Overview
At Soccer Sidekicks, our coaches are more than just trainers—they’re mentors, role models, and champions of fun. Each coach is carefully vetted and qualified, undergoing thorough background checks and specialized training to ensure they provide the highest quality instruction for kids ages 18 mths to 6 years. With a passion for both soccer and child development, our coaches use engaging, age-appropriate techniques to teach essential skills while making every session exciting. Through creative drills, interactive storytelling, and even songs, they turn learning into play, fostering a love for the game in a positive, energetic environment where every child feels encouraged, included, and ready to grow.
Ben Clark
CEO
Nick Mugica
Executive Director
Executive Director
Personal Experience with Soccer and/or any sport:
UPSL (in South Florida), Soccer, Ice Hockey, Boxing
Club: Club Atlético River Plate(Soccer)
Country: Argentina
Favorite Player: Gabriel Batistuta, Enzo Francescoli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Years with Sidekicks: 4 years
Working Youth Sports: 5 years
Danni Ramsey
Director of Soccer
Regional Directors
Jehu Pierre
Director of After School Programs
Director of After School Programs
Personal Experience with Soccer:
- Playing Soccer 25 + Years
- Coaching Soccer 12+ Years
- Club Soccer, High School Soccer & College
- Founder & Director of Path Academy FC Path Academy’s focus is helping young players grow both on and off the field.
Favorite Club:
Manchester United
Why Do You Enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
At Soccer Sidekicks, I love having the opportunity to make a positive impact on children at an early age. My goal is to create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment where kids can build confidence, improve their coordination, and develop strong listening skills.
I believe that at this age, soccer should be about more than just the game it should be about having fun, staying active, and building confidence. I want every child to leave each session happy, energized, and proud of themselves (and a little tired too!).
I bring a lot of energy and passion into every session, inspired by my lifelong love for the game.
Evan Mafilas
Director of Coaching
Director of Coaching
Personal Experience with Soccer:
20 years of coaching and playing.
Experience coaching:
Youth Club (Ages 9-10 year olds.)
Years with sidekicks: 2.5, Working with youth 10+ years.
Education:
University of Washington and University of Oregon. Ran track through college and played soccer until beginning of college.
Favorite player: Ronaldo
Coaching style: Fun, energetic and passionate!
Why Do You Enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy coaching for sidekicks to help kids develop a passion for the beautiful game by themselves. Nothing makes me happier than bringing a smile to the kids' faces when they are learning skills and fundamentals through our program.
Noel Francis
Director of Summer Camps
Director of Summer Camps
Personal Experience with Soccer:
Ex-Professional Soccer Player
Years: 2019-2022
Club: Melita FC
College: Webber international University
Experience coaching:
Youth Club (Ages 9-10 year olds.)
Years with sidekicks: 1 year,
Working with youth: 10 years +
Education:
Webber international University, Sports business management
Favorite player: Ronaldinho
Coaching style: Energetic, Loud and Passionate!
Why Do You Enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Why Do You Enjoying Coaching “Sidekicks” : Soccer has always been a huge passion of mine, and the fun, energetic Sidekicks environment lets you be creative and playful. Seeing the kids develop and the joy and confidence on their faces each week is incredibly rewarding.
Ryan Griswold
Director of School Partnerships
Director of School Partnerships
Personal Experience with Soccer:
High school: Forsyth Central High School
Club: UFA & Atlanta Silverbacks.
College: Bryan College (Dayton, TN.) 2013-2017
Professional experience:
Chattanooga FC (CFC)
Experience coaching:
Montreat College (Men’s Soccer Program), Sports missionary coach and English teacher in San Juan de Lurigancho
Ryan's Mission: to help children fall in love with Soccer while guiding them to grow with a purpose on and off the field.
Ashlynne
Director of Content & Story-Telling
Director of Content & Story Telling
Playing Experience:
- Club Soccer Age 3-19
- College : Clemson University
- Clemson Women’s Soccer Team
- Semi Pro Soccer : WPSL Leagues
- Ga Revolution & MOBA Peachtree City
Experience working & coaching with Youth:
Coached varsity girls soccer 5 years
Coached Ages 3-21 (18 years of coaching)
Academy & Select Soccer Coach
Technical Director 5+ Years (Academy & Select Soccer)
Personal Soccer Trainer - 16 Years
Homeschool Soccer Program 10 + years
Camp Director 5 + Years (Ages 4-17)
Favorite Player: David Beckham
Coaching Style: Fun & Energetic
Why Do You Enjoy Coaching “Sidekicks”:
I love coaching at Sidekicks because I enjoy building relationships, teaching the game, and having fun! It is a joy to see young athletes faces light up when they accomplish their goals.
Stephanie Hendricks
Director of Talent Acquisition & HR
Admin
Madison Hall
Program Operations Director
Nancy Marsden
Operations Coorindator
Morgan
Accounts Receivables
Head Coaches
Coach Jordan
Head Coach
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy seeing the kids get better after every session . Their attention span, motor skills and confidence improve after every practice and I’m glad I have a part to play in that happening.
