MKS DIRECTORS
Mickey Kydes – Program Director
Mickey Kydes is the Founder and Director of Coaching at Beachside of Connecticut Soccer Club. Founded in 1994, Beachside has become one of the premier soccer specific organizations in the country. Between Beachside, and Mickey Kydes Soccer–a professional coaching organization established in 1996 that supports travel and recreational soccer for several Connecticut clubs, Mickey is responsible for the soccer development and education of close to five thousand children.
Mickey’s distinguished playing career is the cornerstone of MKS’ tremendous success. As a standout youth and high school player out of Norwalk, CT, Mickey won a state U-13 travel soccer championship before becoming a four-year starter for Norwalk High School. As a 2-time All-State player and member of the Connecticut ODP team, Mickey was offered a full scholarship to play soccer for Division I powerhouse, Long Island University. At LIU, Mickey was a two-time All-American, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. The Dallas Sidekicks drafted Mickey in the MISL first round as the eighth overall pick. Along with winning a MISL National Indoor Championship with the Sidekicks, Mickey played for the 1987 USA National Team, professionally throughout Greece and the United States, and was drafted by the New York / New Jersey MetroStars in the MLS inaugural season. Mickey retired in 1996, after nine years of professional soccer.
His motivation to teach the game has led him to obtain his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘Youth’ National Coaching Licenses. Mickey is also one of very few in the country who holds a USSF ‘Technical Directors License’. A three-time presenter for the USSF Technical Director Course. Visited and observed at the following clubs throughout the World: Spain – FC Barcelona (twice), Espanyol, AC Bilbao, Argentina – Boca Juniors, Racing Club, Independiente, Estudiantes, England – Arsenal, Manchester City, Germany – Frieberg, Belgium – Genk, USA – Philadelphia Union, NY Red Bulls, NYCFC.
Through his wealth of playing experience, Mickey was exposed to many different coaching philosophies and management styles. As a lifelong student of the game, he constantly took mental notes regarding what systems created success, and which systems bogged down forward momentum. From summer camps, successful developmental and premier programs, to the growth and development of the Old Greenwich, Riverside, Westport, and Wilton soccer programs, his learning experiences as a player have directly impacted his success as a coach and manager of soccer programs. World Cup player, US Senior National Team players, MLS and European professionals, MLS Champions, MLS All-Star, MLS Rookie of the Year, US Youth National Team players, NCAA Herman Award Winner, NCAA Division 1 & 3 Champions, NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 student-athletes, all have benefited from Mickey’s exposure and influence. What Mickey cares most about is the personal development of the thousands of young people that acquire life skills by participating in his programs.
Mickey Kydes is a true Soccer educator, with a sincere and artistic passion for passing on his knowledge to the young people on and off the field. The mixture of his love of the game, with his unmatched work ethic, integrity, attention to detail, ability to organize, lead and educate, have led to the superb national reputation of Mickey Kydes Soccer & Beachside of CT Soccer Club.
o 2005 – Long Island University Hall of Fame Inductee
o 2008 – Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
o 2008 – NY Greek-American Soccer Club Hall of Fame Inductee
o 2010 – Norwalk High School Wall of Honor Inductee
o 2017 – New York City Soccer Gala Honoree
o 2018 – NE Soccer Journal: Top 50 Most Influential Soccer People in New England
Paul Melitsanopoulos – Operations Director
A lifelong resident of Norwalk, CT, Paul was able to join Beachside as a goal keeper at U-14, and continued his playing career with the club until entering college. Paul earned All-FCIAC first team honors while playing for Norwalk High School. At NHS, his team won the first FCIAC soccer championship in school history. In college, as a player at Western Connecticut State University, his team won the LEC championship, earning a bid into the NCAA tournament. Paul continued his education at the University of Connecticut and graduated with high honors.
As an Assistant Coach & GK Coach, Paul has seen success in winning FCIAC titles with Staples HS, and FCIAC and State title with Norwalk High School. Paul has coached several travel teams and directed several of MKS Programs. Paul is currently the Beachside USSDA Development Academy Director and oversees all Academy teams. Paul holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” License, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, and the prestigious USSF Technical Directors Course 2019-20.
Paul understands the lifelong values that can come from the game of soccer, and truly enjoys motivating his players to reach their full potential on and off the field. Paul has been the coaching and directing for MKSE since 2010.
Jordi Solleone – MKS Methadologist
Born in Barcelona, Spain. Passionate about the world of sports. He has trained as a sports science teacher, has all the official FIFA licenses in soccer. He has completed the sports director course at the REF, his training with an international MBA together with an MBA in personal coaching allows him to perform different roles within the sports industry with a holistic vision.
