Rory Charcholla
2017-Present

Academy Director Rory Charcholla (re)joined our Academy from Columbus Crew MLS Academy in 2017. 

Rory grew up west of Rochester in Bergen, NY.  He played collegiately at Messiah College (2002 National Championship team), as well as SUNY Brockport (SUNYAC All-Conference).  After graduation he started his career in coaching.

He began his career coaching the Rochester Junior Rhinos's, which then became Empire United, at the club level in both Rochester and Syracuse from 2006-2011. In addition to coaching at the club level Rory spent time in the college ranks with the University of Rochester from 2007-2012, working as the primary assistant from 2009-2012.

From 2012-2016 he was an Academy coach with Empire United SA, first as a scout/pre-academy coach, followed by coaching at the u14 and then the u18 age groups.

In 2016, Columbus hired Rory as the Academy head coach of the u12 age group, followed by him coaching the u14 age groups along with assisting the u18 age group and u23/College Program. 

Across his time at both UofR, Jr Rhinos/Empire, and Crew SC Rory has coached players who would become All-Americans, Professional players in USL and MLS, and Youth National Team players.  He helped the UofR reach the NCAA on multiple occasions, including the Elite 8 in 2009; and while with Crew SC the u18s reached the Development Academy playoffs.

Rory has his Bachelors Degree in Psychology and lives in Penfield, NY with his wife Jillian and their children Livy and Jordi.

ROLES:
Academy Director
Director of Methodology
u19 Academy Head Coach
u17 Academy co-Head Coach

LICENSES:
USSF Academy Director License
USSF "A" Youth License
US Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma

Paul Valenti
2007-Present

Paul grew up east of Rochester in Pittsford, NY.  He played collegiately at Mercyhurst College.

Paul began his career coaching with Rochester FC before the Development Academy was founded in 2007 by US Soccer.  Since it's inception Paul has been a coach for the u16/17 age group. As a coach, Paul coached many players that would become All-Americans in college, Professional players in USL and MLS, Youth National Team players and even a player who received a cap with our Men's national team.  Paul has been instrumental in the growth of the Academy from 2 team to 6 teams, no full-time staff to the three current full-time members and the professionalism of the performance environment as it is today.

At the end of the 2021-22 season Paul stepped back from coaching to be able to spend more time with his growing family.  Though he is not involved with the day-to-day operation and on field coaching he maintains daily contact with Academy Director Rory Charcholla and is the best ambassador of our Alumni.  In addition to maintaining connections with our alums, Paul is a constant presence in soccer relations in the western NY market, maintaining relationships for our boys Academy.

Paul has his Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Education and lives in Webster, NY with his wife Amanda and their four children Hazel, JoJo, Maisie, and Marlie.

ROLES:
Associate Academy Director
Alumni & Soccer Relations

LICENSES:
USSF "A" Youth License

Micheal Tanke
2017-Present

Michael grew up in Niles, Michigan before attending college at the University of Rhode Island where he was a stand out soccer player.  After college Michael signed for the Rochester Rhinos where he met his would-be wife Natalie in Rochester, NY.

After the Rhinos, Michael began his coaching career which took him from Castleton, VT (NCAA D3) to Dayton University (NCAA D1).  After his time in Dayton Michael moved back to the western, NY area where he would eventually be a full-time Head Coach for our Academy from 2020-2022, while also working at St John Fisher and Niagara University.  In 2022, Michael became the Men's Head Soccer Coach of Canisius College (NCAA D1) in Buffalo, NY.  

Michael now coaches several of our Academy Alums and is building the foundations of a top D1 program at Canisius.  While working at Canisius Michael maintains his ties to our academy as our Pre-Academy Director. During his time with the Academy Michael was instrumental in it's overall growth, but took exceptional pride in growing the Pre-Academy and heading up scouting of talent in the western NY market.  As the director of the Pre-Academy program Michael will maintain that program in giving the best young players a platform to join our Academy.

