Qualified coaches from all throughout New Jersey make up the coaching team for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP). These coaches, who include technical directors, club coaches, and college coaches, are all committed to the advancement of the state's young soccer players. To make sure they are giving their players the greatest possible training and direction, the NJ ODP coaching staff adheres to the ODP curriculum and participates in coaching education seminars offered by senior staff. The NJ ODP coaching staff's mission is to create a challenging and worthwhile experience for all program participants while also assisting players in honing their abilities and understanding of the game.
Coaching expectations for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) include the following:
Being committed to the program: Coaches should be dedicated to the success of the NJ ODP and to the development of its players.
Following the NJ ODP curriculum: Coaches should adhere to the curriculum and training guidelines set by the NJ ODP to ensure that players are receiving high-quality instruction.
Working as a team within the pool: Coaches should foster a team-first mentality and work collaboratively with other coaches and players in their pool to achieve success.
Providing post-event evaluations: Coaches should provide feedback to players and parents following each event to help players understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Making team selections: Coaches should be involved in the process of selecting teams for tournaments and other events, taking into account player availability and performance.
Providing player evaluations: Coaches provide end of year evaluations of players to help them understand their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Coaches in the NJ ODP should be dedicated to the success of the program as well as the growth of their players. They should cooperate with other coaches and players, offer frequent criticism and assessments, and take part in the process of choosing teams for competitions.
James Galanis, Director of Technical Operations
James Galanis is a highly experienced and well-respected soccer coach who has been involved in the sport for over 20 years. He has a successful track record as a Technical Director at the club level and as director of US Soccer training centers, and he is known for his expertise in youth development. In 2000, James founded the Universal Soccer Academy, which has provided top-quality training for some of the best players in the world. James is currently in his sixth year as Director of Technical Operations for the New Jersey Youth Soccer, and he has brought with him a vision that has helped the NJODP continue to provide an exceptional experience for its state representatives and members of the Young Olympians Program.
Lou Mignone, Coaching Director
Lou Mignone is a highly qualified and experienced soccer coach with a range of credentials and expertise. He holds a U.S. Soccer A-License, a National Youth License, a Director of Coaching License and a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, and he has been coaching for the past 30 years. Coach Lou is involved in various coaching education and development programs, including serving as a Coaching School Instructor, a TOPSoccer Director for New Jersey Youth Soccer, and a Coach Educator for U.S. Soccer. Coach Lou has a strong background in soccer as a former player at Rutgers-Newark, and he has also earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He is also a retired police detective.
Auke Wiersma, Senior Coaching Director
Coach Auke is a highly qualified and experienced soccer coach with a range of credentials and expertise. He holds the U.S. Soccer A-License and is a New Jersey Youth Soccer Coaching School Instructor and a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Instructor. In addition to his coaching duties at Morris Elite Soccer Club in Madison, Coach Auke has been involved with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) since 1999, serving as a head coach for boys and girls teams. He is also a physical education teacher for students with special needs, which further enhances his skills and understanding of the game. Coach Auke is committed to providing high-quality instruction and guidance to players and helping them develop their skills and understanding of the game.
Alex Lalaoui, Youth Coaching Director
Alex Lalaoui is a USSF “A” licensed coach and instructor, NJ Youth Soccer coaching instructor and USYS/NJ ODP coach who has focused over two decades of his professional career providing professional soccer instruction to his North Jersey community. In 2002, he began a small soccer class for young athletes in a church gym in Hoboken. Since then, The Soccer Learning Center has grown to serve hundreds of children and adults annually with classes, summer camps, leagues, tournaments, special events, and teaching soccer to children with Autism . In addition, Lalaoui serves as the founder and chairman of The U.S. Soccer Heroes, a 501c3 charity dedicated to effecting positive social change through soccer. Since its inception, the USSH has raised tens of thousands of dollars for first responders and their families during times of catastrophic need.
Homere Breton, Junior Coaching Director
Coach Homere "O" Breton is a qualified and experienced soccer coach with a range of credentials and expertise. He holds a U.S. Soccer C-License and has coached at various levels within the youth and adult game, including coaching college and professional players. Coach "O" has played soccer at Syracuse University and professionally with the Houston Dynamos of the ASL, and he has been involved with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) since 2002. He has also traveled internationally with the US Youth Soccer East Region and currently serves as the Director of the New Jersey Young Olympians Program. Coach "O" is committed to providing high-quality instruction and guidance to players and helping them develop their skills and understanding of the game.