Our youth soccer program features a team of high-quality, certified coaches who bring expertise and passion to every training session, ensuring top-notch learning experiences for young players. We strive to be San Diego’s best coaching team, inspiring and nurturing the potential of each participant on and off the field.
Coach Victor Melendez has more than 30 years of coaching success in both youth and professional soccer. He has achieved championships with boys' and girls' teams and has notable achievements, including coaching the CalSouth Player of the Year in 2018. Holding an A license with the US Soccer Federation and a Brazilian A goalkeeping license, Victor has an extensive background in collegiate soccer and professional coaching with the San Diego Sockers. Victor focuses on a holistic approach, nurturing future leaders while honing on-field abilities.
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With 18 years of coaching experience, including time with Chula Vista Rangers, San Diego City College, and Otay Ranch High School, Erick Melendez brings a wealth of expertise to the program. He holds a USSF "A” Youth National License, along with advanced coaching education and certifications. Erick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on Sport Management from Point Loma Nazarene University. His coaching philosophy centers on developing confident players both on and off the field, with an emphasis on technical growth, tactical understanding, and, most importantly, fostering a genuine love for the game. His knowledge and commitment to player development make him an invaluable asset to both players and coaching staff.
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Licenses/Certifications: USSF National C License
Years Coaching: 14
Experience: Club: Matrix Bonita, Coronado FC
High School: Bonita Vista HS Boys Varsity
Coaching Philosophy: Help players develop both individually and as part of a team, supporting them to succeed at the level they aspire to reach. I encourage success and emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
Teams: Girls U10 Academy, Girls U9 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: U.S. Soccer National D Coaching License
Years Coaching: 11 years
Experience: AYSO Matrix & Rebels East
Coaching Philosophy: Dedicated to shaping the future, both on and off the soccer field, emphasizing teamwork, integrity and respect. Above all, it's crucial to always have fun and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.
Email address: Pedro.Meneses@crusaderssoccer.
Team: Boys U14 NL
Modesto brings over 30 years of coaching experience, both internationally and in San Diego. His extensive knowledge and passion for the game make him an invaluable part of our Crusaders coaching staff. Our players and coaches benefit greatly from his expertise and dedication!
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Coach Seth Tunick holds a USSF D Youth National License and boasts over 25 years of coaching experience. Having been with the Crusaders since his player days, Coach Seth brings a deep understanding of the club's ethos. His coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, positivity, and facing challenges to instill a love and passion for the game, contributing positively to player development. With an extensive coaching history at Francis Parker School and Patrick Henry High School, Coach Seth is an invaluable asset to the club.
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Email address: valeria.sandoval@crusaderssoccer.org
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Email address: seira.melendez@crusaderssoccer.org
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Email address: Chris.Ahrens@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U14 DPL
Licenses/Certifications: USSF “D” License
Years Coaching: 17
Experience: San Diego City College and San Diego High School
Coaching Philosophy: Foster a fun, supportive environment, teaching the importance of never giving up, always doing your best, and the value of hard work to achieve success on and off the field.
Email address: Cedro.Arc@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U10 Elite
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Team: Girls U11 Elite
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Teams: Boys U14 EA2
Licenses/Certifications: USSF D National License
Years Coaching: 7
Experience:
Rec - AYSO
Coaching Philosophy: Teach players important values that go beyond the field and will stay with them in life. Remind them that winning is the result of hard work, so keep going and don't give up because hard work brings success.
Email address: Evan.Betancourt@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U8 Elite
Licenses/Certifications: U.S. Soccer 11v11 License
Years Coaching: 3
Experience: Grossmont High School JV Program
Coaching Philosophy: Focused on developing young players not just as athletes, but as confident, respectful individuals who carry the lessons of the game into everyday life. We prioritize teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive environment where players can grow, have fun, and succeed together.
Email address: Peyton.Burkett@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U14 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: Grassroots License
Years Coaching: 11 years
Experience: Bonita Matrix, Rebels South, Legends, TFA, Rebels central
Coaching Philosophy: All players are given equal opportunities to improve on the field, with no favoritism shown.
Email address: jose.chavez@crusderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U12 Premier, Girls U11 Elite
Years Coaching: 6 years
Experience: MWR Rec Youth Soccer, Crusaders Rec
Coaching Philosophy: Have fun, love soccer. Teach skills players can use on and off of the pitch.
Email address: Stephanie.Davis@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U13 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: USSF Grassroots License
Years Coaching: 1
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Coaching Philosophy: Dedicated to creating a positive environment, fostering collaboration, so every player feels valued and develops a love for the game.
Email address: kelly.denham@crusaderssoccer.org
Teams: Boys U11 Academy, Boys U12 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: USSF D National License
Years Coaching: 20
Experience:
Rec programs and AYSO Matrix
Coaching Philosophy: Focused on building players’ confidence both on and off the field so they can succeed.
Email address: Mark.Dirkes@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U13 DPL
Licenses/Certifications: USSF D License
Years Coaching: 10 years
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Crusaders Rec, YMCA Youth Soccer, Youth Coaching in Nebraska
College Soccer Player at University of Nebraska
Coaching Philosophy: Creating and fostering holistic development, blending high athletic standards with empowerment, connection and ensuring athletes feel valued as people first and players second.
Email address: Jackie.Erdkamp@crusaderssoccer.org
Teams: Boys U13 EA2
Licenses/Certifications: USSF C National License
Years Coaching: 10
Experience:
Club - Total Futbol Academy, San Diego
Coaching Philosophy: Ensure the process of teaching the game is not only informative but also enjoyable, making the learning experience fun, engaging and memorable.