Jordi has developed different roles within soccer, starting as a coach where he has had the opportunity to lead big clubs in the highest categories of Spanish soccer, U14 & U16 in Honor Division in front of CE Hospitalet. Second coach of a professional team in CE Hospitalet 2B division and CE Europa 3rd Division. He has directed historical clubs as well as helped in the training process of players who currently play in the first division of Spain.
Specialist in change management and performance optimization, a figure that he has also developed in several countries after his tenure as director of FC Barcelona projects in the Middle East. First year in the MKSE Organization.
WSA MKS Directors
Allan Zuniga – Boys Travel Coaching Director
Played college soccer at Sacred Heart University where he was named All-American. Went on to play five years of professional soccer in Nicaragua for 1st division team Walter Ferrepy Club. He is a United States Soccer Federation ‘B’ level licensed coach. Coached boys travel teams in the Old Greenwich and Westport travel program for last 5 years. Coaching in the MKS organization since 1999, including being the Program Director for the WSA Recreation K-2nd grade clinics since 2002-2005.
Jennifer Christos - Girls Travel Coaching Director
Saying soccer is my passion is an understatement. Although my playing career would end with Stony Brook University at the Division 1 level, my love for the game never diminished. I wanted to give back to the sport that brought me so many good years so I began my coaching career at my old high school. I coached both junior varsity and varsity soccer for 5 years at Brookfield HS before realizing my passion developing the girls at a younger age. That's when I become one of Mickey's original coaches at Westport. I've coached for Mickey and Westport on and off again for over 16 years (took a year to coach at Western Connecticut State University) and have loved every minute of it. I've also been the President of the Southern CT Women's Soccer League for 5 years while managing 6 teams from the Fairfield County area. Coaching in the MKS and WSA organization since 2003.
Pete Doneit – Goalkeeper Travel Director / Coach
Played four years at Division 1 powerhouse Hartwick College and two seasons in the USISL with Grand Rapid Explosion and Lansing Locomotive. Played with Cape Town Spurs and Witswatersand of South African 1st division. Has worked at summer camps throughout the United States and is a current Beachside (USSDA) Academy team head coach. Will also run the WSA Goalkeeping Clinics. A United States Soccer Federation ‘A’ level licensed coach. Head Coach for the University of Bridgeport Men’s soccer team. Awarded ‘National Youth Coach of the Year’ in 2010-11. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2003.
Bamba Fall - WSA Developmental Program Director
Played Varsity HS Soccer in Dakar Senegal (1992-95), Stonington HS Varsity Soccer (1995-96), Intramurals at University of Bridgeport (1996-2000), with a championship in 1996, and Sportzone soccer leagues 2001-02. Coached U7-U8 teams in Dakar while in HS (1992-95), and was Assistant coach for Stonington HS Junior Varsity (1995-96). A United States Soccer Federation ‘C’ licensed coach. Coached the WSA U11 Girls travel team to two back-to-back state cup finals in 2004-2005. Bamba has been coaching WSA travel team since 2002 and WSA rec clinics since 2003. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2003.
WSA BOYS TEAMS COACHING STAFF
Kelvin Mutambo – U9 Boys Blue & U10 Boys Blue
Born in Zambia, Africa, Kelvin is married with one child. Played soccer for the Zambia National team from 1996 -1999. Played club soccer for Zamsure FC in Zambia from 1994 – 1997, and Qatar Sporting Club in Qatar from 1997 – 1999. Kelvin was very involved in coaching in his former club, Zamsure FC. He coached in the club’s youth system for three years. Kelvin has been the WSA rec program director since 2006. Coaching WSA travel teams and rec clinics since 2003. Kelvin is a United States Soccer Federation ‘F’ licensed coach. Coaching in the MKS since 2003.
Erick Romero – U9 Boys White & U10 Boys White
Erick is originally from Honduras. He moved to the United States in 2006. Playing soccer since the age of 6 is one of Erick’s attributes. Beachside soccer club welcomed Erick when he was 16 years old. Carrying forward with Erick’s allocates, Erick was a participating member of the 2011 under 17 state championship team, that also competed and earned championship honors at the Disney invitational national tournament. Currently, Erick is a member of the University of Bridgeport men’s soccer team and has solidified his starting position on the field. He coaches the WSA U9 Boys Gold team in the spring of 2014. Erick is a United States Soccer Federation ‘F’ licensed coach. Erick has been coaching in the MKS soccer organization at clinics and camps since 2011.
