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
Technical Director
Matteo earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and then attended the University of Roma where he received his Masters Degree in Kinesiology. He holds the UEFA B and UEFA A licenses. He is also a Technical Director and Senior Management Consultant for soccer organizations. Matteo is currently counseling the Juventus Academy of Los Angeles, the Juventus Academy of Toronto and the Fitlight Research Lab.
MANU APPELIUS
Head of Operations - Head Coach
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
Salvador, originally from Brazil, 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- Ordain
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.
Lena Perry
Head Goalkeeper Coach
Lena is a former dual NCAA-DI athlete from the University of Pacific where she played goalkeeper and competed as a sprinter/hurdler/high jumper for track and field. After obtaining her Masters in Exercise Physiology and Bachelors of Sports Medicine for her Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences degrees, she later became certified as a NASM personal trainer, nutritionist/chef, neuromuscular massage therapist, life coach and EMT. Over the past 5 years, she has coached for Sierra Canyon High School, and Marymount High School.
Nicolas Bermudez
Head Coach
Nicolas is a native of Madrid, Spain. Nicolas spent his youth soccer career playing for top tier clubs in Madrid. Nicolas first came to the U.S. in 2008, when he began his collegiate career at Division I Towson University. Over the last 10-years, Nicolas has coached for some of the top clubs in the D.C. area, he also coached in the Maryland Olympic Development Program (ODP) and, most recently in North Alabama as the NPSL Head Coach where he led the club to its first ever Conference final. Nicolas currently holds a USSF “B” License, UEFA “B” License from the Spanish Royal Federation, and a Football Technical Analyst Certification.
SHIVA AMINI
Head Coach
Shiva Amini has a remarkable record of playing more than 40 matches and scoring 19 goals with the Iranian women’s national futsal team. Shiva has experience of participating in Asian and World Championships. Shiva Amini has participated in Asian and World football championships and has played in Iran's professional league for 12 years. She has experience coaching both girls and boys in various countries, including Iran, Switzerland, and Italy.
In Italy, she has coached at Entella Academy and Genoa CFC.
RAHA SHAMS
Head Coach
Raha early passion for football emerged at the age of 6, as she enthusiastically joined soccer clubs, participating in the sport throughout middle school and high school. Over the years, Raha showcased her talent in Division 1 and the Premier Soccer Women's League, while also being honored to represent the youth Iranian national team and the Iranian university national team. During her professional football career in Iran, which spanned approximately 7 years, Raha's journey encountered a setback due to an unfortunate accident while returning from a match. After her recovery, Raha relocated to Italy and discovered a new calling as a referee, officiating soccer and futsal matches in men's leagues for a period of five years. In 2022, Raha made her way to the United States, where she embarked on a coaching career, diligently sharing her profound passion for the beautiful game with players of all ages and skill levels.
CHRIS BONAWANDT
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.
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.
ATI KALYONCU
Head Coach
Attila Gökay Kalyoncu is a highly skilled and experienced soccer coach with a UEFA Grassroots C License from the German Football Association and a US National D Coaching License. A former player in Germany's highest youth league, Attila has a proven track record in coaching U14, U16, and U18 teams, excelling in tactical, technical, and physical training. As Youth Director at CFC Hertha 06 Berlin, he managed over 300 youth players, implemented annual training plans, led acquisitions and transfers, and organized financial support for disadvantaged children. With expertise in team building, recruitment, and performance analysis, Attila brings exceptional communication skills and a holistic approach to player development. Fluent in German, Turkish, and English, he combines his passion for soccer with extensive administrative and coaching experience to foster growth, motivation, and success in the sport.
