Staff

The Best Club Staff in SWFL

After bringing the two biggest Clubs in SWFL together to create Florida West F.C., it goes without saying that our Staff is way beyond anything previously imaginable in SWFL. With well over 30 licensed as well as paid staff members and with an abundance of Coaching knowledge and experience (including UEFA and USSF “A” and “B” licensed Coaches, former Professional and College Players and quite frankly the most successful developmental Coaches currently working in SWFL), its easy to see why Florida West F.C. is poised to be the top destination for players in SWFL for years to come.

Do you want to be one of these coaches below ? Email us at careers@floridawestfc.com with your CV

Coaching Slate Season 24/25

**Danny Fahey** -
*Director of Coaching*

**Coaching Qualifications:** UEFA “B”
Fahey hails from Manchester, England. After using his educational years gaining qualifications and knowledge surrounding the world of Fitness Training and Sport he gained A Levels in Human Biology and Physical Education as well as numerous Personal Training diplomas. During his time as a Semi-Professional Soccer player in Manchester, Fahey spent an accumulated 2 years gaining Coaching qualifications including the UEFA B Coaching license. After making the move to the USA full time in 2012 he spent his first 4 months with GPS Massachusetts before moving to Fort Myers. Fahey brought the first ever State Cup Championship to SWFL in 2017 with the 2004 Boys and has continued to pave the path to Regional and National Championships for our teams. Coach Fahey is most proud however, in the fact that he, in his role as the DOC, has had direct influence on placing Players into College year after year. Danny is determined to continue to provide the absolute best and most professional experience for all Players and Coaches in SWFL.
**Email:** *dfahey@floridawestfc.com*

**Patrik Peltram -** *Chief Operating Officer*

**Coaching Qualifications:** UEFA "A", “B”, “C” License, Instructor for German and Bavarian Soccer Federation, Licensed Life-Kinetik Coach
Patrik (yes, without the "c" :)) was born in Prague, Czech Republic but lived a majority of his life in Munich, Germany where he had the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to be a player and coach for one of the top professional football clubs in the world - FC Bayern Munich. During his time in Munich, he was privileged to train players like Thomas Hitzlsperger (German National Team, VFB Stuttgart, Aston Villa), Georg Niedermeier (VFB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg) and Volkan Yaman (Turkish National Team, Galatasaray Istanbul).
Patrik has coached 3rd and 4th Division Teams in Germany while also serving on the Testing Committee for UEFA "C" and "B" licensing candidates. Patrik is a certified Life-Kinetik Specialist. In addition to working with our teams, he will offer soccer specific Life-Kinetik training with all our Florida West F.C. players.
Patrik is married to Michaela and they have two boys Kevin and Dennis who graduated from Florida West F.C. in 2019.
**Email:** *ppeltram@floridawestfc.com*

Prince Nartey - College Liaison

Coaching Qualifications: USSF "B" License

Prince is from Accra Ghana where he played his youth and brief professional career with Tema United before moving to the United States. It was at Tema united that learned a lot about the philosophy of the game from his coach and mentor ( prince Owusu- Ghana National u23 coach and Kwasi Appiah- Ghana Senior National team coach. ). After representing Ghana at the world university games in China 2011, Prince transferred from the University of Ghana, Legon to the University of Delaware on a full athletic scholarship.

Prince played 3 years of Division I NCAA soccer, recruited for the University during his time there and became part of the coaching staff. During this time, Prince gained a lot of knowledge and experience working alongside the likes of Jon Scheer (Philadelphia Union Director of Talent Identification). Prince has certificate in health and communication with focus on student athletes and is dedicated to providing his players with the best possible tools to help develop them into outstanding student athletes so one day they may enjoy the privileges he had during his time at University of Delaware and beyond!

Email: pnartey@floridawestfc.com

**Davy Hendriks** - *Cape Coral Campus Director*

**Coaching Qualifications:** UEFA "B" License
Davy Hendriks was born in Arnhem, Netherlands where he lived until he moved to the United States in 2016. Next to his Bachelor of Social Work, Hendriks has his UEFA “C” and UEFA “B” license and almost 20 years of coaching experience. During his time in the Netherlands Davy played in the highest youth teams and had the opportunity to play semi professional in the second and third division. In his prime, he received invitations to earn a contract with first division teams in the Netherlands and Thailand.
In 2014 he was forced to stop playing after an ankle injury, after multiple surgeries and PT training he decided to no longer combine coaching with playing. Instead he chose to pursue to pass on his knowledge of the game and to work with young players instead. Prior to joining FWFC, Davy worked for the FGC Dutch Lions FC as Director of Soccer and last year as General Manager, coached multiple Youth Academy teams and was Head Coach of their WPSL Women’s team in 2019.
**Email:** *dhendriks@floridawestfc.com*

