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Kevin Headly has been a Columbus resident for the last ten years, and a member of the SP Soccer Academy coaching staff since the 2014-2015 season. He began playing soccer at the age of 7 in his native Guyana and has had the joy of playing all over the world including the US, England as well as throughout Latin America, and the Caribbean. Kevin moved to the United States with his family at the age of 12 and attended high school in Silver Spring Maryland. He is a graduate of Bucknell University where he was also a member of the wrestling program and is an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club.
A former Guyanese international, Kevin grew up admiring Brazilian legend Pele and dreaming of playing in the World Cup. His playing days now long behind him, Kevin’s present focus is sharing his immense passion for the beautiful game with the kids he coaches. He holds coaching licenses from both the NSCAA and the US Soccer Federation and hopes to continue his coaching education in Europe at some point in the future.
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Miguel Limon joined SP Soccer Academy in 2017 and holds a Class E Coaching license with the USSF and a coaching license with United Soccer Coaches Association. Miguel began playing soccer at an early age. When he was 14 he was offered a position in the Club America U15 Academy and played until he was 17 at which point he was selected to play for the Club American reserves.
As a Contracting Officer for the Defense Logistics Agency Miguel enjoys being able to support our Armed Forces and provide support to our troops.
Miguel loves the atmosphere at SP Soccer. The coaches are there for each other and are willing to help one another. He also likes that they don't stress winning. but helping players truly Become Better.
Miguel and his wife Cathy have 3 children Marie, Cruz, and Cali. Cruz plays at SP Soccer Academy. He would also love to attend a World Cup someday with his son.
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Derrick Martin grew up playing youth soccer in the Dayton area. He played his club soccer with Team Dayton and lettered for two years at Centerville High School. After high school, he played four years of club soccer at Ohio University. As a son of Jamaican parents, Derrick inherited his passion from soccer from his father. His philosophy is to inspire that same passion for the game by creating a positive, engaging, and growth-oriented team environment. Derrick is currently working on his “D” coaching license. Outside of soccer, Derrick works as a data scientist at Nationwide Insurance and spent five years as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters. |
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Kofi Agyepong fell in love with the game of football as a young kid in Berlin, Germany, and played for several select clubs in Central Ohio during his youth, including training with the Columbus Crew Academy (Predecessor of MLS NEXT PRO).
Kofi values the game of football not only as an art form, but as a valuable tool for bridging cultural divides, learning crucial lessons about teamwork, camaraderie and personal improvement, and, finally, building relationships that last a lifetime.
Outside of football, Kofi hopes to continue working on humanitarian and development-focused projects in Central Ohio, West Africa (particularly in his ancestral homeland of Ghana) and worldwide."
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Gerardo Martinez is one of our youngest coaches in SP Soccer Academy. He has been playing soccer since he was little, and over time soccer became one of his biggest passions. He loves watching, playing and now coaching soccer, He has played soccer at a recreational club, and high school level.
He knows our philosophy on soccer development and technique very well since Gerardo grew up being part of one of our teams at the academy and now he continues to be part of the SP family as a coach. He knows very well our vision about soccer Aside from soccer, his favorite hobbies are going to parks, playing music and video games as well as reading. He has recently graduated with a degree in biology from Ohio State.
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| | Chris Zaj. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Technology from The Ohio State University, Chris Zajd has seamlessly blended creative vision with cutting-edge technology. Specializing in 3D marketing and spatial experiences, Chris has made significant strides in the industry as an Associate Creative Director. This role not only showcases Chris's ability to lead and innovate but also reflects a deep commitment to transforming spaces and experiences through artistic and technological lenses. Chris's academic and professional journeys are marked by a dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital and physical realms, creating immersive environments that captivate and engage. Outside of the professional sphere, Chris Zajd's passion for soccer has been a lifelong journey. Beginning at the age of 8, soccer has been more than a hobby; it's a part of Chris's essence. Playing in select soccer leagues throughout childhood and high school, and continuing into adult life, Chris has demonstrated not only a love for the game but also a commitment to teamwork, discipline, and the joy of competition. Coaching soccer, particularly for his son, has become an extension of this passion. For Chris, coaching is not just about teaching the sport but also about guiding his son, and others, to grow both emotionally and physically into better individuals. It's an opportunity to instill values such as resilience, cooperation, and respect, all while nurturing a healthy lifestyle and a love for the game. This balance between a demanding career and an active participation in soccer, coupled with the rewarding role of coaching, highlights Chris Zajd's multifaceted personality — a blend of creativity, leadership, athletic prowess, and paternal dedication.
