POTOMAC SOCCER ASSOCIATION MAKES ADDITIONS TO SENIOR COACHING STAFF

For Immediate Release: August 22 , 2023

CONTACT: Sean Maslin- sean.maslin@potomacsoccer.org

Potomac, MD- Potomac Soccer Association announced today multiple new additions to the 2023-2024 Coaching Staff, adding Brian Wall as Director of Coaching-Boys ECNL, Kareem Ladki as the Director of Player Development, and Cristian Mejia as the Director of Goalkeeping.

“We are excited to have Brian, Kareem, and Cristian taking on new responsibilities with our club this season,” said Potomac Soccer Association Executive Director Laurie Lane. “Throughout their time at PSA, all three have positively impacted our community with their knowledge of the game and their desire to ensure that all players grow into not just great soccer players, but also great people. I look forward to seeing how they can continue to make a difference within our community, both this season and in the season’s ahead.”

The three additions to the senior coaching staff are part of a broader 2023-2024 coaching staff which includes new hires Sam Okpodu (UEFA ‘A’ License, former Nigerian Women’s National Team Head Coach), Alex Gould (USSF National ‘D’ License), Aaron Manning (USSF National ‘C’ License), Julio Zarate (Pachuca FC Scout) , Friday Johnson (USSF National ‘D’ License), Manny Motajo (New England Revolution and Los Angeles Galaxy, USSF National ‘D’ License), Nick Loutoo (Junior Varsity Head Coach at Rockville High School, USSF National ‘D’ License), Kamron Azizi (USSF National ‘D’ License), Jessica Leaver (USSF National Grassroots License), Yasurys Peralta (USSF National Grassroots License), Vinny Bas (USSF National Grassroots License), Todd Pede (USSF National Grassroots License), Candace Embry (USSF National Grassroots License), and Tommy Zarembka (Potomac Soccer Board of Directors President).

Brian Wall

Brian Wall has been coaching club soccer for the Potomac Soccer Association for the past 17 years, leading multiple regionally and nationally competitive teams. He is also a former Olympic Development Program Head Coach and is the club’s U15-U19 Phase Director. Brian holds a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma and a USSF National ‘C’ License. As Potomac’s Director of Coaching and ECNL Director (he is also the club’s U15-U19 Phase Director) where where he will be responsible for the training technical support and of all PSA coaches and players as well as the general operations and development of the Boys ECNL program.

“I am thrilled to be our new Boys ECNL Director,” said Wall “The Boys ECNL program is the nation’s top youth soccer development platform for elite boys soccer players in the country.  My main goal as Boys ECNL Director revolves around continuing to lead and support our ECNL staff and coaches, players and teams so collectively as a group we can best represent our soccer club nationally while competing on the highest playing level offered in youth soccer.”

Kareem Ladki

Kareem Ladki is a returning PSA coach that has worked in multiple different positions throughout his tenure. As the Director of Player Development, Kareem will work alongside Brian Wall, Conor Prachar (U11-U14 Development Phase Director), and Mars Rabara (U9-U11 Futures Phase Director) to ensure that all players training goals and standards are being met. He is currently the coach of the Boys U11 Pre-ECNL I and U13 ECNL I teams and holds a USSF National ‘C’ Coaches License.

“I’m excited about taking on the role of Director of Player Development at Potomac Soccer Association,” said Ladki. “My primary goal is to facilitate the growth and progress of our players, both on and off the field. With the continued hard-work and support of our coaches and staff, I aim to provide our players with the necessary resources, guidance, and training to help them reach their full potential both on and off of the field while effectively contributing to Potomac’s success..”

Cristian Mejia

Cristian Mejia is considered to be one of the top goalkeeping coaches in the Washington D.C. Metro area, having previously coached at Frederick County Community College, Liverpool FC International Academy in CT/MA/RI, and Becker College. As PSA’s Director of Goalkeeping, he will be working the club’s goalkeepers alongside PSA’s new Goalkeeping coach Matthew Thurnes (USSF National Grassroots License) across all age groups to ensure that they are developing the technical skills and positional training to excel. He currently holds a USSF National Grassroots license.

“I feel blessed, honored, and privileged to be able to come back, and coach for the club that helped start my playing career,” said Mejia. “Words will never be enough to describe the passion I have for this club, and only time will tell how much I appreciate being presented with this opportunity. My goal is to help create some of the most technical, and fundamental goalkeepers to come out of this club. I truly believe I have the experience, and passion to help get the clubs Goalkeeping side, where it deserves to be.”

ABOUT POTOMAC SOCCER ASSOCIATION Founded in 1980 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, The Potomac Soccer Association (PSA) is a community-based soccer club that provides local-area youth opportunities to develop their talents in the sport through a highly-competitive, challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding environment that also promotes good sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork. To learn more go to: www.potomacsoccer.org If you are interested in becoming a club sponsor or have an area of espertise that you feel would further PSA’s mission, please email PSA Executive Director Laurie Lane at Laurie.lane@potomacsoccer.org