Michael has his Bachelors Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Masters Degree in Education (from Castleton University).  Michale lives in Kenmore, NY with his wife Natalie and their dog Genny.

ROLES:
Pre-Academy Director

LICENSES:
USSF "A" Youth License

CURRENT:
Canisius College Head Mens Soccer Coach
PREVIOUS:
University of Niagara
University of Dayton Assistant
University of Caselton Assistant

Owen Bauer
2020-Present

Owen grew up just west of Syracuse in Baldwinsville, NY. Owen is an Academy alum who graduated in 2019.  During his time in High School, Owen spent a year abroad in Spain, where he competed at the regional level for a Men's league team.

Collegiately he played at Division 1 UNC Asheville before finishing his career and education at Division 2 Le Moyne College near his hometown in Syracuse, NY.

Owen began his career coaching with our Pre-Academy in 2021.

Owen will graduate this spring with a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and lives in Baldwinsville, NY with his girlfriend Josephine.

ROLES:
u13 Academy Head Coach
Pre-Academy Director
Talent ID - Internal

LICENSE:
USSF "C" License Candidate
USSF "D" License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2019

Gianluca Cuomo
2020-Present

'Luca' grew up west of Rochester in Greece, NY.  He played collegiately at MCC before transferring to NCAA Division 1 Cleveland State.

After college Luca pursued a professional career taking him to San Antonio FC - USL Championship (2018-19), Mosta FC - Maltese Premier League (2019), and Richmond Kickers - USL League 1 (2019-2020).

Luca began his career coaching while with the Richmond Kickers, coaching in their youth program.  After his time with the Kickers he moved back to the Rochester, NY area and began coaching within our Pre-Academy program.  From there he joined the staff full-time in January of 2021.

Luca graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Science from Warner University and lives in Chili, NY with his wife Andrea and their dog Asher.

ROLES:
u16 Academy Head Coach
u15 Academy Head Coach
Talent ID - External
Pre-Academy Coordinator

LICENSES:
USSF "B" License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2011
USL Championship Professional - San Antonio FC

Andrew Lill
2017-Present

'Lill' grew up east of Rochester in Webster, NY.  He played collegiately at NCAA Division 1 LaSalle University from 2010-2013.

After college Lill began his coaching career at Empire United at the club level, while helping out with the Academy's re-formatted Pre-Academy. Andrew has been a part of the Academy staff ever since, as both a Head Coach and Assistant, doing anything to help the program move forward.  As the u15 Head Coach in 2020-21, Andrew guided the team to a first place in the Northeast Division in the first year of the newly formed MLS NEXT.  Due to covid restrictions and traveling to a neutral site for all matches, the group were not able to compete in the national playoffs that year, but none the less it was an accomplished season with two victories over MLS Academy New England Revolution. 

Andrew graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Finance and Marketing and works full-time in sales for IKO Sales, INC.  He recently moved back to Webster, NY where he lives with his fiancee Christa and their dog Brix.

ROLES:
u17 & u19 Associate Head Coach

LICENSES:
USSF "D" License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2010
LaSalle (NCAA D1) - 2009-2012

Mark Spacone
2007-2011  |  2021-Present

Mark grew up in Buffalo, NY and is still a native to his home town.  

Mark's coaching at the Academy level began at the inception of the Academy by US Soccer, where he coached the u16 & u18 levels for Empire United from 2007-2011.  In 2012, Mark took the reigns of NCAA Division 2 school Daemen College in Buffalo where he was Head Coach until 2015.  

In 2015, Mark left coaching to work as a Youth National Team Scout for US Soccer.  Mark was responsible for finding YNT talent and tracking already identified talent in conjunction with US Soccer staff.  Mark worked from 2015-2021/22 in this capacity.  At that point Mark's desire to be on the field coaching led him back to Empire United's Academy.  

Mark rejoined the staff here at our Academy where he has been a Head Coach ever since.  