**Cesar Markovic**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “A” License, NSCAA Premier Diploma (USCAA), USYSA National Youth License, Brazilian Professional Coaching License (State of Sao Paolo), Italian Soccer Federation Coaching Certificate (Coverciano, Italy)
Cesar Markovic followed a playing career at the Professional and Semi-Professional in the US and a short stint in Ecuador with a coaching career now spanning 4 decades. Markovic coached Professionally in the A-League with the Long Island Rough Riders while beginning a College Coaching Career of over 20 years as an NCAA D1 Head Coach and now continuing as the Head Coach at Ave Maria University.
In addition to College, Markovic served as the Director Of Coaching for the State of New York and several other clubs. Markovic coached for the New York Red Bulls and the New York Cosmos at the US Development Academy U-16 and U-18 level. Additionally, Markovic served as Technical Director of the Puerto Rican National Team during a span of qualification for Shell Cup Quarterfinals for 1st time in their history and coached against Jurgen Klinsmann’s US National Team. Most recently won Division Championship in the UPSL Semi Pro league.
Markovic has a BA in Political Science and a Master’s Degree BS in Physical Education and Coaching.
**Email:** *cmarkovic@floridawestfc.com*

**Jason Mikes**

**Coaching Qualifications:** National F, E, D, C and USSF “B” License
Jason, his wife, and their 4 children have lived in Southwest, Florida since 2003. He is a lawyer and business owner, whose passion is serving families, children and young adults in our community. In addition to teaching Sunday school and leading high school and middle school youth groups at church, Jason has coached youth soccer for over 11 years. Jason obtained his National F, E, D, C and B (May 2022) Coaching Licenses from the United States Soccer Federation and his Educator's Certificate for Athletic Coaching (Grades K-12) from the Florida Department of Education. Jason's coaching philosophy is to establish competitive environments for his players, where they are challenged but supported, and molded into courageous men and women of character who are champions not just on the soccer field, but impact for good every place that Providence leads them.
**Email:** *jmikes@floridawestfc.com*

**Raphael Gelin**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF National “B” License and GK Level 1 and 2
Raphael grew up playing soccer in St. Martin where he spent his earlier years playing for their Junior and Senior National Teams. He played semi-pro for Girondins de Bordeaux and FC Arcachon in France. Amongst his impressive accomplishments abroad, he also played College Ball in the US for Mary Holmes College, MS and Lee University, TN and received a B.A. in Physical Education with emphasis on Fitness and Wellness.
Coach Raphael has been on the FYSA State Staff 2014-current and is a member of the US Training Center Development Staff.
**Email:** *rgelin@floridawestfc.com*

**Chris Palumbo**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF National "C" license; NSCAA National Goalkeeper Diploma
Chris is originally from Boston / MA where he started his love for soccer ... his playing and coaching career. He moved to Florida in '92 and started coaching for Naples Sharks in '95. Stayed with Sharks until the merger with Chicago Fire and coached for 3 years with the Fire. Then coached for our partner club Weston FC, the Adrenaline Academy as well as PDL level.
Chris has helped numerous players reach their goals of playing at the college level from NAIA to D1. Chris has vast connections of college coaches from many years of working with college's to help their programs become better with our local youth.
Chris has also coached for St. John Nuemann on both the boys and girls programs , Gulf Coast HS for the boys program and Naples HS for both boys and girls programs.
**Email:** *cpalumbo@floridawestfc.com*

**Christian Lorincz**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “C” License
Christian Lorincz is a passionate soccer coach with family roots stemming from Argentina. Throughout his childhood he played competitive level travel soccer throughout Jacksonville and Palm Coast, Florida. He spent many summers training in Argentina with Club Nautico HACOAJ. At the age of 17 he started his licensing certifications and has been with the club since the beginning of his coaching career. Christian has spent much time developing players throughout our younger age groups and working hand in hand with many of our experienced coaches. He is committed to continuous education by earning his licenses and learning from his peers at the club day in and day out.
**Email:** *clorincz@floridawestfc.com*

**Conor Hagan**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF ‘C’ License
Coach Conor Hagan played college soccer at Florida Atlantic University and Millsaps College (Jackson, MS) graduating in 2016. Conor moved to Southwest Florida from Nashville, TN in 2019. Before coaching with Florida West, he was at Tennessee Soccer Club and Florida Fire before the merger into Florida West. On top of coaching, he was a teacher for 6 years before moving into the world of corporate finance.
An educator at heart, Coach Conor believes that taking a teacher’s approach to coaching while using effective communication and positive reinforcement with players is the best way to get the most out of his players.
Coach Conor lives in Estero with his wife Nicki and daughter Riley, who was welcomed into this world in on 06/30/22. His favorite club team is Chelsea FC, and his favorite player is Landon Donovan. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and working out.
**Email:** *chagan@floridawestfc.com*