Jemay Arias – U9 Boys Red & U10 Boys Red
Jemay was voted Most Valuable high school player in New York City. Played four years at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck New Jersey - Team Captain Senior Year. B.S Finance 1987 / FDU Hall of Fame. Played international tournaments at Lake Cuomo Italy, Zurich Switzerland, Helsinki Finland, Gotternburg Sweden, and also played in Colombia Copa Ciudad de Pereira. Coached at Tab Ramos and Staten Island Soccer programs and summer camps. Won the CT State Championship with WSA U11 Boys Blue Fall 2018. Holds a United States Soccer Federation National ‘C’ coaching license.
Peter Dorgai – U9 Boys Gold & U10 Boys Gold
Born in Hungry and brother to an All-Star Soccer player, Peter had to work hard to step out of his brother’s shadow and eventually became known as a great defensive and strategic player earning him the nickname “The Bull”. Playing since the age of 6, and at the league level at age 12, his hard work and determination eventually earned him a place in several leagues where he was paid to play soccer full-time. He's played on several teams that won tournaments and on two teams that won league championships in Hungry. He was also able to travel to Slovakia and Poland to play in Eastern European tournaments. Peter now plays for recreation at local football clubs and events and has a passion to pass the sport down to the next generation. He is currently a licensed Grassroots U.S. Soccer Coach and has trained children previously at Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford. He is currently pursuing a sports nutrition certificate to help athletes achieve their peak performance. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2019.
Jaahdel Cyril – U9 Boys Silver & Bronze
Jaahdel attended Stratford High school where he played Varsity soccer. He then attended Herkimer Community College where he won the regional championship and was national finalist. He has coached in multiple clinics and Rec programs in Syracuse, NY. WSA Travel and Rec Coach in 2022 – 2023. Coaching in the MKS organization since spring 2022.
Bardhyl Limani – U11 Boys Blue & U12 Boys White
Played 2nd division professional soccer in his country of Kosovo and in Switzerland. Coached youth soccer in Kosovo for boys ages U12 to U16 before coming to the United States. Since 2001 he has been a travel soccer coach in the WSA and has coached in the MKSE soccer organization in the WSA Recreation K – 2nd grade clinics. Coaching WSA travel teams since and rec clinics since 2001. Bardhyl is a UEFA ‘B’ & United States Soccer Federation ‘F’ licensed coach. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2001.
John Bruno – U11 and U12 Boys White
John Bruno’s passion for soccer comes from his playing days. John was a starting goalkeeper for 3 years at Brien McMahon hs where he was All FCIAC. John also played for Beachside, Eastern FC, and CT ODP. John went on to play collegiate soccer at Western CT State University. John has been a coach for 10 years. John has coached for Weston soccer club for the last 7 years where he coached multiple age groups and teams. John was involved in coaching rec, Jr. academy and was one of the head goalkeeper coaches for the keepers U9-U15. John enjoys watching his players grow in their technical ability as well as having his players grow a passion for soccer. This is John’s first year with the MKS organization
Rodrigo Libanori – U11 Boys Red
Rodrigo, a Danbury CT, native, grew up playing soccer at a young age. Rodrigo begin his playing career at the Danbury travel level and quickly progressed onto premier. Rodrigo went on to play for Danbury High School for 4 years, Co-Captaining the team his junior and senior year. Rodrigo had the opportunity to play for Western Connecticut University, as well as continue his education. Rodrigo has a pure passion for the game of soccer, and is excited to join the MKSE coaching staff and give back to the game he loves. Currently, Rodrigo is a United States Soccer Federation "E" & ‘F’ licensed coach and is working his way onto continuing his coaching education. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2017.
Alvin Charlery – U13 Boys Blue
Born in St. Lucia. Alvin attended the University of Bridgeport where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s degree in education. He holds the USSF “A” coaching license. Coach Alvin is a former Greens Farms Academy girls varsity head coach. He is also a poet and a recording artist. Coached in MKS program in the early 2000’s for 5 years and rejoined in the MKS organization in 2021.
