Name: Gary Walker
Role: CEO & Founder
Born in London, England, Gary moved to the United States in 1976 and became a citizen in 1980. In 1996 he founded and established the Palm Beach Soccer Academy. Gary has been coaching for over 35 years at multiple levels including, semi-pro with the Palm Beach Kicks Adult Soccer Club and the Boca Raton Sabers. He has coached at prestigious local schools such as The Benjamin School, St. Clare Catholic School, Jupiter Christian School, St. Mark’s Episcopal School and Palm Beach Day Academy. In addition, he was the former Director of Coaching for the Jupiter Sting Soccer Club. He holds USSF A and USSF B Licenses, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. Gary has been a part of coaching seminars at AFCAT (Association of Football Coaches and Teachers), NSCAA (Gary is a Staff Coach who conducts and attends seminars by the organization), Arsenal Football Club (attended sessions by Arsene Wegner, Steve Bould, Pat Rice, George Armstrong) Crewe Alexander FC (Attended sessions by Dario Gradi and Steve Holland), SAO Paulo FC. He maintains working relationships with four of these organizations. Some of Gary’s many coaching highlights include, 2005-2006 National Adult Champion (Coach/Player), 2000-2004 Florida State Adult Champions (Coach/Player), 1990-1992 Gold Coast Adult Champions (Coach/Player) 1976-Present Various League Champions (Palm Beach Soccer League, South Florida League and with local schools). During his career Gary has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s top coaches including: Tony Adams, Bruce Arena, Jeff Tipping, Gary Bailey, Bobby Howe, Walter Smith, Dario Gradi (OBE), Ian Bishop, Glenn Myernick, Thomas Rongren and more! As a pioneer of youth soccer Gary is delighted to launch the Liverpool International Academy in Palm Beach Gardens.
Name: Ian Bishop
Role: Technical Director
We are delighted to announce Ian Bishop as the Technical Director for Liverpool International Academy South Florida. As a player Ian Bishop was a creative midfield player with great passing ability. He is well known among soccer players and fans throughout the world as a member of three of the finest and most thrilling teams ever, Manchester City, West Ham and Everton, with over seven hundred appearances. He later played in the MLS for the Miami Fusion making 107 appearances. Born in Liverpool on May 29th 1965 he joined Everton straight from school in 1981, but following a short spell on loan at Crewe three years later joined Carlisle United, where he would spend the next four years. He was transferred to Bournemouth in July 1988 and one year later he moved to Manchester City, having appeared in all four divisions of the football league. Bishop decided however to try his luck on the other side of the Atlantic and in March 2001 he left Maine Road to sign for MLS side Miami Fusion, having made a total of 117 league and cup appearances in his two spells with the Blues. In 2004 he went back to the USA to play for the New Orleans Shell Shockers before finally hanging up his boots at nearly 40 years of age and turning his hand to coaching. Since 2015 he has used his knowledge to be an integral part of the Palm beach Soccer Academy, bringing his experience as a player to the forefront to help develop young talent in Florida. We couldn’t think of a better candidate to launch Liverpool Academy South Florida.
Name: Ian Bishop
Role: Technical Director
We are delighted to announce Ian Bishop as the Technical Director for Liverpool International Academy South Florida. As a player Ian Bishop was a creative midfield player with great passing ability. He is well known among soccer players and fans throughout the world as a member of three of the finest and most thrilling teams ever, Manchester City, West Ham and Everton, with over seven hundred appearances. He later played in the MLS for the Miami Fusion making 107 appearances. Born in Liverpool on May 29th 1965 he joined Everton straight from school in 1981, but following a short spell on loan at Crewe three years later joined Carlisle United, where he would spend the next four years. He was transferred to Bournemouth in July 1988 and one year later he moved to Manchester City, having appeared in all four divisions of the football league. Bishop decided however to try his luck on the other side of the Atlantic and in March 2001 he left Maine Road to sign for MLS side Miami Fusion, having made a total of 117 league and cup appearances in his two spells with the Blues. In 2004 he went back to the USA to play for the New Orleans Shell Shockers before finally hanging up his boots at nearly 40 years of age and turning his hand to coaching. Since 2015 he has used his knowledge to be an integral part of the Palm beach Soccer Academy, bringing his experience as a player to the forefront to help develop young talent in Florida. We couldn’t think of a better candidate to launch Liverpool Academy South Florida.
Name: Jake Fifer
Role: Head Coach
Jake has extensive experience in the game, playing youth soccer in England from the age of 8 – 21 for Blackpool FC, Burnley FC, Blackburn Rovers, and Liverpool FC. Jake played Semi-Professional in Scotland before making the move to the US where he played college soccer for Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jake made the transition into coaching in 2015 as Head Goalkeeper Coach and the U14s coach. Jake holds the prestigious UEFA B Goalkeeping License and is working towards his National B License in the US. Jake has worked with all age groups from 8-19, his valuable playing experience translates into his coaching style which comes from his experience with top English Premier league clubs. Jake is very enthusiastic about leadership, teamwork, and the enjoyment of the game.
