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Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club

Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club Coaching Staff


Front row:  Xavier Herschberg, Ismail Satubalov, Clark Restivo, Juan Carlos Madrid, Gavino Asteghene, Doug Yearwood, David Eristavi, Lauren Glancy, Mia Naipaul, Marius Neacsu, Erik Hilaski
Back row:  Christo Tenev, Timur Yakhin, Ruben Uribe, Marcos Roberto, Greg Barrett, Matt Edmiston, Nyambi, Jabang, Jacob Daniel, Danny Clavijo, Ivan Gurgutov, Elena Danilova

David Eristavi - Director of Coaching - USSF National 'A' License



Coach David is from Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. His youth training was at Dynamo Tbilisi Youth Academy. Professionally, he played for Dinomo and Skuri Tsalenjikha First League.

David received his Master's Diploma from the Republic of Georgia Institute of Sports and Physical Education. He then went onto Moscow, Russia where he received his Certification to Train and Develop Major Soccer Coaches.

Coach David currently holds his USSF "A" License, along with his USSF Youth National License. His professional coaching experience includes head coach of the Atlanta Ruckus (A League) and head coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks (A League).

Following his professional coaching career, David found his niche in Youth Soccer. He's been coaching elite level youth teams since 1996. In 2003, he took over as the Ambush Soccer Club, Director of Coaching.

Coaching Accomplishments:
-2010 U17 Ambush Boys USYSA National Champions - Head Coach
-2014 U13 Ambush Boys USL Super Y National Champions - Head Coach
-Multiple Athena, Classic, and Tournament Champions

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys and Girls Jr. Academy
-Boys Academy
-Boys SCCL Club

Marcos Roberto Sampaio Pimenta - USSF National 'A' License



Coach Marcos calls Sao Paulo, Brazil his home. As a Brazilian, soccer was much of his early life. 

Beginning in 1982, Coach Marcos spent 4 years playing for the Brazilian Youth National Team, earning 10 caps. Professionally, he played for multiple clubs including S.C. Corinthians, Sporting Cristal, Elimai F.C., Atlanta Ruckus, and Atlanta Silverbacks. In 1997, he made the League All Star Team playing for the Atlanta Ruckus.

Coach Marcos currently holds his USSF "A" license along with his USSF National Youth License.

In 2001, he got into youth coaching, making his debut with Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys Academy
-Boys SCCL Club

See Coach Marcos Score for Corinthians vs Flamengo in 1987
(White team #16)

https://youtu.be/2qdvDHfiagI







Juan Carlos Madrid - USSF National 'A' License



Coach Juan Carlos calls Temuca, Chile his home. Soccer was much of his early life.  Juan Carlos played for several professional clubs in his playing career most notably Club de Deportes Cobreloa, Deportes Temuco and Aiaza FC all of which are in the Chilean Professional 1st Division.  Coach Juan Carlos has competed in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana.  He also was a member of the U20 Chilean National Team that participated in the U-20 1995 World Cup in Qatar.  

Coach Juan Carlos has his Bachelor's degree in Sports Human Physiology and Kinesiology which led him to the Alpharetta, GA area to continue his career in these fields.   

In the short time Coach Juan Carlos has been in Alpharetta, he has already obtained  his USSF "A" license. 

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys Academy
-Boys SCCL Premier
Boys SCCL Club

Previous Coaching Assignments:
Universidad Catlolica de Temuco - Asst. Coach Boys and Girls
Clbu de Deportes Temuco - Head Coach Boys U11 and U12
Chilean Government Soccer Program - Head Coach U11 - U14 Boys Program

See Coach Juan Carlos in Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzwNIA315CU&feature=share

Christo Tenev - UEFA 'A' License


Coach Christo is originally from Bulgaria and has been involved with soccer his entire life.

Coach Christo has his UEFA ‘A’ License and will be traveling back to Bulgaria in the summer of 2021 to recertify and maintain this prestigious license.

Coach Christo played in the first and second division in Bulgarian professional leagues for 12 years (2001-1989).

He then began his coaching career for 10 years (2001-2011) in Bulgarian first and second professional leagues as Assistant mens official team coach, goalkeepers coach and youth BU12-14 Head Coach.  

