Club Directors
Coaching Staff
Matt Abraham
TEAMS COACHED: G2007 DPLO, G2010 DPLO, B2014 Elite
Coach Matt is originally from Newton Aycliffe, England, he moved to the U.S in 2014 to pursue a career in coaching. Matt worked for various organizations that offered the opportunity to coach in various areas to develop players of all levels and ages. Over the past 6 years Matt has been heavily involved in Southern California soccer, in the capacity of Director of Coaching for Claremont Stars Soccer Club. Within this role Matt built a consistent club structure, launched a club tournament and helped with transitioning to the SOCAL organization.
He has worked in a number of schools, (special education programs) and has a degree in Sport Science as well as USSF and UEFA soccer qualifications.
PHONE: (310) 415-6989
Julian Asta
TEAMS COACHED: B2005/06 EA2 Assistant, B2015 Select, G2015 Premier
Julian was born in Melbourne, Australia. He has been coaching for the better part of the last decade, coaching a variety of women’s, boys and men’s teams. He also worked with Professional A-League side Melbourne Victory as their Head Academy Scout, helping find talent for the team to develop. In 2019 Julian moved to London to work with Colchester FC as one of their Head scouts. Julian holds a Bachelor of Sports Science from Victoria University, and is finishing his Masters of Sports science in 2022. Julian moved to LA in late 2021 and has a passion for developing young talent, helping ensure that players have the tools to be successful both on and off the pitch.
PHONE: (213) 788-8496
EMAIL: jasta@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Adam Alkaysi
TEAMS COACHED: G2009 NPLO, B2012 Select, G2012 Premier, B2014 Premier
Adam is from Wales, United Kingdom and is in his 5th year of coaching soccer in Southern California. Adam attended Bournemouth University in which he was able to represent their soccer team for 2 years whilst also graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching and Development. He continued his playing at a semi-professional level for Tredegar Town (Welsh Division 2) and Swan United FC ( Western Australia 1st Division). After deciding to pursue coaching over his playing career, he began his journey in Wales before moving to Los Angeles in 2019. He has spent the last 3 years at a Westside Soccer club and has gained a reputation of playing a possession-based style with his teams, while implementing a fun-based environment. Adam currently holds a U.S Soccer D license.
PHONE: (310) 706-8375
Chris Howe
TEAMS COACHED: Goalkeeper Director
Chris is originally from Doncaster, England and moved to the US in 2003 to play for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Chris became four year starter, captaining the team for three years while receiving multiple Sunshine State Conference accolades during an impressive collegiate career. After finishing college, Chris moved to Southern California to start his coaching career. He has since worked and coached at multiple levels of the game including Academy, ODP, High School and College. In addition, Chris still serves as a resource the men’s soccer program at his alma mater.
Chris has worked for LA Galaxy in multiple capacities since 2009, creating high level soccer programs, assisting with the Alliance Clubs and managing the LA Galaxy II global open tryouts. His current position with LA Galaxy is managing the day to day and season long operations for LA Galaxy II, managing business operations to fit within a diverse and wide ranging budget, ultimately placing the team of players, coaches and support staff in the best possible position to succeed and compete in a high level environment.
Chris currently holds a USSF B License, USSF Goalkeeping A License, the Advance National Goalkeeping Diploma from United Soccer Coaches, the Premier Diploma from United soccer Coaches and the Fundamentals of Coaching from the National Federation of State High School Associations as well as being SafeSport Certified.
PHONE: (562) 706-9105
EMAIL: chowe@sandandsurfsoccer.com
TEAMS COACHED: New Coach
Jake Germany
Jake is originally from Tyler, Texas, and in his first year at Sand & Surf. Jake has been coaching soccer off and on for around 12 years between touring with the Grammy nominated rock band, Relient K. Jake played in Classic League Div 1 in Texas before playing at Oklahoma Baptist University. In Nashville, Jake coached for Tennessee Soccer Club before moving to Redondo Beach and joining Sand & Surf. Jake’s goal is to establish a fun and competitive setting to help young players strive to become better players and people.
PHONE: (903) 316-1520
Josh Jirbandey
TEAMS COACHED: B2008 EA2, B2012 EA2, B2015 Elite
Coach Josh originally from Hastings, England, is entering his 7th year of coaching club soccer in the South Bay area. After several years of playing at Norwich City & Peterborough United academies, Josh had the opportunity to try out at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and spent several weeks training alongside German World Cup hero Mario Gotze. Josh then returned to play Semi-Pro at his hometown club Hastings United where they would achieve a famous FA Cup run before losing out to English Championship side Middlesbrough in the 3rd round. Josh then came to California to earn a degree in Business Management at Marymount University, after completing his AA degree at Lake Tahoe College.
PHONE: (424) 210-1313
Aaron Kendrick
TEAMS COACHED: B2013 Premier, G2013 Premier
Coach Aaron is originally from Bournemouth, England, and is now in his third year at Sand & Surf. Aaron has been in the United States since 2015 and involved in coaching the game since 2010. Aaron’s playing experience includes representing his state team and playing for Portsmouth academy. Aaron is also currently the head coach of Marlborough’s Middle School soccer team, alongside his focus on coaching our fundamental-aged teams here at Sand & Surf.
