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Coaching Staff

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Are you interested in Coaching for Berks United FC?  We are currently seeking coaches for the 2024-25 season. 

Please contact Club Director, Colin Kent, colin@berksunitedfc.com if you are interested in applying.

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Colin Kent

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Colin holds coaching qualifications through both the United States Soccer Federation ("C" license and Grassroots Instructor License) and the English FA (Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football) and has been involved in coaching soccer here in the United States for over 14 years.  Prior to joining Berks United FC, Colin spent 9 years with Reading United AC as the clubs director of youth coaching.  Reading United AC is one of the leading USL league 2 (4th tier of soccer in the USA) teams in the nation.

Colin grew up just outside of Norwich in Seething, England and knows first hand what it is like to be involved in top-level soccer having spent time on trial at Norwich City (English Premier League) and Ipswich Town (English League One).  After high school Colin also attended a full time soccer school for three years before gaining a soccer scholarship to the United States.  Colin is a 2008 graduate of Lander University, SC where he obtained his B.S. degree in Physical Education/Teacher Certification, K-12, and served as captain of the men’s soccer team his junior and senior year. Colin helped the Lander Bearcats in becoming the South East Region Champions in 2005, The Peach Belt regular season title holders and Tournament Champions in 2006.

As a youth player in England, Colin represented his club and county at the U10-U18 level and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for Bury Town Reserves; the Suffolk County Under 16 Player of the Year Award in 2000; and the Hobart High School Sportsman of the Year Award that same year. Most impressively, for those who follow FA soccer in England, Colin helped his teams to the championship of the English Schools FA Cup Final in 2000 and again in 2003 when he earned the English Schools FA Cup MVP Award.

Colin now resides in Wernersville, with his wife Cate and two sons James and Archie.

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Anthony "AJ" Cronrath

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AJ comes to Berks United FC with 36 years of soccer experience.  He played for Kutztown High School before going on to play at Penn State University.  He has instructed soccer at various levels and is a licensed coach.  He has developed youth soccer players through team play, one on one training, use of technology, off field nutrition, and soccer education. In addition, AJ has designed training courses for new coaches to ensure they had the training and solid foundation to better instruct our next generation.  Furthermore, some of Coach AJ’s accolades include:

 

  • Under Reading United (6 years), designed, organized, and implemented youth soccer sessions for CPD (Coach/Player Development) and Academy Camps

  • Developed and employed the RBJSL New Coaches Training Course

  • Constructed U6-U12 season training session for clubs and coaches

  • Philadelphia Union Summer Select coach (2 years)

  • Head Junior High School Coach for Blue Mountain (4 years)

  • Head High School Coach; 1-year Kutztown High School (Girls), 4 years Schuylkill Valley High School (Boys)

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Jeb Heller

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Coach Jeb brings with him more than 35 years of soccer experience.  His philosophy is to play a possession game with an attack focus. He grew up playing in the Twin Valley Soccer Club before moving to the Reading Berks Club in middle school.  After playing for Twin Valley High School, he went on to play for the Eastern University Eagles for four years.  For the past 20 years post-graduation, he continued to play in multiple men's leagues throughout Chester, Berks and Lancaster Counties.  He coached at the Twin Valley youth level as well as the junior high level for multiple years.  Currently, Coach Jeb teaches mathematics at Owen J. Roberts Middle School.   His job as a middle school teacher reinforces that every day is a challenge and helps him recognize that to get the best out of his players, he must adapt his soccer strategies to his players' skills.  Through his involvement in soccer over the years, Jeb gained many friendships and learned many life lessons, and he hopes for the same for his young soccer players. Teaching children is his love and soccer are his passion.    

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Mike Wolf

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Mike has been coaching youth soccer within the Governor Mifflin community for more than 18 years. Mike was a past president of the Governor Mifflin Soccer Club and served as an assistant coach with the Governor Mifflin HS Girls Team, where he was a part of multiple County Championships. Mike’s coaching philosophy is simple, creating a positive learning environment and a love for the game. 

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Danny Zittle

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Coach Dan has 12 years of experience coaching youth soccer in the Governor Mifflin soccer club.  Dan has held positions as head coach, co-head, age group coordinator and board member.  Dan coached for several age groups in the girls divisions from 2000 to approx 2012. Within those age groups he achieved unparalleled success winning League play in Berks and Lancaster county as well as challenging the teams and winning multiple tournaments each year in the highest competitive divisions.

 

Dan developed his coaching skills further with the Governor Mifflin Girls High School soccer team from 2013 until 2016 in the capacity of Assistant varsity coach and JV Head coach.