After moving to the U.S. in the Atlanta area in 2011 , Coach Christo coached elite level youth teams for a neighboring club in the following categories: BU10, BU13, BU14, BU15, BU16, BU19 as well as the GU11 and GU16 teams.

Coach Christo is also one of the most respected referees in the Atlanta area also.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association

Current Coaching Assignments:
Boys Academy
Boys SCCL Club

Lauren Glancy - USSF National A Youth License

Ismail Satubalov - USSF National A Youth License


Coach Ismail is a USSF A License soccer coach with over ten years of coaching experience. He is especially skilled at individualized player development and building high-achieving, successful teams. He thrives on enhancing player progress through careful evaluation of individual player developmental skills.  In his ten years of coaching, he has developed players who have advanced to play soccer at various college and pro divisions.

Coach Ismail played for one of the most prestigious academies in Russia, Torpedo Moscow Youth Academy (2005-2008) and played professionally for Mashuk-KMV, Pyatigorsk, Russia (2008-2009).  After moving to the United States, he joined the Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club in 2010 where he played for the Super Y U20 team that advanced to Nationals. In 2011, he began his coaching career at Ambush.

Coach Ismail is well connected with international pro soccer teams and has traveled to Portugal, Italy and most recently, The Netherlands, where he assisted coaching at the professional club, Willem II’s U17 team.

When Coach Ismail is not on the field, he is studying soccer games of all levels, creating player development plans, and advancing his own development as a coach and player. He currently plays on the Majestic team in the Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League (ADASL) and has played for multiple ADASL teams since 2012. He has been one of the leading goal scorers in ADASL since 2013.

 Current Certifications:
NASM Certified Professional Trainer, specializing in speed, agility, strength, balance, and injury prevention.
CPR and AED certified through the American Safety and Health Institute.
Emory Sports Soccer and Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion.

Current coaching assignments:
-Boys Academy
-Boys SCCL Club

Jacob Daniel - USSF National A License

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Ivan Gurgutov - UEFA 'B' License



Coach Ivan is originally from Bulgaria and has been involved with soccer for the last 40 years. 
He grew up in Bulgaria's second biggest city of Plovdiv where he played in the first and second divisions in Bulgarian professional leagues for 14 years, between the years of 1983 and 1997, for the teams of Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Bulgaria's junior national team, before critical injury stopped his career as a player. Coach Ivan has been with the Ambush Soccer Club in the last seven years assisting academy and SCCL level teams, also working with a lot of our recreational program teams. 

He currently holds UEFA "B" and USSF "D" Licenses. 

Other Accomplishments:
Coach Ivan finished foreign language high school and is fluent in Spanish, Russian, Bulgarian and English. He also graduated from the University of Varna with Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Masters degree in Finances from the University of Veliko Tarnovo, coach Ivan also received his coaching UEFA "B" license in 1999. Coach Ivan is also coaching the Varsity soccer team at Mills Springs Academy in Alpharetta, winning the 2022 AAC & GISA Leagues championship.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
USSF Grassroots 9v9 Coaching License
USSF Grassroots 11v11 Coaching License

Current Coaching Assignments:
Girls Academy
Girls SCCL Club

elena danilova - USSF National 'B' License



Coach Elena has recently joined the Ambush Soccer Club coaching staff to continue her coaching career.  Elena is an Elite technical skills training of youth girls and boys and has been coaching since 2018.  Elena has recently obtained her USSF National 'B' License.  Elena has lived in the Atlanta area for over 2 years and is now beginning her youth coaching career after an extensive professional playing career.  Elena is originally from Voronezh, Russia. She has spent 20 years playing soccer professionally for some of the best teams in Russia as well as the Russian National team where she spent 15 years as a player.

Playing Accomplishments
At 16 Elena took part in the 2003 World Cup and scored Russia's last goal in the tournament, in the quarterfinals against future champions Germany. She has participated in European Championships and World Cups. Elena was named Best Player and Top Scorer of Women's Under-19 Championship in 2005, Top Scorer of UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in 2006, the following years was included in the 2006 U-20 World Cup All-Star Team. She also won US NPSL Championship with FC Indiana in 2007. She was awarded as Russian League top scorer in 2013, 2017, and 2018 as well as Russian League Best Player in 2018.  

