our Staff
At Juventus Academy Los Angeles, our programs are facilitated by licensed coaches with years of experience on the field. Our coaches aim to help our players improve their technical skills, game sense, and physical abilities. By developing foundational skills, our youth can transfer their success on the pitch into other aspects of their lives.
MATTEO MASUCCI
Technical Director
Matteo earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and then attended the University of Roma where he received his Masters Degree in Kinesiology. He holds the UEFA B and UEFA A licenses. He is also a Technical Director and Senior Management Consultant for soccer organizations. Matteo is currently counseling the Juventus Academy of Los Angeles, the Juventus Academy of Toronto and the Fitlight Research Lab.
MANU APPELIUS
Head of Operations - Head Coach
Manu Appelius holds a USSF B License; the second highest in the United States.
He joins us after 12 years as Director at Santa Monica United, and 3 as Director at Real So Cal-SCV. Manu also has a 20-year experience as varsity head coach at the high school level. His focus on development makes him one of the most renowned coaches in the Los Angeles area!
Head Coach
Salvador Filho
Head Coach
Salvador is from Brazil and he holds a USSF A license and a CBF A license. He lives in Los Angeles and he has been coaching for more than 20 years between Brazil and California.
Ricardo maxwell- Ordain
Head Coach
Originally from Costa Rica, Ricardo Maxwell-Ordain has over 20 years of experience working with children. Ricardo's teaching career includes teaching and coaching at Brooklyn Friends, Berkeley Carroll, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, The Windward School in Westchester, and United Community School in North Carolina. In addition to teaching physical education, Ricardo has coached soccer at the youth level and varsity level for several years with Long Island Rough Riders, New York Red Bulls, New York Cosmos, Westchester Flames, Eastern Football Club, Blind Brook High School, Charlotte Eagles, and currently with Juventus Academy LA. His professional career includes playing for Limon FC in Costa Rica and Charlotte Eagles, where he played a key role in the club earning the 2005 USL Pro National Championship Title. Afterward, he played for various clubs in New York. Among other licenses, Ricardo has a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. "A” Pro International License (ATFA-Argentina/FIFA) 2013, and NSCAA National Youth Diploma
Lena Perry
Head Goalkeeper Coach
Lena is a former dual NCAA-DI athlete from the University of Pacific where she played goalkeeper and competed as a sprinter/hurdler/high jumper for track and field. After obtaining her Masters in Exercise Physiology and Bachelors of Sports Medicine for her Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences degrees, she later became certified as a NASM personal trainer, nutritionist/chef, neuromuscular massage therapist, life coach and EMT. Over the past 5 years, she has coached for Sierra Canyon High School, and Marymount High School.
Nicolas Bermudez
Head Coach
Nicolas is a native of Madrid, Spain. Nicolas spent his youth soccer career playing for top tier clubs in Madrid.
Nicolas first came to the U.S. in 2008, when he began his collegiate career at Division I Towson University.
Over the last 10-years, Nicolas has coached for some of the top clubs in the D.C. area, he also coached in the Maryland Olympic Development Program (ODP) and, most recently in North Alabama as the NPSL Head Coach where he led the club to its first ever Conference final.
Nicolas currently holds a USSF “B” License, UEFA “B” License from the Spanish Royal Federation, and a Football Technical Analyst Certification.
Kyle Hendricks
Head Coach
Coach Kyle Hendricks is American born but grew up in South America. In his youth he also trained with West Ham Academy in England, FC Bayern Academy in Germany and he played for Esporte Clube Vitoria in Brazil. Kyle was able to transfer that international knowledge to coaching and he moved to California working with clubs and the Olympic Development Program. In this free time, he also loves to produce music and food as he is a DJ and a certified Chef.
RAHA SHAMS
Head Coach
Raha early passion for football emerged at the age of 6, as she enthusiastically joined soccer clubs, participating in the sport throughout middle school and high school. Over the years, Raha showcased her talent in Division 1 and the Premier Soccer Women's League, while also being honored to represent the youth Iranian national team and the Iranian university national team.
During her professional football career in Iran, which spanned approximately 7 years, Raha's journey encountered a setback due to an unfortunate accident while returning from a match.
After her recovery, Raha relocated to Italy and discovered a new calling as a referee, officiating soccer and futsal matches in men's leagues for a period of five years.
In 2022, Raha made her way to the United States, where she embarked on a coaching career, diligently sharing her profound passion for the beautiful game with players of all ages and skill levels.
CHRIS BONAWANDT
Head Coach
Chris holds the US C lIncense and the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, in addition to a Masters degree in Sports Management from St. Johns University. A New York native, Chris worked for the New York Red Bulls Academy for 10 years. While in NY Chris was also the Assistant Coach at NCAA Div II Queens College.
During his time in Brasil, Chris also coached at Academy SC International. Here in Los Angeles, Chris coached for 4 years with Real So Cal and Eagles SC, in addition to his role as Varsity Boys Coach at Sierra Canyon HS.