Norcross Soccer Association

Coaching Staff

Norcross Soccer Academy Coaching Staff

Norcross Soccer Academy’s professional coaching staff has decades of experience coaching youth soccer. Each possesses the national or state license(s) that appears directly below his/her name.

By reading each coach’s biography, you will realize that many have extensive playing experience at the highest and most competitive level in the sport. To make it easy to contact each coach, his/her name links to their respective email address.

	Tony Annan, Executive Director USSF A License Tony has been coaching in Atlanta for more than 14 years and has numerous successful seasons at the State, Regional, and National levels to his credit. Tony is also an Olympic Development Program (ODP) Head Coach, a Region three (ODP) Staff Coach and a GSSA Coaching License Instructor. Before arriving at NSA, he was the Director of Coaching for Concorde Fire Soccer Club. As a player, Tony signed with West Bromwich Albion FC, a first-division professional soccer club in his native England, at the age of sixteen. After playing there he moved to the U.S. In 1994, he played for Life University in Georgia, where he played four years before graduating with a BS in nutrition in 1999. Tony’s coaching experience has helped place over 45 players in college soccer programs and professional teams. Tony’s latest player success stories are Steven Kinney, who is currently playing for the Chicago Fire MLS Team and Daniel Johnson who is overseas studying and playing at West Ham United Youth Academy.
	Rob Di Figlio, Girls Technical Director UEFA A License Rob joined Norcross for the Spring 2006 season. Rob was a one year womans’ professional league cup winning coach at Wimbledon FC Ladies in London. This also saw him oversee the Wimbledon FC Ladies coaching staff & training. In addition to his NSA coaching responsibilites, Rob was the Technical Soccer Skills & Sports Performance Coach at "Superkick" in Norcross. Before coming to the US, Rob served as a Technical Youth Advisor for "Soccerskills UK" in London, England. Additionally, Rob was the Academy Center Director at Wimbledon FC, which is a founding member of the English Premier League, where he oversaw the youth development program, coaching, recruitment and coach education for ten years. Rob also coached a boys team from U13 through to U16, five of whom turned professional and three who represented their country at youth level. He also had a successful three-year period coaching youth soccer at Crystal Palace FC and QPR FC, both professional league clubs in London. As a player, Rob played semi-pro soccer in the US in the 1980s. Before that, he played for various non-league clubs, including the Anglo Italian League in England. Rob’s personal achievements also include being a two-year consecutive mens’ league winning coach at English non-league level.
	Roberto Sibaja, Boys Technical Director USSF A license Roberto Sibaja is a native of Alajuela, Costa Rica where he played in Liga Deportiva Alajuelense youth divisions for many years. In 2001, he was recruited for the U-20 Costa Rican National Team to compete in the World Cup in Argentina. In 1997, Roberto’s family relocated to Atlanta. He played for Wheeler High School and a Metro Atlanta Youth Club team. He earned a full athletic scholarship and played collegiate soccer for Life University from 1999 to 2003, when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition. Roberto graduated with a Masters in Sports Health Science and Nutrition from Life University in 2009. In 1998, he began his coaching career. He has coached at various Metro Atlanta youth organizations for seven years, training teams and holding head coach positions through 2005. From early 2004 to 2005, Roberto was Director of Personal Training for Bally Total Fitness. Most recently, he served as the Center Director/Director of Training at SuperKick in Norcross.
	Rich Mealey, Junior Select Director USSF A License, UEFA B License, National Diploma in Sports Psychology Rich originates from Hampshire in the south of England and joined Norcross in the spring of 2009. Before coming to the U.S., Rich worked for Chelsea FC in his native England as the U9 and U10 Elite Training Center coach. Additional responsibilities included overseeing schools soccer programs and Head Coach at Chelsea Soccer Camps. During his spell there Richard was part of the full Chelsea English Premier League Team Pre Season Tour to Asia. He also holds a National Diploma in Sports Psychology. Prior to his move to Chelsea, Richard was on the coaching staff at The David Beckham Academy in London. As a player, Rich played Non-League football for various club where he won two League Championships and had several appearances in the FA Cup. As a youth player Rich represented his county Hampshire at U18 youth level. His primary aim is to gain the highest possible coaching qualifications and to become a devoted student of the game.
	Judas Kinchen USSF A license Judas Kinchen played three years at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama and one season of semi-professional in Iceland. He has fifteen years of coaching experience at different levels, including Recreational, High School, Club and ODP. He has been the Assistant Coach for men and women at Auburn University and for women at Southeastern Louisiana and Ohio Universities. He is currently the Head Coach of the girls’ team at Norcross High School.
	Pancho Ugarte USSF A License Pancho joined NSA in the summer of 2009. Pancho has more than twenty two years of experience as an international and national soccer player, and is one of the most well-known Chilean soccer players. He began his professional career with Union La Calera, and he spent several seasons playing in Chile before moving to Europe for two seasons with Charleroi in the Belgian League and one season with Giannina in the Greek Super League. He made several appearances for the senior Chile national football team, his debut coming in a friendly game against Brazil on December 9, 1987. In 2007 and 2008, Georgia Soccer selected Pancho as the Boys’ Select Soccer Coach of the year.
