Our Mission
Our core values are a part of the player development process. All players will develop the skills, qualities and attributes needed to play exciting, creative soccer with a winning mentality, while having a positive and lasting influence on each other. Our players will always demonstrate the USA Elite Soccer Academy Core Values.
We will promote good sportsmanship and encourage high standards of performance and conduct on and off the field, requiring discipline, honesty, hard work, commitment, respect and humility. This is inclusive of players, coaches and spectators.
Our team
Director of Coaching
Itamar Braga Jr.
Embarking from the vibrant streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Coach Braga's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. Arriving on foreign shores in 2002, he brought with him not just a love for the game, but a burning desire to nurture the potential of every athlete he encountered. With over two decades of unwavering commitment and a licensing arsenal, Coach Braga has cultivated a legacy of excellence, guiding players from the tender age of 4 and 5 to the pinnacle of high school, college, and U19 competitions. Rooted in his own experiences at Sao Judas Tadeu High School and Portuguesa FC, Coach Itamar's story embodies the resilience and fortitude required to triumph against all odds, inspiring generations of players to dream big and chase their goals with unwavering determination.
​
"Gettin' good players is easy. Gettin' ' em to play together is the hard part."
Casey Stengel
​
​
Boys 2015
Coach Jay
2015 Boys Coach
A true visionary on and off the field. With years of experience and a passion for developing young talents, Coach Jay brings expertise, dedication, and a winning mindset to our team. Under his guidance, our players learn not just the game of soccer, but invaluable life lessons that shape them into champions both on and off the pitch
Coach Braga
​
​
​
​
​
Coach Geovanni
High School Team
Director of Skills Development
My aim is continuous improvement, fueled by unwavering effort and dedication every day. I aspire to elevate the sport of soccer, pushing boundaries and surpassing our goals with determination. Together, let's strive for excellence and conquer every challenge we encounter.
​
​
​
​
​
2010 girl head coach
"Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it." Mia Hamm
​
Head Coach Girls 2010
Blue Team head coach
Coach Alex brings a wealth of experience and passion to the field. His dedication to player development is unmatched. Known for his strategic acumen and nurturing approach.
His commitment to excellence and fostering a winning mindset make him an invaluable asset to any team
2016, 2015 Boys Head Coach
Meet the Team
“No individual can win a game by himself.” Pelé
“A team is more than a collection of people. It is a process of give and take." Barbara Glacel.
These are the people that make this work to happen. Thank you
Director of operations
At the heart of USA Elite Soccer Academy, Amanda McKinney embodies the spirit of excellence and determination. As our Director of Operations, she orchestrates every aspect of our journey with unwavering passion and grace. With a relentless pursuit of perfection and an unwavering commitment to our team's success, Amanda inspires us all to reach for greatness. Her leadership ignites a fire within us, propelling us to conquer challenges and achieve our dreams, both on and off the field.
Amanda Mckinney, Director of Operations