 

The soccer philosophy Dan brings is one of conditioning, development and progression, along with clear communication.

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Gina Cardenas

2012 Girls Head Coach

Specialized Goalkeeping Coach

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Coach Gina is ordinally from the Seattle, Washington area and played high school soccer at Auburn Riverside High School.  During her high school career, she was awarded 4A First team, all-league and all-state honors as a goalkeeper.  Gina was also part of the Washington Premier FC who won state cup in 2010 and then went onto play 4 years for Saint Martin's University and then for one years at NWPL team Seattle Stars.  Now in Pennsylvania Gina has coaching experience with the Lehigh Valley ODP program as their goalkeeping coach and also coaches at the Reading Recreation Commission as part of their grassroots youth program U6-U14.  Currently Gina has her US Soccer Grassroots coaching license and is working toward obtaining her D license.

 

Gina's coaching philosophy is that communication is key for success. Never put down a teammate, encourage each other to be better, and get after each other when you need to be pushed.  I will let you know when you make a mistake, but I will help you to correct it and always encourage you to try again.  Nobody is perfect but if you don't try you'll never know if you can do it. 

 

Gina now lives in Mount Penn with her wife Yany and stepson Marcus as well as their dog Appa and three cats Hunny, Pabu, and Selina.

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Megan Welsh

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Coach Megan has been playing soccer since the age of 6 and has been a goalkeeper since she can remember. She grew up playing for Exeter Rec program all the way until Junior High level and high school.  Attending Exeter High School, she played for the girl's soccer team and club Reading Berks United. Megan's plans of playing in college were put on hold when she had her first daughter shortly after graduating high school. That's where her coaching journey began. Coach Megan now sits on the board for Mifflin FC as well as coaching many of the Rec teams. She also helps run clinics for the Mifflin FC and is a staff coach for our clubs Tots soccer program, Next Gen clinics, and our goalkeeper clinics. 

 

 Her coaching philosophy is about communication and positivity. She believes being coachable and having a good work ethic will take many players to the next level. Having open communication gives her the ability to correct and encourage players in a positive, caring way so they aren't afraid to step out of their comfort zone and try new things! 

 

Megan lives in Mohnton with her husband and their 9 children. In her off time you can find her on the sideline of her kids sporting events. She says she will always be her kids biggest supporter! She also enjoys being at her camp site in DE anytime they can get a free weekend!

 

Coaching Quote "The only thing stopping a player from unlocking their next level, is their comfort zone, so feel that discomfort and lean into it"!

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Jon Correll

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Jon played high school soccer at Daniel Boone HS, where he still holds the career and single-season scoring records, tallying 84 goals and 39 assists in three seasons.  He was a two-time All-State and All-Berks selection.  He also played for the EPYSA State Team for three years and medaled at three consecutive Keystone State Games.  Jon continued his soccer career as a full-scholarship athlete at Villanova University, where he was a four-year starter and still holds the single-season school scoring record with 13 goals in his senior season.  He was named Big East Offensive Player of the Week twice, and was selected for the Philadelphia Soccer 7 All-Star First Team and the Mid-Atlantic Region All American Team in 1996.         

 

Jon holds a US Soccer Grassroots Coaching License and has been coaching youth soccer for the past 7 years.  He has led his current team to both league and tournament championships.  His many years of high-level playing experience provide him with the ability to quickly assess players' strengths and weaknesses, and to create training and game plans designed to maximize their current potential while promoting skill development where needed, resulting in continuous improvement from year to year.  His coaching philosophy focuses on positive reinforcement, stresses teamwork, and is committed to player development both on and off the field in order to ensure success at all levels of competition.  

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Michael Schafer

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Mike has been coaching youth soccer since 2011 and has a U.S. Soccer National C Coaching License. He strives to create a player-centered environment that focuses on an individual player’s long-term development in a fun and challenging setting. In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Berks United FC (BUFC), Mike is an assistant boy's coach at Exeter Junior High School. Prior to coming to BUFC, Mike spent 10+ years coaching at Exeter United and was a member of their board of directors on two occasions most recently serving as Vice President & Director of Coach and Player Development. While his teams have performed well in league play and tournaments, he gets the most joy from watching his players develop their skills and love of the game.
Mike and his wife Kim, and their children Kayla and Owen reside in Exeter Township. They love their annual trip to OCNJ, summers at Crestwood Pool, spending time with their dogs Loki & Rocket, and being outdoors as much as possible. Mike and Owen enjoy playing disc golf too!

