Director, Surf Junior Youth Academy Boys & Girls

License: USSF Soccer National Youth A License, USFF Futsal National Level 1 License, Coerver Soccer Coaching Youth Diploma

Coaching Experience:  Surf (18 years), Boston United, Hotspurs, Mesa Rovers, Villa, FC Bratz, San Diego Futsal Club (25 years)

About:

Playing Experience:

  • F.C. Zagreb Youth Academy, Zagreb Croatia
  • F.C. Dinamo Zagreb Youth Academy, Zagreb Croatia
  • F.C. Tekstilac, Zagreb Croatia
  • International, Boston
  • San Diego Sockers, San Diego
  • F.C. Morava, San Diego

Education:

  • Sports Medicine – Soccer in PE, Zagreb Croatia
  • City and Mesa College – PE, San Diego

“I joined Surf 17 years ago and have been working with the youngest ages for 10 years now. A friend of mine told me when I was offered a Surf job, that if I wanted to be the best – that I need to be with the best. I am happy that I listened. The programs and coaches around me have changed, but my principles and philosophy have not, as they are the very same since day 1. I am a strong believer in TECHNICAL SOPHISTICATION as the cornerstone of every player’s development. I believe only in the saying that “perfect” practice makes you perfect, not just practice. I am a proponent of paying attention to the smallest of details and teaching, rather than coaching. I want the kids to be in a safe environment, to have passion, to work hard, to love the experience, to be great teammates and to have fun more than anything whilst getting better every day.”

“I love our Surf facility and my fellow coaches at Surf, and I never drive to my “job” feeling that I am going to work. As my best friend told me once:”to many other coaches this is a job, to you it is a calling”. I don’t know about the others, but I believe that he nailed it in explaining me. I love to see Surf kids do their very best, eager to listen and learn, wanting to get better, being passionate and “crazy” about the sport. After all, there is no better one out there.”