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
Academy Director
Matteo holds a Bachelor’s in Sport and Exercise Science and a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Roma, he also attended the University of Waterloo PhD in Kinesiology Neuroscience. UEFA A & B licensed coach with FIFA Coaching Diploma, he is the CEO of Edge Americas Sports Inc., Juventus Academy Los Angeles, LA Youth (MLS Next), and ZONE360, an AI-powered coaching software platform.
West Los Angeles

Manu Appelius​
Head of Operations & West LA Director
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!

Salvador Filho​
Head Coach
Originally from Brazil, he is a seasoned soccer coach with over 20 years of experience in Brazil and California. Holding both USSF A and CBF A licenses, he combines expertise from two rich soccer cultures to develop players' technical skills, tactical understanding, and love for the game. Now based in Los Angeles, Salvador is committed to fostering player growth on and off the field. His coaching style emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and creativity, creating an environment where athletes thrive and reach their full potential.

Ricardo Maxwell- Ordainones
Head Coach
Originally from Costa Rica, Ricardo Maxwell-Ordain has over 20 years of experience working with children as a teacher and soccer coach. His career spans roles at schools such as Brooklyn Friends, Berkeley Carroll, and The Windward School, as well as coaching for clubs including the Long Island Rough Riders, New York Red Bulls, New York Cosmos, and Juventus Academy LA. As a player, Ricardo contributed to Limon FC in Costa Rica and helped the Charlotte Eagles win the 2005 USL Pro National Championship. He holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, an “A” Pro International License (ATFA-Argentina/FIFA), and an NSCAA National Youth Diploma.

Santi Bartolome
Head Coach
Born in General Pico, La Pampa, Argentina, Santi is a skilled center midfielder with a rich soccer journey. He began his youth career at Club Sportivo Independiente, General Pico, and United Football Academy before making a mark at Illinois Tech. While earning a business degree, Santi led his college team to the USCAA national championship. His talent and dedication also shone at FC United, competing in the USL. With exceptional ball control, sharp decision-making, and a relentless work ethic, Santi is committed to pushing boundaries on and off the field.

Joey Polizzi
Head Coach
Joey is a passionate soccer coach with over a decade of experience in youth education, coaching, and development. Currently the Head Soccer Coach at Juventus Academy Los Angeles, he leads boys' and girls' teams, focusing on advanced tactics, age-appropriate growth, and fostering a love for the game. With nearly ten years of teaching and coaching at Los Angeles independent schools, Joey excels at creating supportive environments for personal and athletic growth. Certified with a US Soccer D License and Early Childhood Education credentials, he emphasizes confidence, leadership, and teamwork in every player. A Southern California club soccer alumnus, Joey is proud to now guide young athletes in the same system that shaped his own love for the game.
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Ati Kalyoncu
Head Coach
Attila Gökay Kalyoncu is a UEFA Grassroots C and US National D licensed coach, former top-level youth player in Germany, and experienced youth director. He has coached U14–U18 teams, managed 300+ players at CFC Hertha 06 Berlin, and excels in tactical training, recruitment, and player development. Fluent in German, Turkish, and English, Attila combines coaching expertise with strong leadership and administrative skills

Flavio Riberio
Head Coach
Flavio Ribeiro is a highly qualified and experienced soccer coach with a Master’s Degree in Soccer from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the highest professional coaching qualification in Brazil. He holds a US Soccer Federation B License and an Advanced National Coaching License (NSCAA). Coach Flavio has worked extensively in youth development, coaching at Geffen Academy at UCLA and Marlborough School in Los Angeles. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he is deeply committed to developing young players both technically and mentally, fostering excellence on and off the field.

Thierry Sauzier
Fitness Trainer
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Radford Hallman
Fitness Trainer
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Aidan Feuer
Goalkeeper Coach
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Chatsworth
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Chris Bonawandt
Chatsworth Director & Head Coach
Chris holds the USSF C license 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.

Raha Shams
Admin& Head Coach
Raha Shams is a former professional soccer player and FIGC-licensed referee from Italy, now serving as head coach at Juventus Academy Los Angeles. Drawing on her background in kinesiology and a master’s degree in teaching, she blends technical expertise, tactical intelligence, and sports science to develop well-rounded athletes. Known for her supportive yet challenging approach, Raha focuses on building confident, resilient players who excel both on and off the field.

Devin Van Meter
Head Coach
Devin is a dedicated soccer coach with a background in physical education, kinesiology, and youth development. He has coached at club and international levels, including with Southern California Seahorse, Casa Deportiva Cumbre Alta in Ecuador, and youth programs worldwide. Holding a B.S. in Kinesiology and an M.A. in Teaching, Devin specializes in athlete development, team dynamics, and performance analysis. Known for his leadership, he creates inclusive training environments that foster technical growth, player autonomy, and a deeper understanding of the game
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Mario Molina
Head Coach
Football has shaped my life both as a player and a coach. I played at the UPSL level before transitioning to coaching in 2015, working with boys’ and girls’ teams across various age groups. I’m currently the JV head coach and varsity assistant at Brentwood School, focusing on player development and a high-tempo, competitive style of play.
My coaching philosophy emphasizes possession with purpose, quick decision-making, and intelligent movement. I strive to create an environment where players grow on and off the field, developing discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I’m excited to work with this team and help each player reach their potential.

Theo Lannom
Assistant Coach
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Drew Ray
Fitness Trainer
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Salvador Regla
Goalkeeper Coach
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