We believe in humans, we believe in talent, and we are true believers that to have great players, we must have top coaches that care about the individual development of every player within the framework of the team.

Our coaches have international experiences, UEFA Pro Licenses and US Soccer Licenses to ensure that every player is developed in a high-performance environment.

Our GFI Academy Sports Director

Gerardo Torrado

Former Captain the National Mexican Team, with 3 World Cups participations, former director of Mexican National Teams and former player for teams such as Sevilla F.C. and Racing de Santander in Spain and Cruz Azul in Mexico.

Committed to professionalizing football and leaving a legacy, Gerardo joins Global Football Academy as the Academy's Sports Director where he will apply his knowledge on and off the field to prepare and enhance the talent of our players. All with the firm goal of helping them reach great heights and fulfill their dreams.

our coaches

Ryan Bjelland

Ryan Bjelland is an experienced and passionate soccer coach with over 10 years of experience coaching at various levels. He currently holds a USSF coaching license. He has coached at multiple levels and platforms, including High School, Youth, the Olympic Development Program (STYSA and Region 3) and MLS Next. 

He has a proven track record of success, having led multiple teams to championships and accolades. Ryan's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, and he takes great pride in instilling these values in his players. He is committed to helping his players achieve their potential
both on and off the field.

Grant Boaz

Coach Grant has 7 years of coaching experience varying from Club soccer to Junior College level both as an assistant and head coach, and the D III level of college soccer. His playing experience consists of playing the highest level of club ball in Virginia as well as playing at the Junior College and Division three levels. Grant also has a Bachelors in Sport Management from NC State
University. 

Joan Luis Ginebra Campillo

Graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sports Science, and with an advanced RFEF football coaching course, Joan is a Mexican coach with a UEFA A license and a Mexican Pro License. He has experience in first division clubs in Mexico such as Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) and Club América, as well as designing and analyzing RFEF training sessions.

Lance Carlisle

Coach Lance launched the women’s program for the San Antonio Runners, serving as the Runners’ United Women’s Soccer Team (2022) and United Premier Soccer League Men’s Team (2020-2022) Head Coach, the Schreiner University NCAA DIII Men and Women Goalkeeper Coach (2021 - 2022) and the Head Coach of Our Lady of the Hills High School where he led the high school varsity team to win a District Championship title in 2022. Lance is a licensed coach through the United States Soccer Federation.

Ryan Clancy

Coach Ryan Graduated with a Bachelor’s in MIS. Ryan is a licensed coach through the United States Soccer Federation.

Luis Garces

Coach Luis is a former player turned coach. Originally from Mexico, he has played at the professional level from academy to u23. His playing experience includes multiple countries such as Mexico, Sweden and Finland. He has also played at the semi-professional level in the United States. With 7 years of coaching experience Luis brings a high level of attention to detail, an emphasis on technical and tactical focus, and the management of individuals and personalities to maximize their potential.

Luis is a licensed coach through the United States Soccer Federation.

Jonathan Lopez

Coach Jonathan brings a high IQ, energy, passion, and work ethic from his 25 years playing experience in the academic and collegiate level. In 2017 he began his coaching career at Fort Gibson High School during his final college semester. There he was able to lead them to their first 4A state title.

Due to his success, he was appointed in 2018 at 26 years old, the head men and women’s soccer coach at his Alma Mater, Bacone College. In 2019 he decided to join the University of St Thomas Men’s coaching staff as an Assistant Coach, and has had the opportunity to lead them to two consecutive SCAC Conference Titles, 2021 and 2022. As well, a trip to the 2022 NCAA tournament leading them all the way to the Sweet 16 appearance.

Jon Pall

Jon Pall is a UEFA licensed football coach from the Icelandic football federation with a B.S. in Sports Science from Reykjavik University.

 Jon Pall has over 20 years of experience leading men’s and women’s teams in professional and semi-professional leagues across Europe. As Head Coach for multiple teams, Jon Pall has developed expertise in player development, intensive training, team building & strategy.

 While working in Iceland & Norway, Jon Pall led the Klepp FC women’s team to a Norwegian Cup title. Former players include World Cup competitors Maria Thorisdottir, Oda Bogstad, Hege Hansen, and Gry Ims. Many of his former players have signed with big clubs including Everton, Lyon, Chelsea,
Manchester United & Liverpool.

alberto santana

Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Science and a master's degree in Sports Physical Activities Strength and Conditioning, Alberto is a UEFA coach who worked as the second assistant at AEK Athens Football Club.

Samuel Díaz Silva

Samuel is a higher sports technician in sports and athletic activities, a UEFA coach with a master's degree in scouting and sports physical activities and has served as both head coach and assistant at Atlético de Madrid.

Raúl Toledano

Raul has a degree in Sports Science and is a UEFA PRO RFEF coach. He's an expert in methodology and has scouted for various European teams and academies.

Leroy Zuiddam

Coach Leroy is a forever student of the game of football (soccer). Born in the Netherlands, he brings a creative and visionary approach to coaching. His motto is “development never stops”!

Coach Leroy focuses on the individual and team environment, with constant variety, focus and challenges in the technical, tactical and mental aspect of the practice and game.

Coach Leroy holds both UEFA and USSF licenses and a Masters in High Performance Football Development (mbp: school of coaches)