PHONE: (323) 492-2631
Eddie Lopes
TEAMS COACHED: B2015 Premier, B2016 Premier
Coach Eddie is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is now in his third year at Sand & Surf. As a youth player in Brazil, Eddie played for both Corinthians S.C and S.E Palmeiras’ prestigious academies. Eddie then attended the University of Rio Grande in Ohio, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Exercise Science. After graduation, Eddie played professional soccer as an attacking midfielder in Japan for Thespakusatsu in the 2013 and 2014 J-league seasons.
PHONE: (860) 597-0909
EMAIL: elopes@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Kevin Lopes
TEAMS COACHED: B2005/06 EA2, B2007 EA2, B2013 EA2
Coach Kevin was born and raised in France and is currently in his fourth year with Sand & Surf. Kevin’s coaching career began 12 years ago with his former Club Annecy FC, where he also used to play as a semi professional player (CFA2). Kevin moved to Los Angeles 6 years ago to study at Santa Monica College and had the chance to practice with the LA Galaxy before his previous US visa had ended. Kevin is a motivated student of the global game and has developed a strong reputation among players, parents, and his peers as a committed and talented developer of youth talent. His coaching program is based on possession-based soccer development with a French emphasis. Kevin also now play as a Street Soccer player and Member of “Bola”, the first US street Soccer team to represent the USA at the World Cup which was in October 2016, in Manchester.
PHONE: (310) 962-0957
EMAIL: klopes@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Johnny McBride
TEAMS COACHED: B2009 EA2, B2010 EA2, B2011 EA2
Coach Johnny was born and raised in Italy and is currently in his second year at Sand & Surf. Johnny played soccer in the professional youth club of his local city, which was competing in the Serie B, and ended up playing for the fourth division in Italy, which is considered a semi-professional league. Johnny was also selected multiple times to play for the Regional team, which combines the best players of each region/county in Italy and competes in a summer tournament against all the other regions. With having double citizenship since birth, Johnny decided to move to L.A. to try new experiences and look for a different future. Johnny has been part of the coaching staff who started the project of Juventus Academy Los Angeles and has also been working as a coach at EuroSoccer USA and a street soccer program called MBFC.
PHONE: (818) 588-5039
Stephen Merriwether
TEAMS COACHED: G2005/06 DPLO G2012 Elite, G2013 Elite
Coach Stephen, a native of Louisiana, is now in his eighth year at Sand & Surf and holds a role as the Operations director. Stephen is a former Division 2 college goalkeeper at Cal State Los Angeles, where he was an assistant coach for 4 years. He helped Cal State LA to a 41-11-10 record and three NCAA tournament appearances during his college career, winning a Far West Regional Championship in 2014. Currently, Stephen is at Marymount California University as an Assistant Coach. At MCU,The Mariners have won 1 Cal Pac Conference Championship, and have twice qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. Stephen holds an “A” License through US Soccer (US Soccer’s highest coaching credential) as well as a USSF Goalkeeper Diploma.
PHONE: (310) 251-3199
Juan Ortega
TEAMS COACHED: G2011 DPLO, G2013 Select, G2016 Pre-Elite
Juan was born and raised in Hawthorne, CA. He played 5 years of club soccer with Total Futbol Academy and was on the Leuzunger High School Varsity team for 3 years, During that time he was named the team’s Defensive MVP, his Junior & Senior seasons. Juan then went on to play professional Futsal in the American Futsal League with the South Bay Originals Futsal Club and is now the Manager of Youth Development within the organization. He had the pleasure of volunteering as a United Partner, for the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Soccer Team, which is a team that brings together players with & without intellectual disabilities though the power of inclusion. He currently work within the Manhattan Beach USD, at local elementary schools as a Ground Supervisor & After School Enrichment Programs Coach.
PHONE: (323) 421-0820
Cat Pacheco
TEAMS COACHED: New Coach
Coach Catalina is from Torrance and grew up playing club soccer in the South Bay. Attending West High School, she was also a part of the girl’s soccer program and wanted to continue playing at the collegiate level. She attended California State University Dominguez Hills and was a part of the Women’s Soccer Team, this is also when she began as a camp and program coach with Sand and Surf Soccer Club. Catalina continues to play with the UPSL, a semi professional soccer league in the United States. She is currently pursuing her B.A. in Sports Business with Arizona State University and is excited to help share and grow the passion she has for soccer as a first year club coach with Sand and Surf Soccer Club.
PHONE: (626) 476-5830
Talita Pereira
TEAMS COACHED: G2008 DPLO, G2010 Elite, G2014 Select
Coach Talita is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is currently in her third year with Sand & Surf. Talita played soccer professionally for several teams in Brazil (Corinthians, Palmeiras, Portuguesa), Japan (Hokkaido), and Iceland. She also went on to represent the Brazilian National Team in a tournament in Serbia. Talita attended Franklin Pierce University in the US, where she received a full-ride scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. Talita’s coaching philosophy is a product of many different cultural experiences, which she has blended into a unique coaching style. Talita has coached all levels, including college, high school, and club soccer.