Email address: Victor.Garcia@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: GU10 Competitive
Licenses/Certifications: 11v11 Grassroots License
Years Coaching: 4+ years
Experience: Crusaders Rec,
Lifelong soccer player who still plays every Sunday, with experience at the club, high school, and collegiate levels.
Coaching Philosophy: Centered on fostering a lifelong passion for soccer while using the game to teach important life lessons. Emphasizes teamwork, work ethic, resilience, and sportsmanship, while instilling the values of honesty, accountability, and transparency both on and off the field.
Email address: Matt Giacalone@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U12 Elite, Boys U13 NL
Licenses/Certifications: USSF F National License
Years Coaching: 9
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Rec programs
Club - U6-U15
Coaching Philosophy: Motivate and encourage players, training them to be physically and mentally prepared for any situation on the soccer field. I emphasize the importance of fitness to showcase skills and build confidence, and I believe that success follows with hard work and dedication.
Email address: Albert.Gonzalez@crusaderssoccer.org
Developed foundational futbol skills and played for local clubs in San Diego until the age of 18. CD Leganés, Spain (2017 - June 2018) Joined CD Leganés, a professional futbol club in Madrid, and played for the youth and reserve teams. Gained valuable experience in competitive European soccer. CF Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain (July 2018 - June 2019) Transferred to CF Pozuelo de Alarcón, contributing significantly to the team's performance during the season. Return to CD Leganés, Spain (July 2019 - March 2020) Rejoined CD Leganés, showcasing skills and resilience until the COVID-19 pandemic paused the season. Rayo Vallecano, Spain (2020 - Winter 2022) Signed by Rayo Vallecano, continuing to develop and compete at a high level in Spanish football. C.F. Fuenlabrada, Spain (Winter 2022 - November 2022) Traded to C.F. Fuenlabrada, where he played until a knee injury in November 2022.
Team: Girls U12 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: USSF National D License, Grassroots 11v11, 9v9 and 7v7 License
Years Coaching: 5+ years
Experience: Crusaders Rec Program and Youth Summer Camps
Coaching Philosophy: Focus on building players’ confidence as they grow in their understanding and love of the game. Emphasize the importance of being part of a team and the value of teamwork.
Email address: Talbot.Leeke@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Goalkeeper Coach for 7v7 and 9v9
Licenses/Certifications: U.S. Soccer "E" License
Years Coaching: 12 years
Experience: Atlético Baja, MASL Indoor Soccer Team, San Diego Socker 2 MASL, Mexico National Indoor Soccer Team
Coaching Philosophy: Focused on values-driven coaching, player development, and fostering a positive environment for all players.
Email address: Chavamanzosep0906@gmail.com
Team: Boys U12 Select
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Email address:Jesus.Martinez@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U13 Elite, Boys U14 Elite
Licenses/Certifications: AYSO Intermedia Course, U.S. Soccer National "E" and "D" License & Frans Hoek Goalkeeper Certificate
Years Coaching: 25 years
Experience: CV Rangers, Bonita Rebels & Golden Eagles FC
Coaching Philosophy: Focus on educating each player so they learn and become better soccer players. The goal is that, through this process, they develop dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to their team, family, and community - winning will follow.
Email address: Hugo.Martinez@crusaderssoccer.org
Teams: Boys U9 Academy, Girls U8 Academy, Girls U11 Premier
Licenses/Certifications: USSF D National License
Years Coaching: 10+ years
Experience: Crusaders Recreational Soccer, Elite Goalkeeping Institute, San Diego High School, Patrick Henry High School and East County Surf
Coaching Philosophy: Dedicated to building his players’ confidence, fostering teamwork and sharpening their decision-making skills on the field.
Email address: Ivan.Melendez@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U12 Elite
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Email address:Robert.Messina@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U10 Academy, Boys U10 Elite
Licenses/Certifications: USSF Grassroots License
Years Coaching: 5
Experience: El Cajon High School, AYSO
Coaching Philosophy: Dedicated to fostering player development through a balance of discipline, creativity and fun.
Email address: Jesus.Ortiz@crusaderssoccer.org
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Licenses/Certifications: USSF B National License
Years Coaching: 28 years
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Coaching Philosophy: Focused on teaching players the skills they need to play and enjoy soccer.
Email address: Rene.Ortiz@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U7 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: USSF D License and USSF Referee License
Years Coaching: 15 years
Experience: AYSO Matrix, Sporting SD and UNITED
Coaching Philosophy: Focused on developing confident, disciplined players who enjoy the game, prioritize teamwork, and continuously improve both on and off the field. Winning is important, but growth, effort, and respect for others always come first.
Email address: Luis.Osuna@crusaderssoccer.org
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Email address: Noemi.Osuna@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Boys U8 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: 7v7, 11v11, and F License
Years Coaching: 2 years
Coaching Philosophy:Focus on developing fundamentally sound soccer players through training and repetition, ensuring that their success on game day reflects their hard work.
Email address: Jose.Pina@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U10 Premier
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Email address:Leticia.Riordan@crusaderssoccer.org
Team: Girls U11 Academy
Licenses/Certifications: USSF Grassroots 7v7, 9v9, & 11v11 Certification
Years Coaching: 4
Coaching Philosophy: With an engaging coaching style and high energy, he helps players build confidence, elevate their soccer IQ, and develop strong character. His goal is to develop confident, outgoing leaders and foster a lifelong passion for the game.
Email address: Sean.Savage@crusaderssoccer.org