Other Accomplishments
In 2010 Elena graduated from Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism with major in Physical Education and Soccer.

Other Certifications
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Soccer Fitness and Trainer Certificate by National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) (Jan 2020)
Grassroots 11v11 Coaching License (Jan 2021)
Grassroots 7v7 Coaching License (Jan 2021)
Grassroots 4v4 Coaching License (Jan 2021)

Enjoy this video of some of Elena's incredible accomplishments as a player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0VDYE9vfRs 

Gavino Asteghene - UEFA 'B' License



Coach Gavino Asteghene, originally from Italy, has a very distinguished 35 year career in Georgia soccer with close to 10 of those years at Ambush.  Gavino has coached many successful girls and boys teams with players going on to play NCAA Div I soccer and many of those players now college head coaches or directors of coaching at soccer associations across the country.  Most impressively, Coach Gavino has also been named GSSA Coach of the year three different times by his peers and dignitaries within Georgia soccer.  Coach Gavino has also coached teams to several State Cup championships.
 
Coach Gavino is currently the:
Founder of the Cleats Soccer Club 
Founder of Atlanta Calcio Academy Select International Soccer Team Tours
Organizer of the UEFA Coaching Program Training & Learning Clinics and Tours
Organizer of professional tryouts/stage opportunities for young Amerincan players
Sales Representative for Soccer Genius and Dragon Goal USA
President of local Juventus Offical Fan Club Atlanta

Coach Gavino currently holds his Italian Professional UEFA-FIGCA Soccer Licence.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Girls Academy
-Girls SCCL Club
-Boys and Girls Jr. Academy

Previous Coaching Assignments:
Johns Creek High School Girls
Lovett School Boys
Pope High School Boys

 

Doug Yearwood - USSF "C" License



Coach Doug is originally from Atlanta, Georgia where he played youth and adult amateur soccer throughout the 70's, 80's and early 90's. Coach Doug played his college soccer at Georgia State University where to this day he remains the all-time leader in points (Goals and Assists combined).  Coach Doug was twice named to the All-Area First Team for Div 1 soccer by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as well as being named two time First Team All Conference in the Trans American Athletic Conference.  Doug is also currently listed three times in the NCAA soccer record books for Division 1 (career assists, assists per game and overall career for players with 40 goals and 40 assists).

Coach Doug went on to play adult amateur soccer for Datagraphic Soccer Club for 15 years. Competing in the US Soccer National Amateur Cup the team won multiple local, state and regional titles. They were also three time national finalists and one time national finalist in the Men's Indoor Amateur Cup. 

In 2008, Coach Doug retired from Datagraphic in the printing industry and made the move into coaching assuming positions at  Mt. Pisgah Christian School middle school girls and Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club U13 girls.

Coach Doug has led the 2007 Ambush girls Red team to the US Club Nationals two consecutive years 2023 and 2024.

Coach Doug currently holds his USSF "C" license.

Other Related Certifications:

CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Coach Doug is also the President of Ambush Soccer Club and Director of the Ambush Super Y Program.

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Girls SCCL Club


Danny Clavijo - USSF "C" License



Coach Danny is a native Atlantan growing up in Decatur. He played his youth soccer in Dekalb County with the American Soccer Association. He also played for the Datagraphic U16 and U19 team, reaching the National Semi-Finals in 1980.

He went to Georgia State University and Clemson University. While with Clemson, Coach Danny was an integral part of the team that won the 1984 Division I Soccer National Championship.  From there, Coach Danny played for the Mens Amateur team Datagraphic Soccer Club.  During this time, Coach Danny helped lead this team to multiple State Cups, Region Championships, and three time National Finalist.  Professionally, he coached the Atlanta Lasers in the USISL (current USL).

Coach Danny has been coaching youth soccer since 2010. He joined Ambush in 2012.  Coach Danny currently holds his USSF National "C" License.  Coach Danny also has extensive experience in team related European soccer travel.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Girls Academy
-Boys SCCL Premier
-Boys ODP Staff Coach

Matt Edmiston - USSF National 'C' License



Coach Matt, originally from Oxford, GA played his youth soccer career at RYSA in Conyers, GA.  In 2014, he got into youth coaching, making his debut with Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club.  Matt is currently the U8 Jr Academy Director.  Matt is a recent honors graduate from Georgia State University (May 2017).