Mark has a Bachelors Degree in History and Italian, a Masters Degree in Social Studies and Education.  Mark currently resides just outside Buffalo and is a full-time teacher at Lackawanna HS in Buffalo, NY.

ROLES:
u14 Academy Head Coach
Talent ID - External

LICENSES:
USSF "A" License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Head Coach: 2007-2011, 2022-Present
Daeman College Head Coach:  2011-2015
US Soccer Youth National Team Scout:  2015-2022

Taner Bay
2022-Present

Taner grew up east of Rochester in Webster, NY.  He played collegiately at NCAA Division 1 Rider University.  While at Rider Taner won the MAAC Championship in 2018 where the program competed for the NCAA D1 Championship. In 2021 Taner was all MAAC as a Senior Captain.

After college Taner still competes in the UPSL and NPSL level while working at Medical Scribe full-time.

Taner graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Bio-Chemistry and currently lives in Webster, NY.

ROLES:
Academy Assistant Coach
Pre-Academy Staff Coach

LICENSES:
USSF Grassroots License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2017
Rider University - 2017-2021

Andrew Crawford
2022-Present

'AC' grew up just east of Buffalo in Williamsville, NY.  AC was a part of the 2015-16 u15/16 Development Academy team that went to the playoffs in 2016 and defeated #1 Seed Baltimore Bays Chelsea.  After High School, AC played collegiately at NCAA Division 1 Rider University.  While at Rider he won the MAAC Championship three times (2015, 2016, 2018).  

After college AC started a career in hospitality before becoming the full-time Assistant Men's soccer coach at NCAA Division 1 Canisius College. AC splits his time and duties between being a full-time assistant with Canisius, as well as being a full-time assistant with our Academy.

AC graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Economics as well as an Masters in Business from Rider University and currently lives in Buffalo, NY.

ROLES:
Academy Assistant Coach

LICENSES:
USSF "D" License Candidate
USSF Grassroots License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2015
Rider University - 2015-2018

Zach Drayer
2022-Present

Zach grew up just east of Buffalo in Lancaster, NY.  As an Academy player Zach followed the process of our program where he went from Developmental Player, to full-time squad player, to eventual starter for the u19 Academy Team in 2017-18.  After High-school Zach played collegiately at NCAA Division 1 University of Rhode Island.  While at URI Zach won the A10 Championship in 2018 and 2019 where the program competed for the NCAA D1 Championship.  During his time at URI Zach would become a 3-time captain of the Men's soccer team from 2020-2022.

Zach graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology as well as Biological Sciences (and also completed two minor degrees in Physics and Mathematics).  Zach currently lives in Lancaster, NY working as a research technician for Jacob's School of Medicine for the University at Buffalo.

ROLES:
Academy Assistant Coach

LICENSES:
USSF Grassroots License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2018
University of Rhode Island - 2018-2022

Roger Groome
2022-Present

Roger grew up in the Trinidad & Tobago before moving to Rochester, NY to play for local college Roberts Wesleyan in 1998-2002.  While at Roberts Wesleyan, Roger would earn All-America honers as a player.  Prior to Roberts Roger represented his countries u20 & u23 National Teams.

After college Roger played professionally in the A-League (now USL Championship) for the Charlotte Eagles in 2002-2005.

Roger returned to Rochester in 2005 and began his career coaching for multiple clubs in the area, NYW ODP, and coaching at his alma mater.  

Roger graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. In 2022 Roger joined the Academy staff as his 2010 son became a u13 member of the Academy.  Roger works with all age groups as an assistant coach and will focus his efforts in 2023-24 in the High Potential Player capacity.

Roger currently lives in Chili, NY with his wife Connie and their five children. Rogers oldest, his daughter Gracie, will attend Cedarville in 2023 where she will play NCAA D2 soccer.

