Coaches Corner

Interested in joining the KICKS staff, please email your coaching resume to Eric Arbuzow to be considered for a coaching position

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Chris Rue

Chris is a local home town legend. Chris joins the KICKS staff hoping to pass his knowledge on to the youngsters. Not only was he Palm Beach Post Player of the Year during his senior year at Jupiter High School, Chris also went on to make four NCAA tournament appearances for FIU. After his playing days at FIU, Chris helped coach the 1996 Golden Panthers to an NCAA National Final. In 2002, He led Jupiter High School to a High School State Final and has coached and developed over 30 players to the professional level. He currently holds a USSF D License.

As a player, Chris has attended some of the largest tournaments in the world, including the Gothia Cup, Dallas Cup, Thistle Cup and the Dana Cup. At 16, Chris won the Dallas Cup and soon after attended trials with Manchester United's youth program. Chris was awarded a full scholarship to Florida International University during there powerhouse years as a program during the early 1990's, where he still remains 8th all-time leading scorer. He was a member of the State ODP and Regional ODP teams throughout most of his youth playing days and went on to play 4 years in the USL after college.

 

Mario Stewart

Mario joins the Kicks from Weston and Coral Springs. Mario's qualities were enough to help Weston win two State Championships, as he had a pivotal role in developing players. He also comes from an extensive playing background.

Mario grew up playing for Sunrise FC, a club well known for competing nationally during his playing days. Among Mario's accomplishments, Mario won several State Championships and high caliber tournaments. After club, Mario attended Campbell University on a soccer scholarship. After his college career, he spent some time playing in the USL. He is a highly demanded trainer in south Florida and is happy to call Kicks his home. Mario enjoys teaching the game to kids and looks forward to a long career in coaching.

 

Anton Bogdan

Bogdan joins Kicks after relocating to the United States from his home in Romania. In Europe, Bogdan started his professional playing career as a goalkeeper in 1993 for C.S.S Falticeni. After retiring from professional soccer in 2008, Bogdan turned to coaching.

He currently holds a UEFA "B" license and is the club's goalkeeping coach. Bogdan offers a professional training session for both field players and goalkeepers.  He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical and Sport Training. Bogdan is available for private sessions to any goalkeeper looking for professional guidance and premier training. 

 

Wilmer Diego

Wilmer is an extremely well known face in the northern part of Palm Beach County. Wilmer has been around for over a decade and has been a trainer with several clubs in south Florida.

Wilmer was an All-State player out of Palm Beach Gardens High School in the mid-1990's. He still holds the school record for most goals in a single season. He was also a member of Manatee Magic Soccer Club, who were a National contender in youth soccer in the 90's. Wilmer is a face that kids never forget. His knowledge is ideal for development and he loves teaching kids how to play the game.

 

Cesar Montes

Cesar joins the Kicks from South Florida Elite. Cesar has been a trainer in south Florida for several years and has proven his success as a trainer. He has worked with Wellington, Boca Juniors, Schulz Academy and South Florida Elite.

As a player, Cesar grew up playing in southern California for Pateadores S.C. His team was California State Champion 1994 as well as a national competitor. Cesar was invited to attend trials with Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico and was released after a brief stint. Cesar started coaching in California for his former club, Pateadores S.C. Cesar is a very demanding trainer with tons of insight for players. His training style is unique and he helps younger players prepare to move onto a bigger field, 11 vs. 11.

 

Steve Patton

Steve has played a pivotal role in the club. Since his arrival in 2006, Steve has been able to lead the first Kicks team to success since 2000, when Paul Gelb place top 20 in the Nation during his last season as a Kicks Soccer Club coach. Steve continues to train teams with the Kicks and brings plenty of knowledge to the table.

Steve grew up in New Jersey were he was a two time First Team All-State player and went on to become a 4-year starter at Montclair University. He was also a member of the New Jersey State ODP team as well as Region I ODP team. After college, Steve spent the 1998/99 season with the Miami Fusion. Steve has since coached at Boca United and Jupiter Sting before landing his feet with the Kicks. The players really enjoy Steve's sessions as well as his individual sessions.

 

Walter Yoder

Walter joined the Kicks in 2009 as the Assistant Coach for the U-19 Boys. Since he has joined the Kicks, Walter has been able to deliver training sessions at another level. Walter has all of the knowledge and understanding to teach players what the next level is all about.

Walter is a south Florida native. He grew up playing with club Director of Coaching, Eric Arbuzow, at Coral Springs Storm. As player, Walter achieved more than the average player did. From 1998 through 2003, Walter was a member of the Florida State ODP team as well as the Region III ODP team. He was also a National Pool Player in 1999, 2000 and 2001. He was also an Adidas ESP selected player in 2000 and 2001 where was named to the Adidas All America Team. Walter nearly went to Europe at 16 before breaking a bone in his foot that sidelined him until he was 17. He signed his scholarship to Florida Atlantic University in 2003 where he was a 4-year starter for the Owls and a frequent A-Sun conference eye-opener. Walter has since played with several higher level teams in local events against National Teams from outside of North America as well as MLS and European top flight clubs. Walter's ability to train kids is one that is rare and extremely effective.