Education

Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from St. Joseph’s University

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Health Administration from Arcadia University

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Jeremy Hartman

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Jeremy and his family live in Exeter Township where he has been coaching a variety of youth sports including baseball, basketball and soccer for the last six years. Currently, he’s the assistant coach for the 2010 boys team and a member of Exeter United’s player evaluation committee. Jeremy is participating in US Soccer’s Grassroots Courses and is focused on fundamental skill development and well-rounded athletes who grow on and off the playing field.

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Richard Matijasich

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Rich has been coaching for over ten years and has a U.S. Soccer National C License. He is the Assistant Girls Coach for Exeter Jr High and previously coached several teams to league and tournament championships. Rich’s mission is to help others be the best versions of themselves, so they will be inspired to grow and develop to achieve more than they thought was possible. As a coach, Rich’s goal is to serve as a catalyst for players to unlock their potential so they are able to grow, develop, and find success both on and off the field.

 

Previously, Rich served on the Exeter Youth Soccer Board for several years as the Vice President and Director of Fundraising. Rich played Varsity Soccer for Exeter High School. He then attended Alvernia University for Psychology and completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology at West Chester University. He works as a consultant specializing in leadership and team development.

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Dan Bergey

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Dan played soccer at Twin Valley High School and Albright College where he earned first team all conference.  He continues to play in several men’s leagues now.  Dan has been coaching since 2002 and holds a USSF “D” license.  Coaching experience includes Shepherd University women’s team assistant coach (1 year), Twin Valley junior high boy’s head coach (2 years), Central Catholic high school boy’s head coach (1 year), Twin Valley high school girl’s assistant coach (5 years), Wyomissing high school boy’s head coach (4 years), and Exeter youth soccer (8 years).  He also has a USSF referee license and can be seen with the whistle in the middle of the field.

 

Dan’s coaching philosophy is to try to be a positive influence so that each player can improve individually but also help the team at the same time.  Soccer is an important part of my life and I enjoy sharing this life-long passion with others.

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Justin Hahn

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Justin is a recent graduate of Temple University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, played for 4 years on the Men’s Soccer Team and now brings his talents here to Berks United FC as the U14 Assistant Coach and Assistant Director of Soccer. Justin currently holds his Grassroots Coaching License and is looking to obtain his US Soccer “D” License. Early in his playing career, Justin spent his time with OBGC who competed in EDP, Region 1 and National League. Justin also played 3 years on Varsity for Walter Johnson High School where in his Senior year won the Maryland State Championship finishing with 17 goals and 15 assists as well as earning All-State and All-Region Honors. Justin then finished the rest of his Senior year playing with the DC United Academy in the Spring of 2017.

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Tom McAuliffe

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Tom comes to Berks United FC with over 35 years of soccer experience.  He played PIAA Division II soccer and tennis for Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA, before pursuing men’s rowing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.  He has a degree in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Development from St. Joseph’s University.  

 

Tom has been coaching girls and boys youth soccer,  at various levels (U5-U12) since 2005.  He has recently completed his U.S. National D License in addition to his US National E and Grass Roots Licenses .   Tom also currently serves as the current President on the Exeter United Football Club Board of Directors, formally holding the Vice President and Fields Commissioner roles.   

 

Coach Tom lives in Reading, PA with his wife and four kids and works as a Senior District Sales Manager for American Buildings Company.  He enjoys fishing and golf in his free time and loves just hanging out with his family.  Tom’s goal, first and foremost, is to make soccer fun while developing a players skills and soccer I.Q. with a particular focus on helping kids not only be good soccer players but helping them on the path to being good people by demanding good sportsmanship and a play for your teammates work ethic.

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Troy Bessemer

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Troy has been involved in coaching a variety of girls youth sports including soccer since 2015. He has been the assistant coach of the U13 girls team since 2017 along side Tom McAuliffe. He enjoys motivating the girls to work hard at practices so that the skills come naturally by game time. His idea of encouraging each other to give it everything you have for yourself and for your teammates creates an unbreakable bond and a confidence that will benefit them on the field and in their everyday life. Troy and his family have been residents of Exeter since 2006. 

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Brandon Putt

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Brandon was a four-year varsity starter in soccer for Hamburg Area High School and multi-sport athlete. He then attended Kutztown University for Accounting. His family resides in Exeter Township where he is the former President of Exeter United FC. Prior to becoming President, he was the Secretary and Director of Coach and Player Development for the club. He continues to be an active player and student of the sport by playing locally in futsal and men’s soccer leagues.