ROLES:
Academy Assistant Coach
High Performance Player Coach

LICENSES:
USSF "C" License

PREVIOUS:
Charlotte Eagles (A-League) - 2002-2005

Francesco Strangio
2022-Present

'Cesco' is a first generation American who grew up in the Buffalo, NY area; his parents originally from Calabria, Italy .  After spending his HS years with our Academy, he played collegiately at NCAA Division 1 Canisius College from 2013-2016.  

Cesco graduated with a degree in nursing from Canisius and works as an RN at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He currently lives in Niagara Falls, NY with his fiancee Caitlyn.

ROLES:
Academy Assistant Coach

LICENSES:
USSF "C" License Candidate
USSF "D" License

PREVIOUS:
Academy Alum - Class of 2013
Canisius College - 2013-2016

Michael Flynn
2019-Present

'Flynn' joined the staff in 2019 when he moved from Division 1 Soccer program Wright State in Ohio to Syracuse University.  

...

ROLES:
Academy GK Coach

LICENSES:
United Soccer Coaches Advanced GK Diploma

PREVIOUS:
Syracuse University Assistant Coach - 2019-Present
Rochester NY FC MLS NEXT Pro GK Coach - 2022
Wright State Assistant & GK Coach - prior to 2019

Pat Regna
2021-Present

Pat grew up west of Rochester in Greece, NY.  He played collegiately at  NCAA Division 1 University of South Carolina Upstate. After college he had a brief spell with the Rochester Rhinos before an injury curtailed his playing career.

Pat joined the staff in 2021 and has been a valuable member of the staff.

He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business from USC Upstate in 2010 and currently runs his own real estate business "the Regna Real Estate team" as a part of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Pat lives in Greece, NY with his wife Melissa and their son Leonardo.

ROLES:
Academy GK Coach

LICENSES:
GK License

PREVIOUS:
University of SC Upstate

Andy Rice
2022-Present

Andy owns Relentless Strength & Conditioning, and performance based company operating out of several locations in the Rochester area. 

A native to Greece, NY Andy grew up playing soccer and hockey in the Rochester area before playing hockey and soccer at SUNY Geneseo.  Andy is currently the owner and operator of his business, along with being a teacher in the Greece School District. 

Andy coaches Soccer and Hockey along with coaching and managing his performance staff for Relentless S&C.  He graduated with a Bachelors Degree from SUNY Geneseo and lives in Greece, NY with his wife and their two children.

ROLES:
Sports Performance/Strength & Conditioning

OWNER:
 

Dr. Matt Driscoll
2020-Present

'Dr Matt' owns Driscoll Chriopractic, located in Webster, NY. 

A Buffalo native Dr. Matt played football at local St John Fisher College from 2005-2009 before going to Chriopractic school.  In 2012 he earned a Doctorate in Chripractic from North East Health Sciences. In 2018 Dr Matt opened his own practice in Webster, NY where he began giving some of his time to our Academy program.

Dr Matt graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Arts in Biology from St John Fisher in addition to his Doctorate in Chriopractic and lives in Webster, NY with his wife Kiersten and their two daughters.

ROLES:
Academy Chiropractor
OWNER:

Jodi Wiborg
2018-Present

Jodi has been our Academy's trainer since 2018.  She attends training a minimum of once per week to work with the Boys Academy players to access injury and provide rehab/recover programming for players.  In addition, Jodi is our ATC on the sidelines for all Home matches.

Jodi graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Science in Athletic Training from SUNY Cortland. She lives in Brockport, NY with her husband and two sons.

ROLES:
Academy Athletic Trainer

LICENSES:
Certified ATC

Jake Klein
2019-2022

Jake was a statistics student at local college Rochester Institute of Technology.  

A native of Pittsburgh, PA Jake provides the staff with guidance on GPA data collection and statistical breakdown of matches for things like xG. Jake recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in...from RIT and currently lives back in Pittsburgh where he works with us remotely.

ROLES:
Academy Statistics and GPS