WSA GIRLS TEAMS COACHING STAFF
Jake Zuniga – U9 Girls Blue & U10 Girls Blue
Jake grew up in Norwalk, CT and has been involved in soccer since the age of 3. He made his way into the Beachside soccer program at 10 years old, up until his final year with the Beachside Super-20 team in 2013. During his time he was a state champion, Region 1 semi-finalist, and attended Nationals with the Super-20 team on 3 occasions, serving as a captain for 2 of those seasons. Jake played four years of varsity soccer at Norwalk High School, where he was an All-FCIAC and All-State first team member. He went on to play college soccer for Fairfield University for the past four years. Member of the 2011 MAAC regular season and tournament champions, he went on to the NCAA tournament and lost in the first round to Brown 3-2, where he scored the first goal for Fairfield. He is currently a member of the AC Connecticut PDL team, and has been called up by the Nicaragua National team. Jake is a United States Soccer Federation ‘F’ licensed coach. Coached rec clinics and camps for MKS organization in 2014.
Daniel Londono - U9 Girls White & U10 Girls White
Carlos Daniel Londono, is originally from Colombia, South America and is married with three young children. He moved to the United States in 2003. He played for the Stamford Hurricanes back in his high school years, and also played for a second division team in Colombia called INFERIORES del Pereira Sub 16. Daniel has been a travel soccer coach in the WSA and has coach in the MKSE soccer organization in the WSA Recreation / Wilton Rec 3rd-4th, 5th-6th & 7th-8th boys and girls. Gained valuable coaching experience throughout the years preparing and maintaining up-to-date lesson plans and goals for seasonal practice drills and procedures while coaching 8-10 yrs olds in Club Kalazans. Currently works at Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. Daniel is a United States Soccer Federation ‘F’ licensed coach. Coaching in MKS organization since 2011.
Elizabeth Burns – U9 Girls Red & U10 Girls Red
Grew up playing soccer on Long Island, New York, and was a member of the first all girls travel team in Mastic Sports Club at the age of 13. Captain and 4 year starter of Sacred Heart University Women's team (NCAA Division II.) Played amateur soccer with CT Wolves women's team in 1997 season. Now currently plays for the Southern CT Women's Soccer League (serving as the Registrar and Treasurer of the League) and the Stamford Coed Summer Soccer League. A United States Soccer Federation ‘E’ & ‘F’ licensed coach. Liz will was the WSA rec program director for 2006-07 season. Coaching WSA travel teams and rec clinics since 2003. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2003.
Franco Acuna – U9 Girls Gold & U10 Girls Gold
Born in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Came to the United States of America when he was 8 months old and lived in Connecticut ever since. Played at Beachside since 2012. I was coached at Beachside by Mark Alves, Pete Doneit, Paul Melitsanopoulos, Allan Zuniga, even Omar Tork. Currently working on improving his coaches license. Graduated from Notre Dame High school in West Haven in 2018, Later on went to play a year of soccer at the University of New Haven in 2018. Now attending the University of Southern Connecticut. Expecting to graduate 2022 and be the first one in his family to have a college degree. Currently, Franco is a United States Soccer Federation National "D” licensed coach. This is Franco’s second year coaching in the MKSE Program.
Bamba Fall – U11 Girls Blue & U12 Girls Blue
Played Varsity HS Soccer in Dakar Senegal (1992-95), Stonington HS Varsity Soccer (1995-96), Intramurals at University of Bridgeport (1996-2000), with a championship in 1996, and Sportzone soccer leagues 2001-02. Coached U7-U8 teams in Dakar while in HS (1992-95), and was Assistant coach for Stonington HS Junior Varsity (1995-96). A United States Soccer Federation ‘C’ licensed coach. Coached the WSA U11 Girls travel team to two back-to-back state cup finals in 2004-2005. Bamba has been coaching WSA travel team since 2002 and WSA rec clinics since 2003. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2003.
Rodrigo Libanori – U11 Girls White
Rodrigo, a Danbury CT, native, grew up playing soccer at a young age. Rodrigo begin his playing career at the Danbury travel level and quickly progressed onto premier. Rodrigo went on to play for Danbury High School for 4 years, Co-Captaining the team his junior and senior year. Rodrigo had the opportunity to play for Western Connecticut University, as well as continue his education. Rodrigo has a pure passion for the game of soccer, and is excited to join the MKSE coaching staff and give back to the game he loves. Currently, Rodrigo is a United States Soccer Federation "E" & ‘F’ licensed coach and is working his way onto continuing his coaching education. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2017.
Alvin Charlery – U13 Girls Blue
Born in St. Lucia. Alvinattended the University of Bridgeport where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s degree in education. He holds the USSF “A” coaching license. Coach Alvin is a former Greens Farms Academy girls varsity head coach. He is also a poet and a recording artist. Coached in MKS program in the early 2000’s for 5 years and rejoined in the MKS organization in 2021.