Coach Matt currently holds his USSF "C" license.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)
Coach Matt also recently completed the Atlanta United FC Coaching Education Program (Dec 2018)
United Soccer Coaches - Small Sided Games Diploma
United Soccer Coaches - Sports Psychology and Individual Mental Skills Diploma
United Soccer Coaches - Diversity and Inclusion Diploma
United Soccer Coaches - Get aHead Safety Diploma
United Soccer Coaches - 11v11 Formations and Systems of Play
US Youth Soccer - Coaching Healthy Habits Diploma
United Soccer Coaches - Advanced Technical Training:  Individual and Pairs Defending
English FA: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certification - Aug 2020
English FA:  Introduction to Talent Identification - Aug 2020

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys and Girls Jr. Academy
-Boys Academy
Boys SCCL Premier


Timur Yakhin - USSF National 'C' License



Coach Timur have been coaching youth soccer since 1998. In 2001, he made a move over to Ambush. In addition to coaching for Ambush, he has coached many high school varsity teams. He is the former head coach of the very successful Fellowship Christian Academy Varsity Girls.

Timur currently holds his USSF National "C" License and his USSF National Youth License

Other Related Certifications:
“Pre-Season Periodization In Soccer” by Alliance of European Football Coaches’ Association (completed 08-04-2023)
“Constraints-led Model Of Training Soccer” by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (07/31/2023)
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)
AEFCA - Ubication Game in Soccer course completion by Soccer Hub
"Strength and Conditioning in Soccer: APEAR Model Certification" by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (05/15/2023)
"Tactical Periodization In Soccer" by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (05/14/2023)
"Long Term Player Development In Soccer" by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (05/12/2023)
"Positional Play In Soccer" by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (05/11/2023)
"Ubication Game In Soccer" By AEFCA by Alliance of European Football Coaches' Association (11/11/2022)
"Application ML/AI In Coaching" By SportsMechanics.in (05/17/2021)
"FC Barcelona "Our Basics Of Play" by Universitas, FC Barcelona (07/10/2019)
"Empoli FC Methodology" by Empoli FC, Italy (12/21/2018)


Accomplishments:
2001 Riverwood HS Varsity Boys AAA State Finalist
2002 Riverwood HS Varsity Boys AAA State Champions
2011 Fellowship HS Varsity Girls A State Semi Finalist
2012 Fellowship HS Varsity Girls A Finalist
2013 Fellowship HS Varsity Girls A Finalist
2014 Fellowship HS Varisty Girls A Semi Finalist
2007 GSSA Girls Coach of the Year Nomination
2010 Alpharetta United Super 20 National Playoffs
2015 Fellowship HS State Championship Finalist
2016 Fellowship HS State Champions

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys SCCL Premier

Marius Neacsu - USSF National ‘C’ License




Coach Marius, originally from Romania, has been involved with soccer his entire life.  Coach Marius played in the 3rd division of the Romanian professional league.  His coaching career began in Timimsoara, Romania where for two years he led the boys academy at LPS, Bauatal.  After moving the Atlanta area, Coach Marius coached at the Georgia Futbol Club, GFC for two years.

In 2015, Coach Marius made his debut with Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club.

Coach Marius recently obtained is USSF National "C" License.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)
Sporting Clube de Portugal - Course for Coaching Soccer (Jan 2012)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Boys and Girls Jr. Academy
-Girls Academy
-Girls SCCL Club

Xavier Herschberg - USSF National Youth License



Coach Xavier began his coaching career in 2013 making his debut with Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club in 2015.  Quickly becoming a very popular coach at Ambush, Coach Xavier has progressed quickly.  Coach Xavier came to Ambush with experience coaching in the Jr. Academy and Academy.  With tremendous organizational skills, Coach Xavier quickly became a co-director of the Ambush Jr. Academy program.  While joining the coaching ranks, Coach Xavier was also juggling the very challenging work load of obtaining a Financial degree from Georgia Tech.  Coach Xavier has now graduated and works locally in the Alpharetta, GA in the Financial industry.

