our coaches
As lifelong mentors, our coaches are dedicated to our players and use positive reinforcement when instructing. We only bring on the best of the best to coach our players, and each coach is dedicated solely to one team. Most of our coaches have played at a professional and international level (some still playing professionally). They are mostly young, passionate, and hands on, and are able to demonstrate all skills and exercises at an elite level. Having once started where our players are starting, they are able to relate and make training more enjoyable, while also emphasizing key points and ideas. Additionally, our coaches have connections at colleges of all levels and with professional clubs around the world. We will use these connections to provide opportunities for our players, helping them succeed both on and off the field.
Learn more about our soccer academy by filling out our contact form.
Elias Azzouz
"Coach elias"
Elias Azzouz is a native of Morocco and Sweden later moving to central Florida and graduating from cypress creek high school. He played 4 year for Rollins College mens soccer and has experience coaching at the youth level for Rollins soccer camps and Atletico tétouan. Elias has always had a passion for sharing his experience as a player and developing younger players both on and off the pitch.
giles barnes
"Coach Giles"
Former Premier League and Orlando City star Giles Barnes recently ended an outstanding playing career having represented clubs all around the world. He also played for the Jamaican National Team. Giles is an extremely talented coach who knows what it takes to play at the highest level and can teach his players the elite details that only those who have played at the highest level can know. Giles is currently doing his USSF B-License.
Keith Buckley
"Coach Keith"
Keith Buckley has been the Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer program at Rollins College since 1991 after a successful playing career for the Tars. Keith was a 2008 inductee in the Rollins Sports Hall of Fame and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Central Florida in 2003. Keith is extremely experienced in working with young players and having coached at the college level for nearly 30 years, he knows what is needed to be a collegiate player. Keith has his USSF A-License
Jeremy Christie
Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder
A former professional and international player, Jeremy Christie co-founded the club in 2020 to offer a “player first” environment where what’s best for the player is at the forefront of every decision. Jeremy had a professional career that spanned thirteen years and included playing in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US and an International career which included playing in the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. These experiences are what guide the direction of our club. Jeremy holds his USSF B-License.
Fernando Galvis
"Coach Fernando"
Fernando Galvis grew up in the Orlando area until age 15. He then relocated to Portugal to continue his youth development with Real Sport Clube in Lisbon. He lived in Colombia for 1 year playing with the under-17s of Envigado FC then relocated back to Portugal to finish off his youth career with Real. During his youth in Europe, he spent preseason with the likes of Sporting CP & Malaga CF and fell in love with the way the game was taught to younger players abroad. He has now dedicated all his time to help develop players in the central Florida area and give back to the game we all love.
Stephen Marinas
"Coach Stephen"
A native of Orlando, Florida; Stephen grew up with a passion for many sports. A successful multi sport student athlete, he continued his love of learning, studying Elementary Education at University of Central Florida. He’s excited to begin his coaching journey with FC Highland and believes his fun, passionate, and friendly personality will create a great team culture on his team.
Stephen McGinn
"Coach Steve"
Stephen McGinn grew up in Scotland as an avid Hibernian and Celtic fan. He played in the Academy at Scottish club Dunfermline before joining Young Harris University in Georgia. He then played for Webber University where he also worked as an Assistant Coach. He played professionally for the Orlando SeaWolves in the Arena Soccer League. Stephen brings the highest level of professionalism to all of the teams he coaches and teaches the players to work hard while still having fun.
Bryan Mejia
"Coach Bryan"
Bryan is from Palm Coast, FL and grew up playing in the West Ham Utd International Academy and the Players Development Academy. Bryan played at Webber International University between 2018-2020 and now works as an assistant coach there where he is in charge of domestic recruitment focusing on players in the Central Florida area. He regularly attends and coaches at college ID camps and has extensive connections in college soccer. Bryan is currently completing his MBA.
Keith Buckley has been the Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer program at Rollins College since 1991 after a successful playing career for the Tars. Keith was a 2008 inductee in the Rollins Sports Hall of Fame and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Central Florida in 2003. Keith is extremely experienced in working with young players and having coached at the college level for nearly 30 years, he knows what is needed to be a collegiate player. Keith has his USSF A-License
Keith Buckley has been the Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer program at Rollins College since 1991 after a successful playing career for the Tars. Keith was a 2008 inductee in the Rollins Sports Hall of Fame and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Central Florida in 2003. Keith is extremely experienced in working with young players and having coached at the college level for nearly 30 years, he knows what is needed to be a collegiate player. Keith has his USSF A-License