**Javier Pacheco**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “C” License, United Soccer Coaches “Level 1” Futsal Diploma
Javier was born and raised in Lima, Peru. After moving to the United States, Javier played Junior College (NJCAA) soccer with Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. Javier started coaching soccer in 2012 at the Bonita Springs YMCA, before joining the coaching staff of the Florida Fire Juniors in 2016, focusing primarily on developing the U8 to U11 age groups. Javier also regularly coaches futsal teams in local competitions, and coached a 2011 boys team to winning the 2020 United States Youth Futsal Southeast Regional Championship, earning the team qualification to the USYF National Championship tournament in Kansas City. Javier’s experience in youth coaching also includes coaching with the Youth Basketball Program at the Bonita Springs YMCA, and coaching the Immokalee High School Mock Trial team since 2017. Javier also serves the community as a Director of The Collier County Inns Of Court, as member of the board of directors of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, and as President of the board of directors of Cancer Alliance of Naples. Javier is married to Paula, and they live in Bonita Springs with their two children Leandro and Adriana.
**Email:** *jpacheco@floridawestfc.com*

**Eric Lamboy**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF National C License, USC (NSCAA) Regional and Advanced Regional Youth Diploma, USC (NSCAA) State and Regional Goalkeeping Diploma. FYSA ODP State Staff Coach.
Eric grew up in New Jersey Playing Competitive youth soccer for Hudson United of Bayonne NJ. He attended Bloomfield College where he played NAIA soccer. Eric moved to southwest Florida in 1998 where he started coaching youth soccer 2002. Teams under his direction would reach achievements including FYSA Region C champions. USYS Presidents cup champions. Disney Showcase Champions. Teams have attended CASL showcase. Jefferson Cup Showcase. GSA College Showcase. Eric is an ODP State Staff coach who in 2019 had the opportunity to coach in Alabama with the 2005 State team in which several players advanced to the Regional team.
His former 2009 girls team, which Eric coached for 3 seasons, attained the #1 State ranking for 2 seasons. Numerous players have since gone on to Play ECNL, GA, USSF DA, NPL, ODP Region team and NCAA D1 D2 soccer.
Eric is the Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer Program at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. Under his direction Verot has won the 3A District championship two of the past three years and this past season 3A Regional Semifinalist.
**Email:** *elamboy@floridawestfc.com*

**Leroy “ Max” Tatarski III**

**Coaching Qualifications:** United States Soccer Federation National F, E, D, C Licenses (Currently in process of National B License) - United Soccer Coaches National License – National Federation of High Schools National Accredited and National Certified Interscholastic Licenses
Coach Max is entering his 15th year as a Club, High School and College Head Coach / Assistant Coach. Coach Max has coached Youth Soccer in New York for Empire United Soccer Academy as a Head Coach for their NPL teams as well as an Assistant Coach for the United States National Team Development Academy. Amongst many other, Coach Max was named Head Coach for the Boys High School Varsity Soccer Team in New York for Christian Central Academy, Head Coach for NPL teams in North Carolina, and also Head Coach for the Girls Varsity Soccer for Lakeridge Academy H.S. and Botkins H.S. in the state of Ohio. Just before coming to Florida, Coach Max was offered an Assistant Coaching / Player Recruitment position for Div. III Hilbert College in New York but ultimately decided to join FWFC.
Coach Max has an Associate's Degree in Sports Management from Monroe Community College. Coach Max was a 3 sport athlete growing up in Buffalo N.Y. He played Youth and Junior level Ice Hockey for South Buffalo. Also playing Youth Club and Varsity High School Baseball. Coach Max also spent 2 years as a soccer player / coach for the Over 20 West Seneca BDSL Men's soccer team. He is also the proud Uncle of Olivia Avery, a standout graduated soccer player from Div.II Roberts Wesleyan College and former player for the Brisbane Eagles FC in Brisbane Australia.
**Email:** *ltatarski@floridawestfc.com*

**Will Macardle**

Qualifications: USSF “D” License
With over 30 years experience in soccer as a player and a coach, Will spent his youth playing career with Cincinnati United Premier as part of the club’s “A” level Elite USYS regional & national team program where he then moved on to play NCAA Division 1 soccer for UC for 2 years. After finishing playing, Will began his coaching career in SWFL in 2009 and is entering into his 16th year as a coach in the area. Alongside his role as our 2009 & 2010 ECNL-R girls team head coach, he is also the head coach for the Estero High School varsity girls soccer program, leading them to a District title in 2023 as well as 3 consecutive Regional Quarterfinal appearances, along with a Regional Semi-Final appearance in 2023. As a coach, he holds a National USSF Grassroots, USSF F, USSF E, and USSF D license and is certified by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
**Email:** *wmcardle@floridawestfc.com*