Coach Xavier currently holds his USSF "National Youth" license.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
Emory Sports Soccer Medicine Injury Prevention and Safety Preparedness Program Completion (Jan 2019)

Current Coaching Assignments:
-Girls SCCL Premier
Girls SCCL Club

Clark Restivo - USSF National 'C' License


Coach Clark is a passionate youth soccer coach and realtor from the local area. He majored in Chemistry at Auburn University and began coaching at a recreational league in Auburn during his college years. Clark grew up playing soccer at local clubs like Concorde Fire and UFA and during his senior year of high school, he helped lead his team to the final four of the playoffs, which was a first for Alpharetta High School. Now, he coaches youth soccer in his hometown, instilling a strong work ethic and sportsmanship in his players. When not on the field or showing houses, he stays active outdoors and pursues his passion for scuba diving.

Certifications:
National D License
CPR and AED certified

Toby Ozias





Toby Ozias is the Director of Recreational Soccer for Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club.  Toby enters his 4th season with Ambush with a great deal of youth soccer coaching and management experience.  Most recently Toby has spent time at both Decatur Dekalb YMCA Soccer and at Concorde Fire.  Toby will be responsible for all things related to Ambush Rec Soccer and we look forward to another great season on the soccer field.

Nyambi Jabang - USSF National 'C' License


Coach Nyambi Jabang is one our newest coaches at Ambush.  Nyambi is originally from Gambia in Western Africa and now lives in Alpharetta.  He began his playing career in the Atlanta area at Cobb FC and Paulding County HS.  When Nyambi was a high school senior, he was the ESPN Rank No. 52 of all seniors in the United States. Nyambi signed and played collegiate soccer at UNC Chapel Hill from 2012-2016.  At UNC, Nyambi majored in Sports Administration with a minor in African studies as well as coaching.  Nyambi was part of multiple teams winning the ACC championship and qualifying for the NCAA tournament.  In the 2013-2014 NCAA Elite 8 and Quarterfinals, Nyambi scored an amazing 8 goals.  In 2016, Nyambi helped UNC reach the NCAA Final Four. Playing experience beyond college was shortened due to unfortunate knee injuries but included stops with:
Carolina Railhawks, NC FC U23 in 2014
Atlanta Silverbacks 2018-19
Hebro IK Division I in Denmark

Coach Nyambi has spent time playing under the watchful eye of senior coaches at some of the best clubs and teams in the world.  He has spent time observing and playing for coaches at FC Dallas, UNC, Hebro in Denmark, as well as local Atlanta youth clubs such as Cobb FC and KSA.

Coach Nyambi has his USSF National 'D' License and will soon be working towards his 'C' License.

Other Related Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association

Coach Nyambi was a very disciplined and skilled player.  He is anxious to begin with Ambush and share his incredible abilities with our boys Academy.  

 

 

 

Mia Naipual - USSF National 'D' License


Coach Mia has had a long career playing and coaching soccer in the Atlanta metro area. She developed through the Academy and Select programs at Roswell Santos and Alpharetta Ambush, and played under Ambush Coach Doug Yearwood from 2010-2013. After sustaining a career ending hip injury, she pivoted to coaching. She became a certified personal trainer in 2014, and worked as assistant coach to her father as he coached soccer in the UPSL and NASA Tophat from 2017-2019. Coach Mia began coaching her own teams in 2019. She comes from a long line of soccer coaches in Trinidad and Tobago, from where she credits most of her coaching knowledge and philosophy. Coach Mia is highly passionate about quality player development at the Academy level, especially in girl’s soccer.  


Coach Mia currently holds a USSF “D” License. 


Other Certifications:
CPR and AED certified (9/30/2022) through Heartsaver - American Heart Association
The FA Level 1 in Talent ID
The FA Disability in Football Introduction
The FA Playmaker
U.S. Soccer Grassroots 11v11
U.S. Soccer Grassroots 9v9
U.S. Soccer Grassroots 7v7

Erik Hilaski - USSF National 'D' License

Ruben Uribe - USSF National 'D' License

Greg Barrett - USSF National 'D' License