Login Register

United Futbol Academy

Norcross

Meet Our Coaches

  • Daniel Farnham
    Director of Coaching

    Coach Dan Farnham brings 30 years of Coaching experience, passion and insight (25 years in Atlanta) to the field. He spent 12 years as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Reinhardt University, 2001-2013. While at Reinhardt, Coach Farnham also worked for the local soccer club in Cherokee County moving into a Director role over his 8 year stint. In 2014, Farnham transitioned back to the youth game, full-time, with Gwinnett Soccer Association as their Boys’ Academy Director. In 2018, he embarked on a new opportunity with TOCA Soccer, as a trainer and site Director - helping implement a new and unique training and developmental approach with the aid of technology. Since 2022, he has been a staff Coach with Roswell Santos Soccer Club in the 2012, 2011 and 2009 age groups. 

    Dan lives in Roswell with his fiance and has a 20 year old daughter. His twin brother, Mike, has also been an active youth Soccer Coach/Director in Atlanta for the last 20 years.

     

  • Ryan Robertson
    SAPL & Select Director

    USSF A license candidate- Provisional License given 2022
    USSF B License

    Playing Career:
    Ryan's soccer journey commenced in Michigan's Select/Travel Programs at the age of 3. Upon relocating to South Carolina in 1989, he found mentorship under Ralph Lundy. Under Lundy's guidance, Ryan's skills flourished, particularly during his high school tenure which propelled he and his team to the State Semi-Finals. His standout performance earned him a college scholarship at Andrew College, Ryan showcased his talent on a national stage. His journey continued at Brewton-Parker College, where he seamlessly transitioned into a dual role as a Player/Coach, illustrating his dedication to both playing and mentoring.

    Coaching Career:
    Ryan's coaching journey reflects his deep commitment to both personal development and the advancement of youth soccer. Working on his USSF A License, he has accumulated over 14 years of experience in various coaching capacities. Beginning his youth coaching career in 2007, Ryan laid the groundwork for his coaching philosophy and techniques. Simultaneously, he served as an assistant coach at Reinhardt College, where he gained valuable collegiate coaching experience. His coaching acumen expanded further to include Speed and Agility trainer and later assumed pivotal roles as a Technical Officer, Academy Director, and Director of Coaching.

    Ryan's commitment to continuous improvement is underscored by his pursuit of certifications such as the Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma 1 and Youth Diploma 2. These certifications demonstrate his dedication to staying abreast of the latest coaching methodologies and best practices, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of youth soccer development.

    Now serving as the Select and SAPL Programs Director at UFA Norcross, Ryan continues to make a significant impact on youth soccer. His diverse experiences, coupled with his relentless pursuit of excellence, make him an invaluable asset to the soccer community, shaping the future of the sport one player at a time.

  • Juan Cruz
    Asst. Academy Director

    Playing Background:

    Juan Cruz is a talented soccer player with dual nationality from Argentina and Spain. Born with a passion for the beautiful game, Juan began his senior player career in 2013, playing in the 3rd Division in Spain for C.D. Ferriolense and C.D. Manacor. His skills on the field quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading him to the United States where he continued his soccer journey.

    From 2018 to 2022, Juan played college soccer at Georgia Gwinnett College, where he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport. After his college career, Juan joined the East Atlanta Dutch Lions in the USL 2 league for the summer of 2023, before moving on to play for Athens United in the summer of 2024. In addition to his club career, Juan had the honor of competing in the prestigious US Open Cup in 2024 with Apotheos FC, further proving his skill and determination as a player. Throughout his player career, Juan has achieved numerous awards and recognitions, including leading his team to a Conference Championship in 2018-2019 and being named Team Captain for three consecutive seasons. He was also recognized as part of the Conference All-Tournament Team in 2021, earned 1st Team All-Conference honors in 2022, and was named a 3rd Team All-American in the same year.