PHONE: (603) 554-0198
Rene Ortez
TEAMS COACHED: B2014 Select, B2017 Premier
Coach Rene was born and raised in Hawthorne, California. Rene grew up playing soccer from a very young age, and played for California Rush, and Hawthorne High School. At Rush, Rene won 2 State Cups, and at Hawthorne set reconds for scoring goals. He has always wanted to share his knowledge and love for the game to younger players and has been involved in many grassroots level coaching programs, including BritWest, AYSO and Sand & Surf’s Development Program and Winter Development Program.
PHONE: (424) 414-3177
EMAIL: rortez@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Graeme Percy
TEAMS COACHED: G2005/05 DPLO, B2011 Elite, B2012 Premier, B2014 Premier 2
Coach Graeme is originally from Glasgow, Scotland and has been living in the U.S. from 2010. Graeme has been coaching within the sport since 2007 in Scotland, Canada & the U.S. He has worked with both female & male soccer players at the recreational, competitive, High School, Semi-professional & collegiate level.
Graeme has been in Southern California since 2017 & was previously the Director of Coaching at Euro Soccer USA. He oversaw & managed all soccer programs and curriculums, as well as educating the coaching staff. Graeme coached at LA Surf (Formerly LA Premier) where he coached multiple age groups & levels along with the WPSL team.
Graeme currently holds a BA In Sports Coaching with Development of Sport along with USSF C & UEFA C coaching licenses. He is currently in the process of obtaining his USSF B license
PHONE: 916-717-7517
EMAIL: gpercy@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Jamie Rose
TEAMS COACHED: G2014 Elite, G2015 Elite, B2017 Pre-Elite
Coach Jamie is originally from Hastings, England, and in his first year at Sand & Surf. Jamie has been coaching soccer for around 11 years in the UK and U.S, subsequently making the decision at 20 years old to come to the U.S. to pursue a career in coaching where he has now resided for seven years. Jamie spent five years at Liverpool FC SoCal, originally know as LA Galaxy Orange country, before coming to Sand and Surf. Jamie has worked predominately in the foundation age groups (7v7 & 9v9) where he has taken flight 3 teams to flight 1. He was also given the role of U8 pre-club academy director. Jamie’s aim is to provide a fun but competitive environment to enhance young players technical and tactical abilities.
PHONE: (949) 763-8185
EMAIL: jrose@sandandsurfsoccer.com
Katharine Rogerson
TEAMS COACHED: G2012 Select
Coach Katharine is a Manhattan Beach native and in her third year as a coach with Sand and Surf Soccer Club. As a club alumna, she is excited that her soccer journey came full circle to bring her to her first coaching role at the club she calls home. She has enjoyed working at Sand and Surf’s camps and development programs. Katharine also played for the Mira Costa High School girls program as well as the Northeastern University Women’s Club program. Katharine is currently pursuing a career in sports media, but feels grateful to spend time each week with her squad of committed players.
PHONE: (310) 489-0037
Brennan Smith
TEAMS COACHED: B2013 Select, B2016 Pre-Elite
Brennan was born and raised in Long Beach, CA before moving and residing in Hawthorne, CA. He attended Mira Costa High School and was part of the Costa soccer program for all four years. After graduating, he attended El Camino College and played for two years before transferring to California State University, Dominguez Hills where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology: Pre-Physical Therapy. He has been an Assistant Varsity soccer coach at Mira Costa since 2014 and has a great passion for the game. Brennan has been involved in Sand & Surf’s programs for 2 years and is excited to further his club coaching career. His goals are to build on his education and career in physical therapy/training while progressing his coaching career.
PHONE: (310) 617-3245
Katie Wilson
TEAMS COACHED: G2013 Elite Assistant
Coach Katie is from Torrance and in her first year as a coach with Sand and Surf Soccer Club. As a club alumna, she is excited that her soccer journey has come full circle to bring her to her first coaching role. She has enjoyed working at Sand and Surf’s camps and development programs. Katharine also played for the Mira Costa High School girls program as well as the Northeastern University Women’s Club program. Katharine is currently pursuing a B.A. in Communications Studies at Loyola Marymount University. This fall will mark her final year, and she is excited to finish off her college education while spending time coaching at the club she calls home.
PHONE: (310) 944-0459
Maddie Villela
TEAMS COACHED: G2011 Elite, G2015 Premier, G2017 Pre-Elite
Born in the South Bay, Maddie began playing soccer at the age of 5 and started off her youth club career at the age of 10, before going on to play collegiate soccer as a captain for 3 years. Maddie attended Marymount California University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a management and master’s degree in business administration. As a freshman and junior, Maddie received the award of second team All-Conference. In her junior year led the team to a Cal-Pac Championship and winning the title. Maddie finished off her collegiate career as was honored in 2020 for Daktronics- NAIA Scholar Athletes. Whilst in her senior year she began coaching at Sand and Surf in the year of 2019.
PHONE: (310) 707-7976