	Vince Hayes, Recreational Director USSF B License, FA Psychology Level 1, NSCAA High School Diploma, National Youth License, NSCAA Advanced National License Vince has coached at Duluth High School for the past decade. In those years, the Duluth Men’s program went to state playoffs in all but one year, making it to the state Semi-Finals twice and the State Championship once. He is now the Varsity Women’s Head coach of the High School program where he coaches in the most competitive region in the state. He currently holds a National Youth training license along with a USSF ’B’ License. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master’s Degree in Social Science Education from Piedmont College. Vince is a staff coach on the 98 Georgia Girls ODP Pool after having a very successful season on the staff of the 96’ ODP Girls that sent several girls to the regional and national pool.
	Sergio Magana USSF C License Before joining Norcross, Sergio spent 2 years coaching at Alianza Soccer Club (ASC) at both the state and regional levels. He played a crucial role in assisting ASC in attaining regional premier league status. During this time, Sergio also served ASC as director of the youth boy’s division, U10 through U18. With his family originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Sergio’s professional experience began with playing in the youth division of Club Atlas where he soon made his way up to the top level team. Before Club Atlas, Sergio played Georgia Youth Soccer with the Mustangs in Dekalb, GA.
	John Drummond Scottish Football Association A, USSF C License John Drummond is from Scotland where he played his first professional game at the age of fifteen. He played two years for Raith Rovers FC, a professional team in Scotland, and five months for Millwall FC, a professional English team. Before that, John was the National Youth team captain for two years (U14 & 15). Having been in the US since 2001, John has attended Georgia Perimeter College and Piedmont College where he was a three-time All-American tallying 86 goals and 76 Assists (247 Career points) in 75 Collegiate games over four years, and graduated with a BA in Sports Marketing. He also has coached four seasons at Centennial High School (Varsity Girls) and was Piedmont College Asst. Women’s Coach for three years. He has been coaching youth at Norcross since 2001. He is married to Shirley, his wife, since 2000, and has a daughter, Maisie, and son John VIII.
	Mark Tonner USSF C License Mark is a native of South Africa and has been living in Atlanta since 1994. He has been a very successful coach with Concorde Fire and coached teams at State, Regional and National levels. Mark is a dedicated coach who gives great attention to technical training. Mark Played college soccer for Life University and graduated in 1999 with a BS in Nutrition. He is married to wife Partrica and they have a daughter Kalvine.
	Andy Wade USSF C license Andy Wade grew up in Swansea, Wales. He joined Norcross Soccer Academy in the Spring 2007 season and is currently training U11-U16 select players. Previously, Andy trained U12-U14 select players at Concorde Fire. From 1999 through 2005, he trained U10-U17 players at Roswell Santos soccer club. From 1998 to 2000, Andy was the Director of Britannia Soccer Camps, winning Director of the Year in 1998, and was the Regional Manager for Britannia Soccer in 1999-2000. Additionally, he was the Great Falls Coach and Development Program Manager for U5-U15. His experience includes professional and semi-professional play at Nottingham Forest, Llanelli FC and Oxford United, Barry Town. He also earned the Football Leaders’ Award for the Football Association of Wales. He has been married to his wife, Aly, since 2002 and they live in Woodstock.
	Paul Buckley NSCAA Premier License Paul originates from Warrington, England and came to the United States to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Paul was both an athletic and academic All-American and garnered both conference and regional player of the year awards. Having played one season in the USL A-League with the Syracuse Salty Dogs, he returned to Embry-Riddle as the assistant coach for the men’s program. During his three years as assistant coach the Eagles won three conference titles, two regional titles and attended the NAIA national tournament all three years. Paul also coached at Ormond Beach Youth Soccer Club in Florida. He currently has both his NSCAA National and Advanced National Coaching Diplomas, and has a Masters Degree in Aviation Management.
	Greig Munro NSCAA Premier License, NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma Greig Munro joined NSA in the summer of 2010. Greig grew up playing the beautiful game in the Highlands of Scotland. He spent 6 years in the Ross County FC Youth Academy and then a year each at Spartans FC and Berwick Rangers FC before making the move to the States. In 1999 he accepted a soccer scholarship and graduated in 2003 from Brimingham-Southern College with a BA in Sociology. After college he had spells at USL clubs the Louisiana Outlaws and the DC Royals. He then coached with Challenger Sports in the midwest before settling in Atlanta in 2005 where he joined the coaching staff at the Cannons Soccer Club. He served as the clubs Academy Director from 2007-1010. Greig currently holds his NSCAA Premier Diploma, NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma and UEFA/Scottish FA Club Coach License (C License).
	Jimmy Carrion Ga D License Jimmy hails from Ecuador and Moved to the USA in 1999. Jimmy has been coaching for the past eight years at various levels of youth soccer and has had many successes in tournament play with his teams. He was recognized in 2007 as Gwinnett Sportsman of the Year and received recognition from the Governor of GA. Jimmy is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about his players and keeps a great blend of family values with player development to achieve his goals. “I believe by Joining the coaching staff at NSA I will improve as a coach and be challenged, I am looking forward to this opportunity.”
