Little Legends Soccer Academy

LLSA only employs professionally licensed coaches. Our coaches come from all over the world (England, Scotland, Spain and the Netherlands). Each of the coaches offers differing personalities and techniques, but always maintains the same LLSA philosophy. Our coaches are energetic, enthusiastic and ready to coach your child. Due to the likelihood that many of our players will move on to play competitive or travel soccer, our coaches are trained to prepare your child for the high demand and skill that the next level of soccer requires. Our approach to coaching will have a positive impact that goes far beyond soccer.

Tony started his coaching career at the young age of 18 where he worked with his old junior high school team in Skokie IL.  He then moved on to coach travel soccer in Lake Forest IL for Lake Forest Soccer Association (travel).  After 4 years with LFSA he decided to move on to a more powerful club in Highland Park IL (Chicago Wind).  Here he began to find a strong passion in coaching young children.  Tony was asked to start a micro soccer program that cartered to 3 - 8 year old boys and girls.  After 2 years of working hard, it became a success!!!  Since then Tony has started his own soccer Academy with a child hood friend George Solomos.  The two of them have worked together to develop Little Legends Soccer Academy in Glenview IL and have expanded to Northbrook, Deerfield and Highland Park.

License

• USSF License

Coaching Experience

• McCracken Junior High
• Lake Forest Soccer Association
• Lake Forest United
• Chicago Wind (Coach and Micro Program Director)
• Chicago Magic (Girls Director of Coaching)

George Solomos currently lives in Glenview, Illinois. Soccer has always been a passion of his ever since he was born. He knows every aspect of the game and specializes in goalkeeping. He has been playing soccer all over the country and has many great accomplishments. He went to Glenbrook South High School where he was the co-captain of his team and starter as a goalkeeper. George attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a business management degree. After college he went on to play Semi-Professional (Major Division) soccer in various areas of Chicago.

License

• USSF License

Coaching Experience

• Glenview SC
• Chicago Magic
• Goalkeeper Clinics
• Youth Training Micro Program

Debbie Pacchioni was born and raised in soccer-rich Sao Paulo, Brazil.  There, she played for Sao Paulo Futebol Clube, Saad Esporte Clube, the Region Select Team and even played a short stint on the Brazilian National Team.  In 1997, she was awarded a scholarship to National American University and eventually the NAIA powerhouse Robert Morris College.  While at Robert Morris College, Debbie served as captain for the Eagle and earned numerous accolades including being named All-American in 2000.  She has also played for the Illinois State Select team, Midwest Regional Select Team and W-League champions New Jersey Wildcats.  Later, Debbie continued to be a graduate assistant at Gardner Webb University while earning her Masters of Arts degree in Sports Science and Pedagogy.

For the past 10 years, Debbie had a successful journey in the world of soccer.  In 2005, while in Brasil, she coached world-class players and took on the responsibility of managing the club as an Executive Director.  In 2007, she returned to the USA where she coached at various clubs as Coach, Assistant Director of Coaching and Youth Development Director.  Debbie is currently working with Chicago Magic Soccer Club and USA national team player Julie Foudy.

“Soccer is my life.  I believe that when you put together respect, responsibility, determination and hard work nothing can stop one.  I am here to coach, teach and share with players my passion about “the beautiful this game.”  Debbie Pacchioni

License

• USSF License

Coaching Experience

• Executive Director of Coaching (Brazil)
• Chicago Magic Soccer Club
• Pegasus Soccer Club
• Micro Clinics Academy Program

Adam Youhanna who resides in Glenview has been placed into the soccer world naturally by his three older brothers. Growing up playing the game, Adam specialized in the forward and midfield positions. He played four years at the varsity level at Niles North High School and was nominated as a co-captain in his junior and senior year. He was also awarded MVP of his team and the All-Sectional Honorable mentioned as a senior. Subsequent to graduation, he played at Oakton Community College for one year and helped lead them to their 3rd conference championship. Adam graduated from Loyola University in Chicago and has played soccer for various soccer clubs in the National Soccer League.