 

Kyle Gero

Kyle is a well known local coach. He has been around the fields of northern Palm Beach county for several years. On top his club coaching, Kyle also has been involved with the soccer program at Duncan Middle School, both boys and girls. He also is the assistant coach for Dwyer high school for the varsity soccer team.

Kyle played at Palm Beach Atlantic University in college as a goalkeeper. Prior to an injury, Kyle was non-stop on the field as a player. In his current position, he is very similar to the days of his play. Keeping Kyle off the field and working with kids is nearly impossible. He is a well respected individual and always is open to helping kids. Kicks are very grateful to have a coach like Kyle involved in the program.

Drew Helm

Drew is one of Palm Beach County's most successful players. Growing up, drew spent his training days working with Steve Kinsey, Manchester City player of 10 seasons and Chris Rue, former FIU standout who once notched a look from Manchester United at 16 years old.  Drew's explosive speed, playing ability and passion for the game has landed him in the professional circuit at 21 years old.

After stellar campaigns at the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University, the 2002 Palm Beach Post Player of the Year caught the eye of current US National Team Coach, Bob Bradley, and was the 1st player selected in the Supplemental Draft of 2005 to Chivas USA of the MLS.  After 8 first team appearances and several reserve team goals, Drew departed to Portugal where he spent the later half of the season with Marinahs FC. Drew's high-class play was enough to send him to Bodens BK of Sweden, where he currently plays. While in the off-season and on holiday, Drew frequents trips to his hometown of Jupiter, FL and enjoys working with the KICKS. Drew works mainly with individual development among the youngsters and speed of play with the older boys. Coming from a current professional, the boy's truly love it.

 

 Tony Iannitti

Tony Iannitti has been coaching soccer in Palm Beach County for the last 28 years.  He has earned a National Championship in the Super Clubs League Tournament in 2006 and accumulated 7 tournament championships as head coach of competitive teams as well as five league championship titles compiling a record of 181-41-1.  Tony has also coached many local High School and Middle School teams to remarkable success.  He has led Loggers Run to an undefeated title in 1995, led Carver Middle to 3 division titles, Dwyer High to be conference champions from 2003-2005 and is currently Head JV coach at Palm Beach central with a 30-0-2 record going into the 2009-2010 season.  Tony holds licenses and diplomas in care and prevention of injuries, specific sport coaching, coaching techniques, and holds a USSF “D” license.  We are honored to have Coach Tony on staff as he has truly made his mark on youth soccer in Palm Beach County and has helped many student-athletes development and reach their aspirations in sport.

Kim Moore

Kim Moore Sandel was born in Panama City, Florida. She started playing soccer at the age of 6. Kim grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina where she joined the CASL soccer program and played for the Raleigh Spartans. Her team won the State Championship in 1993, 1997, 1999, and 2000. She also participated in ESP and ODP. Kim was a member of the state team for ODP in 1997-1999. In 1999 she made the regional pool for ODP. She then went on to play for the University North Carolina at Charlotte a division I program on a full scholarship. There she was named freshman rookie of the year. She made the all conference team her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She was also named to the regional team her sophomore and junior year. As a captain her junior year, along with fellow Kicks Coach Jennie Leeder Clark, they led their team to become nationally ranked 7^th in the country. Kim was also named captain her senior year. She has coached youth soccer for 5 years and currently teaches 3^rd grade in Palm Beach County.

Jennie Leeder

Jennie Leeder Clark was born in Tucson, Arizona and started playing soccer at six years old.  She joined the Houston Challenge Soccer Club when her family moved to Spring, Texas in 1993.  Her club team won the State Cup Championship every year from U-12 through U-18.  They competed at Regionals every year and won their U-14 and U-16 years.  At U-16 they went on to the National Championship and lost in the Final match.  Jennie was a member of the State ODP team from 1993-1998 and the Regional ODP Team in 1998.  Jennie went on to play Division I soccer at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on a full scholarship.  She earned Rookie of the Year honors her Freshman year, made the All-Conference Team her Sophomore, Junior and Senior year, made the Regional Team and was named MVP her Senior year.  Jennie played alongside fellow Kicks Coach Kim Moore Sandel who both led their team to a National high ranking of seventh in the nation in 2002.  She graduated from Charlotte with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in Gerontology.

Jennie started coaching youth soccer under the direction of Eric Eichmann and Tim Miller at Boca United Football Club.  She then joined Tim Miller at the Jupiter Sting Soccer Club before coming to the Kicks program.  She has a USYSA Youth License.

Ozzie Matute

 Coach Matute had a professional career as a forward in a first division club in Guatemala. He trained some of the county's top young goalkeepers. Ozzie coaches on a strictly volunteer basis. His reward, the children keep him in shape!