Developing Success is more than a slogan at the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA). It means that at each stage of the development process, there are highly skilled and experienced coaches with a passion for advancing a young athlete’s mind and body in the game of soccer.

In the youth age group, we have Argentinian Coach Andrew Douek. He has extensive experience developing motor skills, technical abilities, and creativity in kids five through 13 years old, where decision making is the main objective. His passion to enhance these aspects of growth prove that they are the best coaches to handle this age group.

Coach Walkers Dawkins comes straight from the University of Central Florida where he was a team captain. Coach Dawkins works with our SIMA student-athletes through injury prevention, a vital aspect of our program.

From Spain, Coach Jose Bargues brings knowledge and experiences from top professional and youth clubs across Spain. Coach Bargues also has teaching experience that allows him to interact with SIMA student-athletes in a different setting, projecting more advanced concepts of the game.

Kevin Varnado brings great experience as a DA and college coach to the program. His passion and values are translated to each kid through every exercise. Coach Varnado is extremely knowledgeable in college guidance for young athletes and is one of the best in this part of the country. He has helped many players reach their goals of competing collegiately.

From Venezuela, Coach Carlos Pedraza, imparts a desire to learn and improve on our kids every day. His coaching experience pushes kids to improve season by season for them to reach their vast potential.

Goalkeeper coach Christian Neira has the ability to personally engage with each goalkeeper throughout training to maximize player development. In Chile, a country with long history developing some of the best goalkeepers on this side of the world, Coach Neira played and enhanced his coaching experience. Working alongside Coach Neira is Assistant Goalkeeper Coach Jose Rodrigues who has vast experience as a coach and is currently a member of the US Deaf National Team.

Coach Toni Hernandez, additionally has experience with profession and youth clubs in Spain and works with SIMA as the Director of Methodology, guiding the program with an emphasis on academics and being a student of the game.

Academy Director, Mike Potempa, is controlling the last step of our player’s progression either to collegiate or professional soccer. Potempa stresses education and performance on the field as well as joining the personal side to develop well-rounded young men.