Brandon has a National C Coaching License and is the assistant girl's coach at Exeter High School. He has coordinated and participated in annual coaching clinics with EPYSA A licensed instructors. Brandon has been coaching boy’s and girl’s youth soccer since 2013 and has led multiple teams to league championships. He prides himself with technical development, building relationships, teamwork, and fostering active lifestyles and fitness through soccer.

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Mark Meyers

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Born and raised in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Mark Meyers began playing youth soccer in 1987 for Boyertown Soccer Club.  He went on to play junior high, senior high school, and then intra-collegiate soccer.  Post college Mark played in Chester County corporate league for several years.  More currently, Mark regularly plays in an annual adult summer league and an indoor league(s) during the winter and early spring.  Since 2016 he has been coaching girls soccer for Exeter United FC in varying capacities (U8 to U13) and continues to coach U14/’08 girls as Assistant Coach in the Fall of 2021 for Berks United.

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Tim Dwyer

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Tim played college soccer at Rutgers-Camden (2 years) before transferring to Alvernia College and finishing out his playing career.  During his time at Alvernia he made 2nd team All-Conference PAC honors, as well as 1st Team All-Tournament at New York’s R.I.T. college preseason tournament.  Prior to college, he played for Roman Catholic High School, as well as Triton Regional High School, a top 20 New Jersey State ranked team, where he graduated.

 

Tim has been coaching boys and girl’s youth soccer, U9-U13, since 2014, and he is currently working towards his U.S. National D License.  He is still an active player in the sport, as he plays in a Men’s Soccer League. 

 

Coach Tim lives in Lancaster County with his family and is a Licensed Occupational Therapist (CHT-certified hand therapist), specializing in treatment of all orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity.

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Jose Sanchez-Mariscal

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Coach Jose currently holds a USSF National "E" License and has been coaching youth soccer for 15yrs within Governor Mifflin & Wyomissing, PA.  He has held positions as Assistant Coach '07 Berks United FC Dortmund, Assistant coach GM Boys Junior High,  GMSC Boys Coordinator U9-U12, Wyomissing Junior High Boys and JV, and as assistant to Reading United's Technical Director Troy Snyder.

 

As a youth player I represented the Philippine National Team U12 & U13 which competed in Domestic and International tournaments. Moved to Scotch Plains, NJ and played for SPF Soccer.  Achievements: MVP & Top Goal Scorer as a Freshmen, 4yr Varsity Player, Group 3 State Champions 1989 & 1991, Varsity Union County Champions 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992 and Jr Varsity Union County Champions 1989

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Eric Mitchell

Performance Trainer

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Eric has been added to our coaching staff to train our players to be all around athletes. He will focus in developing their speed and agility, as well as injury prevention.  Eric has been coaching athletes since 1990 after completing his athletic career at Juniata College where he was a multi-sport athlete.  Eric's focus was the 100 and 200 meter dash which he continued to compete in post collegiality until his mid 30's.  Eric began his coaching career as a sprint coach with Upper Darby High School where he coached several state and national qualifiers.  Eric linked with Team Riley Tennis and began coaching high level tennis players all the way to the professional ranks from 1998-2004.  Eric also began working with NFL Combine Athletes in 1997 which has continued to the present time.  In 2005 Eric became a part of the Parisi Speed School Franchise System which is the leading youth sports performance company in the country with over 100 locations.  

Eric focuses on the development of the whole athlete from the physical training to the mental aspects of confidence, leadership and integrity which are so crucial to the youth athletes development.  Eric is always heard saying, "Speed, Strength and Power are our vehicles but Life Skills are our real focus."  

Eric also owns Training for Warriors Downingtown which focuses on adult training that also combines the physical with the mental aspects of training.  Eric has found is true calling with fundraising for abused children and their caregivers.  The TFW (Training for Warriors) international network has allowed Eric to travel around the country and raise funds for specific families in need.   Eric has always felt that owning a gym was a vehicle to the ultimate mission to help more people who truly need help!

Eric enjoys spending time with his son Cole who of course keeps him on his toes!  Eric also enjoys traveling and building a great life with his girlfriend Karen!  

Colin Kent
AJ Cronrath
Mike Wolf
Michael Schafer
Jeremy Hartman
Tom McAuliffe
Brandon Putt
Justin Hahn
Jon Correll
Danny Zittle
Troy Bessmer
Richard Matijasich
Mark Meyers
Tim Dwyer
Jose Sanchez-Mariscal
Jeb Heller
Gina Cardenas
Dan Bergey
Megan Welsh
Eric Mitchell

Interested in Coaching for Berks United FC?

Contact Us Today!

colin@berksunitedfc.com

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