s, 2014s and 2011s. An alumnus of the club, his energy, passion and player first mindset has set him apart as he gives back to the next generation of SSC Players. 

Sarah Hughes, Steel United PA  

25 Years Old

Sarah played college soccer at Dickinson College where she started in 58 out of 58 games. She coaches the 2015 girls elite and 2011 girls premier, who have both flourished under her leadership. Sarah also captains the club women’s team that won the league last summer.  

Tyler Turner, Southington SC

29 Years Old

A former US Youth National Team Captain, Tyler was the youngest signing in club history for Orlando City SC. While in Florida, he coaches at multiple levels, including top clubs and at Rollins College. After his playing career, he made a coaching stop in Iowa before returning to his home state of Connecticut. Tyler now serves as Southington SC Coaching Director. 

Xavier Guerreiro, Northeast United Soccer Club 

23 Years Old

A 4-year player and now assistant coach at Wilkes University, Xavier brings a strong and well-rounded coaching background to Northeast United. He has spent the past two years as a trainer with NEU, where he has worked with players across multiple age groups, helping develop technical skills, game understanding, and confidence in a competitive environment. Xavier provides players with elite-level guidance in a positive, development-focused environment.