	Carlos Tello ESPFA 1 License Carlos joined NSA in February of 2010. Carlos Tello is a native of Madrid, Spain. He started his career with Real Madrid´s youth team from 1992 until 1997, winning the U-16 national championship. Carlos has represented the Spanish National Team at the U-15 and U-16 levels, winning gold at the European Games. He is a ten-time International player with the regional selection team of Madrid, representing his country in the UEFA Regional Cup. Carlos has played professionally in Spain for such teams as Alcorcón, Alcalá de Henares and San Sebastián de los Reyes, playing against teams such as Real Madrid in Spain´s King´s Cup. Carlos has worked as the goalkeeper coach for Emory University´s mens´ team since 2008 and began his first season as the goalkeeper coach for Walton High School´s mens´ varsity team in 2010. He is also an Olympic Development Program (ODP) goalkeeper coach for the U-13 boys´ team.
	Felipe Quintero Professional Goalkeeper - Goalkeeper Coach Felipe played professionally in mexico for Lobos BUAP in 2005. He also helped Irapuatowin to the mexican second division title and advancement to the first division. He began his professional career with Chivas de Guadalajara, training with the first team and starting with the second division team. He also played for Angeles de Puebla Ciudad Juarez and Queretaro. Recently, Felipe played in the USL league for the Atlanta Slverbacks the past three years.
	Justin Moore USSF National D License Justin grew up in Lilburn and played Club soccer for Stone Mountain and Concorde Fire. He attended Parkview High School won the 2001 State Championship. During that same year Justin was awarded the Adidas ESP Golden Boot Award and finished his high school career as the 2002 Georgia Player of the Year. He further pursed soccer at Clemson University earning a Special Education Degree while being a 4-year starter for the soccer team. He was an All-ACC selection in 2004 and was a member of the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team in 2005. After college, he was selected #15 in the 2006 MLS Super-Draft by FC Dallas and spent time in the USL with the Atlanta Silverbacks. He also represented the United States as a member of the U-18 and U-20 National Teams. He first coached at NSA from 2007 - 2008. Norcross welcomes him back.
	Chris Charles USSF National B License Chris was born in San Juan, Trinidad and was kicking a soccer ball as soon as he could walk. At just 14, he was recruited to play for his country’s national team. By 15 years old, he was playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the CONCACAF. He moved to the US in 1984 and lived in Brooklyn, New York. He started playing professionally in 1989. Charles earned his B license in 1996 and began coaching youth soccer in Florida. Over the course of 15 years, Charles held various leadership positions from Director of Player Development (2000-2004) to Director of Training (2003-2007) and finally Age Group Coordinator (2007-2011). NSA was lucky to get him when he moved to Atlanta in August, 2011. Besides his mulitple professional achievements, Charles is also the proud father of three children.
	Robin Dixon USSF A License Robin has been involved in developing soccer players at the youth level for over 18 years. He began coaching while he was still playing collegiately at Wake Forest in the early 90’s. He then worked 6 years with Baton Rouge United as the Assistant Director followed by five years with the New Orleans Soccer Academy as both the Boys’ Director and the Developmental Program Director (ages 4-10).Robin Dixon joins the Norcross Soccer Coaching Staff after 6 years at AFC Lightning where he was hired as the Director of Player Development in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he was named the Director of the Boys’ Program in 2006 serving in this capacity through the 2009-10 season. Robin has extensive experience at every level of youth soccer development from the 4 year old beginners to the experienced College players. He has had the opportunity to coach many teams to State Championships and has been a part of several Region III medal winners. However, his ability to develop players can be exhibited in seeing the vast number of former players that continue to have success today not only in the college and professional ranks, but also as youth coaches themselves. Robin grew up in Atlanta and graduated from Westminster High School before moving on to Wake Forest University, where he graduated cum laude with a BA degree in Philosophy. While at Wake Forest, Dixon played soccer and was part of the ACC Championship team in 1989. Dixon was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for his outstanding academic achievement during athletic participation in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Following college, Robin played professionally for five years, including stints with the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers (USISL), Baton Rouge Bombers (EISL), and the New Orleans Storm (USL A-League). Robin resides in Roswell with his wife, Lara, and two boys, Jackson and Owen.
	James Steer USSF C and Level 2 NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma James will begin his first year of coaching in Atlanta. He joins Norcross after enjoying four successful years of club coaching in the state of Alabama. During his time there, James was also selected as one of the youngest ever State Level coaches for Alabama’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). As a player, James played for the youth team of Chesterfield F.C. - A third-division professional soccer club in England. After playing there he moved to the U.S., where he played four years for the University of Montevallo - an NCAA Div II program that made the Final Four in 2007 - before graduating with a BBA in Marketing and Accounting in May, 2011.