License

• USSF License
• IHSA Licensed Coach

Coaching Experience

• Lake Forest United
• Youth Micro Clinics
• Chicago Magic

John Solomos grew up playing soccer at the age of two and continued throughout high school and college. John controlled the middle of the field where he was named captain of his high school soccer team at Glenbrook South High. He continued his soccer career and education at Indiana University, where he got his Sports Marketing and Business Management degree. While receiving his education, he played four years as a striker with the club team, and won a national championship his senior year. After college he went on to play Semi-Professional (Major Division) soccer in various areas of Chicago. John is known for his passion of the game and strives extra hard to make everyone better.

License

• USSF License

Coaching Experience

• Indiana University Girls Club Soccer Team
• Kicks for Kids
• Chicago Magic
• Goal Keeper Trainer

Sargon Matti has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. Sargon grew up playing soccer in Cardiff, Wales. He has become very educated in the sport as well as accomplishing many achievements along the way. Sargon played for St.Teilos High School and was a starting Center Forward. With his prolific goal scoring ability and great leadership skills on the field, he has become a valuable player with any team he represents. Sargon has played at a very high and competitive level on the European front as well as the US. He has played in the National Soccer League and the Premier Soccer League. 

License

• USSF License

Coaching Experience

• Kicks for Kids
• Assistant Coach for Chicago Red Devil (Mens League)

Marvin grew up playing soccer in the streets of Pinto Road, Arima in the beautiful twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His passion for soccer grew even more when he joined my first soccer club, Pelota F.C at aged 11. At this soccer club I learned the fundamentals and knowledge of soccer. At age 13, I went on to play for East West Coaching School where I won my first major championship at the U-14 level, and was awarded MVP by my soccer club. At age 16, I went back to Pelota F.C. where I continued to learn and develop the fundamentals, tactics, and knowledge of the game. As my soccer skills were developing much faster than others because of my dedication, discipline, respect, and passion for soccer, I was called-up to play for Trinidad and Tobago U-17, in 1998. I earned 13 International Caps (appearances) for my country. My most memorable moment was playing against Jamaica U-17 in 1998 because I got my first international start. I was playing in front of 60,000 people, and I was nervous and extremely happy at the same time. The game ended 0-0. Top teams I played against were Mexico, Jamaica, El Salvador, Canada, Barbados, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Bermuda.

I was the captain of my High School, Fatima College in Trinidad during my senior year. After High School I trained with top professional teams for one year. But, I attracted attention while playing for Malta Carib Alcons for two years where I scored 19 goals and had 30 assist in 44 games, and reached two semi-finals. I gained recognitions from top professional teams in Trinidad and top U.S. colleges such as Southern Connecticut State, Barry University, FL, College of Charleston, and Huntington University. In 2006, I choose Huntington University. I played and started all four years while earning two degrees in Psychology and Sociology. My junior year I was awarded my Team’s Top Defensive Player. After, my senior year I was invited to a Pro Soccer Combine in Florida, where coaches from MLS, NASL, USL, MISL, and other professional leagues were looking for bright prospects. I did not attend because of personal reasons.

 My favorite words of wisdom by my first soccer coach.  “If everyone plays their part, what a dazzling performance it will be!” Clement Roberts (Pelota F.C. Head Coach)

 Coaching experience

• Head Coach at Camp Winaukee, NH (Summer Camp)
• Assistant Coach at Malta Carib Alcons U-10 (Trinidad)
• Assistant Coach at Pelota F.C. U-10 & U-18 (Trinidad)      

Mike Masura begin playing soccer at age 4 and quickly became mesmerized by the beautiful game. While playing competitively at the youth level he grew fond of the midfield and progressed as a box-to-box midfielder.  During high school he continued to refine his skills on the pitch while playing for Rolling Meadows High School.  Mike stayed involved with the game during college by working gameday operations on the field for the Hope College men's soccer team, and graduated from Hope with a Bachelors Degree in Communication.  Mike currently resides in Rolling Meadows and continues to remain active in soccer through participation in numerous competitive men's leagues across the area.