Coach Alec
Head Coach
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Working with Sidekicks has been great! Hard to complain when your job is to run around and play fun, silly soccer games with kids!
Coach Andrew
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Eden Hazard
Coaching style: Energetic
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Sidekicks makes soccer easy to learn and fun for all ages
Coach Drake
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Coaching style: Encouraging
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I’m putting positive value in the youth while having them be active in the best sport.
Coach J
Head Coach
Favorite Player: David Beckham
Coaching style: Active
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy seeing the kids smile when they score a goal. It’s very rewarding to see any player build confidence and become a better soccer player with fun innovative games that improve their skills and learn new skills. Everyone has fun at Sidekicks
Coach Kleo
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Heung-Min Son
Coaching style: Uplifting
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy being part of a program that encourages the kids to be kids. Sidekicks teaches teamwork and fine motor skills effectively, but beyond that, it’s gratifying to watch each kid grow and become more comfortable through each session.
Coach David
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Ronaldinho
Coaching style: listen, observe and to patiently assist each player
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy working with Soccer Sidekicks because it’s a fun environment. I get to work with a team of professionals who enjoy what their doing. I grew up in a soccer environment and I want to create the same positive experience for the kids. It’s a mindset, the way of life.
Coach Truman
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Neymar
Coaching style: Energetic. I love getting lots of touches on the ball for the kids.
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I coach with sidekicks because I feel like every beginner should have a solid foundation
Coach Cynthia
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Alex Morgan
Coaching style: Energetic and Engaging
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Coach at sidekicks is very fulfilling because I’m teaching soccer which is something I love and I also love kids 🙂
Coach London
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Lionel Messi
Coaching style: energetic
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I love coaching with Soccer Sidekicks because as a kid growing up I remember having the time of my life at soccer camp and want to bring the same joy to others and give them a experience they won’t forget.
Coach Caiah
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Crystal Dunn
Coaching style: Attentive
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I like coaching with soccer sidekicks because, being around the kids reminds me of how beautiful the sport is! Seeing the kids enjoy themselves and have fun is so rewarding. I like that you can be creative and silly with your classes to make sure everyone has a lively and positive experience.
Coach Steve
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Coby Jones
Coaching style: Team building
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I want to inspire young players, foster their skills and passion for soccer in a fun, supportive environment, and contribute positively to their development as athletes and individuals.
Coach Drew
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Christian Pulisic
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Coach Mayo
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Allison Becker
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Coach Ali
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Oliver Kahn
Coaching style: Energetic and Disciplinary
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I like coaching Sidekicks because I enjoy working with young children and helping them build confidence, coordination, and listening skills in a fun environment. At that age, it’s not only about soccer, it’s also about helping them learn structure, teamwork, and enjoy being active.
Coach Steve
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Ben Clark
Coaching style: Explorative
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Why Do You Enjoy Coaching “Sidekicks “: I love coaching at Soccer Sidekicks because it allows me to inspire young athletes, build their confidence, and share the joy of the game through positive, skill-based mentorship.
Coach Carl
Head Coach
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy coaching Sidekicks because I like helping kids build confidence while having fun. I believe every child learns at their own pace, and it’s rewarding to see them improve little by little. Watching them smile, stay active, and feel proud of themselves after learning something new is what makes coaching special to me.
Coach Francisco
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Ronaldinho
Coaching style: Kind and easy going
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy Coaching at Sidekicks because I enjoy seeing the fun and excitement these kids have when learning Soccer with us. I love when their enthusiasm and smiles make the sessions feel eventful. I also enjoy making a positive impression on the kids with our presence and encouragement.
Coach Christian
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Kylian Mbappe
Coaching style: Teaching hands on & Having Fun!
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Coach Madison
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Alex Morgan
Coaching style: Encouraging and Fun!
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I love being able to create an environment where the kids feel encouraged, confident, and engaged. It’s so rewarding seeing them remember what we did the week before and get excited to learn something new.
Coach Stella
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Lindsey Heaps
Coaching style: Silly & Encouraging
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
Coach Kwame
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Abedi Ayew Pele
Coaching style: Lots of fun and engaging games
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I love Coaching at sidekicks because it brings me joy and satisfaction.
Coach Eniola
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Coaching style: Patient, high energy
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy watching the kids grow more accustomed to the basic skills of soccer. As someone who grew up loving soccer, it inspires me to continue teaching the new generation of soccer lovers.
Coach Aryan
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Matheus Cunha
Coaching style: Friendly/Relaxed
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy coaching for sidekicks because it gives me a chance to teach the game in a way that appeals to kids but still effectively teaches the fundamentals.
Coach Drake
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Coaching style: Patient & Playful
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
I enjoy spreading the love and fun of the sport while boosting their confidence and skills.
Coach Aaliyah
Head Coach
Favorite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Coaching style: Energetic and silly
Why do you enjoy coaching “Sidekicks”:
My favorite thing about coaching is being able to build small bonds with the children and play fun games with them.