**Brandon Bennett**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF "D" License
Brandon has been a part of the Southwest Florida soccer landscape for the last 30 plus years. Both as a player and now as a coach. He has been with the club since 2012. He has had the pleasure to coach hundreds of local players. Both boys and girls teams. Over the last 3 years Brandon has been heavily involved with the Recreational Program of North Fort Myers soccer club. There he provided Coaching Education and led team training sessions.
**Email:** *bbennett@floridawestfc.com*

**Hugo Ramirez**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “D” License
Hugo was born in Mexico City and came to Naples, FL in 1990. He started coaching in local leagues across SWFL. When the Florida Fire came calling, he saw it as the greatest opportunity of his coaching career up to that point. He served as an assistant coach wit the U 13 Boys Premier and coached the U 16 Boys Premier for 2 years. He also coaches middle school soccer and is the Assistant for a High School Team. Hugo has embraced the opportunity given to him by furthering his Coaching Career as Coach for FLORIDA WEST F.C. where he continues to mentor his son Anthony in his coaching journey. In addition, Hugo is Assistant Coach for the UPSL Team in Naples.
**Email:** *hramirez@floridawestfc.com*

**Nelson Villaverde**

**Coaching Qualifications:** FYSA “F” License, USSF 9v9 & 11v11 Grassroots Licenses, USSF “D” license
Nelson played two years of high school soccer at North Miami Beach Sr. High in the 80’s. He first started coaching youth soccer in Brevard County in 1998, in recreational league, for three years with MEG-United soccer club. He then was an assistant coach to his daughter’s U11 & U12 competitive soccer teams with Space Coast Soccer Club. Both his older daughters played college soccer and the oldest played on the U17 Regional National Team with Jim Blankenship (FGCU). Nelson moved the SWFL in 2011. He started coaching youth soccer once again, at the YMCA, when his younger daughter and niece showed interest in 2017. Nelson obtained his “F” license in 2018. He then started VSA Training, a summer youth soccer training camp in 2019, for players ages 6-12, who were looking to transition from recreational soccer to competitive soccer. Nelson is now one of our Head Coaches for our Girls FCL competitive teams.
**Email:** *nvillaverde@floridawestfc.com*

**Justin Wittrock**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “D” License
Justin and his wife live in Naples with their four children. Justin began coaching in 2008 after moving to SWFL from Cincinnati, OH. He spent the next 10 years coaching for the Naples Sharks and the Florida Fire Juniors. He has experience coaching at the highest level in Florida and the Southeast Region. He has coached U13-U18 boys in State Cup, Florida State Premier League, Super Y League and National Showcase tournaments.
Justin dedicated the last 6 years of his coaching experience to the younger ages. He coached for 3 years in the Florida Fire Juniors Boys Academy U8-U10 and most recently has been coaching in the Florida West Naples Rec program where he has had the opportunity to watch his two sons start their own soccer journey. He and his wife also have two young daughters.
**Email:** *jwittrock@floridawestfc.com*

**Bryce Millican**

**Coaching Qualifications:** USSF “D” License

Bryce is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and moved to Cape Coral in 2022. He has been around the game his entire life, Playing, refereeing, and now beginning his coaching career. He played at Kansas City Scott Gallagher competing in several Missouri state cups, Midwest regional tournaments and national futsal tournaments. Outside of soccer Bryce enjoys traveling and spending family time with his wife and dog.
**Email:** *bmillican@floridawestfc.com*

**Jesus Mercado**

**Coaching Qualification:** USSF “F” License
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in Southwest Florida. Jesus attended the University of Central Florida (2012-2015) majoring in Radiology before switching to Education. He played for local FYSA State Cup competitive soccer programs from the age of 12, as well as played for Barron Collier High School. He started his coaching career at the age of 18 as a trainer and assistant coach for a local club. Jesus has been coaching competitively with the Florida Fire Juniors since 2016, advancing into the knockout rounds of FYSA state completions all four years with the club. In 2016 he was hired as Barron Collier High School’s boy's JV soccer head coach as well as varsity’s assistant coach, he has been with the program since. Twice a finalist in JV Coach of Year nominations.

**Email:** *jmercado@floridawestfc.com*

Raymond Agostino — Doctor of Physical Therapy

Qualifications: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); NSPA Certified Speed & Agility Coach; USSF Grassroots License

Raymond Agostino was born in Fort Myers, Florida and continues to reside in neighboring Cape Coral. He graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2015 and he has been working with orthopedic sports injuries ever since. Ray is the founder and owner of Agostino Athletics, a private practice physical therapy and sports performance center. He is dedicated to helping young athletes recover from significant injuries and improve their athletic performance. He specializes in helping young athletes return to high level soccer following ACL reconstructive surgery, as well as various other orthopedic injuries.

Email: doctorray@floridawestfc.com