    Coaching Background:

    With a UEFA C coaching license and a strong academic background, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Business Administration, as well as certifications as a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and NSPA Certified Speed and Agility Coach.

    With experience coaching in Spain at the Regional Preferente level, where he achieved league championships and promotions, as well as coaching at top programs such as Real Madrid C.F. summer program. Juan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current roles. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach at Georgia Gwinnett College, where he also works as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for all sports programs. Additionally, he holds positions as the Assistant Academy Director and High-Performance Director at UFA Norcross.

    Juan's dedication to excellence and passion for developing athletes both on and off the field make him a valuable asset to any coaching staff. His commitment to continuous learning and personal development ensures that he will continue to make a positive impact in the world of sports coaching.

  • Siba Mohammed
    Staff Coach

    Coach Siba began coaching academy and select socer in 2007 with the Forsyth Fusion.  He is no stranger to hard work and top-level soccer. Siba received a scholarship to play for the NCAA Division I and current National Champion, University of Maryland Men’s Soccer Team.  It was there that he helped lead the Terps to two NCAA Final Four appearances, and an ACC Championship.  Siba was a part of the University of Maryland Summer Camp Staff, directed by National Coach of the Year Sasha Cirovski.  Prior to playing at Maryland, he was the team captain of the Javanon club team that won the Under 16 National Championship.  In doing so he received recognition from the Kentucky House of Representatives and Senate.  In 1996 he was voted the Best Delegate at the Kentucky United Nations Assembly.  Coach Siba is originally from Ghana and played for the Ghana U-15 National team. He was honored with the prestigious National Golden Boot in 1995.

  • Alex Phillips
    Staff Coach
  • Pablo Piraquive
    Staff Coach
  • Cameron St. Prix Mitchell
    Staff Coach

    Bio Coming Soon

  • Ivey Suber
    Staff Coach

    USSF C License


    Playing History:
    Ivey Suber began playing at the select and academy youth levels in Austin, TX from 1982-90.


    Coaching History:
    Ivey Suber started his coaching career working with the youth recreational and academy teams in Covington, GA, at the Covington YMCA from 2004-2007. He moved to Rockdale Youth Soccer Association in Conyers, GA, to coach the academy teams from 2008-2010. He became the Rec Director Coordinator from 2009-2010. He moved to Dekalb United FC in 2010-2014 to coach the academy and select level age group teams. He returned to Rockdale Youth Soccer Association from 2015-2023 to coach the academy and select-level SCCL teams. During his tenure, he became the Rec Director from 2016-2017. Ivey Suber's coaching highlights were when he captured six tournament championships with the 2007 academy boys’ team from 2016 to 2018. Also, when the 2002 boys finished as tournament finalists and first place at our classic level in Fall 2018. He rebuilt the 2005 boys SCCL-Premiere team within three years to become a competitive team in the first inaugural year of 2020 in the SCCL league. Furthermore, he rebuilt the 2008 girls' SCCL-Premiere team that finished first place in their SCCL division within the first two seasons together in 2022. “Developing several players since 2008 and capturing other tournament finalists and championships with various age groups have been some of the greatest highlights of my coaching career”. Ivey Suber is the lead coach for the current 2008 boys for the GA ODP program and was selected as one of the South Region Staff coaches for the boys’/girls' Region ID Camp for the summer months. Ivey Suber is currently part of the SAPL coaching staff at the United
    Futbol Academy at Norcross.

  • Olivia Taylor
    Staff Coach
  • Mark Tonner
    09B Premier SAPL / 10B Red

    Mark is a native of South Africa and has been living in Atlanta since 1994. He has been a very successful coach and coached teams at State, Regional and National levels. Mark is a dedicated coach who gives great attention to technical training. Mark played college soccer for Life University and graduated in 1999 with a BS in Nutrition.

    He is married to wife Partricia and they have a daughter Kalvine.

COPYRIGHT 2024 © United Futbol Academy