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| Morgan Brown has over 30 years playing experience and 10 years coaching experience. Morgan played college soccer at Muskingum University and played recreationally abroad in Argentina, Spain, and Brazil. He has coached teams at the U9 to U15 levels.
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Bariq Hadi, Like many other children, started playing soccer when he was five years old, using only a ball, bare feet, and bricks to create makeshift goals. He continued playing soccer throughout high school, but when he turned 17, he left his home country of Iraq and relocated to Columbus, OH, in the United States. Two years later, I graduated from Westland High School and realized that he could not pursue a career as a professional soccer player, so he decided to become a coach instead. He's scheduled to graduate from Columbus State Community College with an Associate of Science in Sports Management degree by the end of December 2023. His ultimate aim is to earn a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and acquire the highest coaching license in soccer, which is the pro license. He is eager to coach one of the top European clubs and am confident that his unique soccer philosophy will enable him to achieve great things and bring out the best in his players. Currently, he holds a "D" soccer license and has already registered for the C license, which he anticipates obtaining by the end of October 2023.
Coach Jose Mourinho is his role model, and he is inspired by his exceptional character and philosophy, which is one of the reasons why he chose to pursue a coaching career. In his free time, he enjoys taking walks in the park while reading books, exercising, playing soccer once a week, and watching soccer matches whenever possible. In addition, he has been working as an operations manager at FedEx SmartPost since 2011.
The best quote he has heard is “What is yours will find you.”
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| Travis Goodwin was a tri-sport athlete in high school who started his soccer career later than most, but quickly developed into a goal-scoring defender who played through his sophomore year in college.
His passion for creating positive experiences for families and players has propelled him to successful seasons as a coach of over 45 teams of all ages.
Travis pushes himself in the gym and enjoys teaching his players in an active fashion. He ensures every player feels valued and unlocks the confidence needed to Become Better.
He believes that you need to truly care about your players and their families if your want to truly make an impact as a coach. He also believes in emphasizing leadership regardless of age or talent level.
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Dr. Parker Huston is an enthusiastic soccer coach, player, and parent and has been playing and coaching soccer for his entire life. A native of Central Ohio, he has watched the local soccer community blossom over the past 40 years and is excited to help continue growing the game he loves here in Columbus. He is passionate about teaching not only the fundamental skills and strategy needed to play soccer, but also the character and mental skills required for success on and off the field. He focuses on leadership, resilience, and self-improvement in order to help young athletes achieve their potential.
Parker also works as a pediatric psychologist here in Westerville, helping children and families improve their mental health and wellbeing. He previously worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University before leaving to start his own practice. He specializes in complex behavioral and medical conditions as well as sports performance and issues related to giftedness. Parker has two children who are avid soccer players as well. When he's not coaching he might be at the field helping with their training, watching a game, or playing in one of his own league
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Mohamed Abdulkadir, a dedicated soccer coach and educator, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the SP Soccer Academy. Born and raised in the local community for the past 25 years, Mohamed has cultivated a deep understanding of the soccer culture and values that resonate within the community. His roots run deep, and this local connection uniquely positions him to connect with aspiring young athletes at the academy on a personal level, fostering not only their soccer skills but also instilling a sense of community pride.
With a solid foundation in coaching, Mohamed Abdulkadir has spent several years honing his expertise in high school soccer. His commitment to player development goes beyond the field, emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As a result, his coaching philosophy goes beyond the technical aspects of the game, aiming to shape well-rounded individuals both on and off the soccer pitch. Mohamed's dedication to the sport and his community makes him an invaluable asset to the SP Soccer Academy, where he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of soccer talents. |