Name: David Tadros
Role: Head Coach
Coach Tadros was born in Detroit, Michigan, but moved to Europe at a young age, living in Athens, Greece for a decade. He began his soccer career playing in Greece at all age levels, an avid enthusiast of English soccer, and a lifelong fan of Liverpool. Needless to say that, when the announcement came regarding the affiliation of Palm Beach Soccer Academy with Liverpool, it was like a dream come true. After sharpening his soccer skills in Greece, and becoming a student of the game watching countless hours of English and international soccer, Coach Tadros moved back to the United States in 1981. He played his high school soccer in Jacksonville, Florida, and then moved on to play college soccer at the University of Florida. While at UF, he coached men’s and women’s intramural soccer, as well as rec soccer. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he moved on to law school, earning his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida. While in law school, he continued to be intimately involved in the game, playing both indoor and outdoor soccer. In 1993, he moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he has been ever since, practicing law as a trial attorney, and involving himself in one of his greatest passions – soccer. He has been married for 25 years, and has 2 children – a daughter starting her junior year at the University of Florida, and a son starting his freshman year at Southern Methodist University. Since moving to South Florida, Coach Tadros continued to play in various adult leagues, while also coaching rec soccer for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and the Village of North Palm Beach. Coach Tadros began his affiliation with the Palm Beach Soccer Academy in 2011 as an assistant coach and has spent the past 11 years coaching at every age group within the club. In addition, he is one of the coaches who oversees the club’s futsal programs in Palm Beach Gardens and North Palm Beach. Finally, Coach Tadros serves on the club’s executive committee.
Name: David Tadros
Role: Head Coach
Coach Tadros was born in Detroit, Michigan, but moved to Europe at a young age, living in Athens, Greece for a decade. He began his soccer career playing in Greece at all age levels, an avid enthusiast of English soccer, and a lifelong fan of Liverpool. Needless to say that, when the announcement came regarding the affiliation of Palm Beach Soccer Academy with Liverpool, it was like a dream come true. After sharpening his soccer skills in Greece, and becoming a student of the game watching countless hours of English and international soccer, Coach Tadros moved back to the United States in 1981. He played his high school soccer in Jacksonville, Florida, and then moved on to play college soccer at the University of Florida. While at UF, he coached men’s and women’s intramural soccer, as well as rec soccer. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he moved on to law school, earning his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida. While in law school, he continued to be intimately involved in the game, playing both indoor and outdoor soccer. In 1993, he moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he has been ever since, practicing law as a trial attorney, and involving himself in one of his greatest passions – soccer. He has been married for 25 years, and has 2 children – a daughter starting her junior year at the University of Florida, and a son starting his freshman year at Southern Methodist University. Since moving to South Florida, Coach Tadros continued to play in various adult leagues, while also coaching rec soccer for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and the Village of North Palm Beach. Coach Tadros began his affiliation with the Palm Beach Soccer Academy in 2011 as an assistant coach and has spent the past 11 years coaching at every age group within the club. In addition, he is one of the coaches who oversees the club’s futsal programs in Palm Beach Gardens and North Palm Beach. Finally, Coach Tadros serves on the club’s executive committee.
Name: Anthony Kennedy
Role: Head Coach
Anthony was born in Jamaica where he was introduced to the sport of soccer. He moved to Canada during his intermediate years, and settled in Florida, where he played soccer for North Shore High School. He then played soccer for Palm Beach Junior College. Anthony had his first introduction to coaching soccer when his son started playing at the age of 5. After a few years of volunteer coaching, he spent several seasons taking coaching courses and licenses and became the head coach for the Palm Beach Gardens All Stars. Anthony was also the head coach of Lake Park Baptist, where he led their school to its very first championship. A well known and respected soccer coach in the Palm Beach area he has helped many young players achieve their dreams of success on and off the pitch. He brings a wealth of experience to the Liverpool Academy.
Name: Jorge Barcia
Role: Head Coach
Jorge is native of Uruguay and lived part of his teenage life in Argentina, before moving to the United States at age 18. Passionate about Fútbol (soccer), Jorge played fútbol in regional leagues, most of it in California and still plays the game, (at a much slower pace) in the over 40 league in Palm Beach. He has been coaching for the past 10 years, U8, U10, U12, U16 in different clubs in the area, which has provided great experience. He was assistant coach at the HoveSound U16 college prep team that finished in 3rd place in the state of Florida in the 2017 season. Jorge has volunteered through the years in different community programs such as Soccer in the community in the Palm Beach Area and Martin County among others community programs. Coach Jorge holds a D and E License from the US Soccer Federation as well as a Goalkeeper Level 1 Diploma from the United Soccer Coaches Association and Meulensteen Academy Level 100 Technical Stage Technique Diploma. Most recently he has coached two successful boys teams at the Palm Beach Soccer Academy and led them to tournament appearances throughout Florida with great success. Well known throughout Palm beach County we are delighted to have Jorge on board so he can share his passion for the game amongst the Liverpool family.
Name: Ivan McKinley
Role: Head Coach
Born in South Africa, Ivan has played with DC United, Major League Soccer. Previous clubs: New England Revolution, Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS), Neuchatel-Xamax (Switzerland), Manning Rangers (South Africa), South Africa National Team. and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. He holds a USSF B license and a NSCAA advanced regional diploma. Ivan enjoys working with players who may not be as technically proficient but have a strong work ethic, great attitude and a willingness to put in hard work in order to get better.
Name: Kelly McGrath
Role: Head Coach
Kelly started playing soccer at the age of 4 in Huntington, New York. She moved to Tequesta Florida when she was 8. Kelly played on the all boys team in JTAA because there was not enough girls to make a team. She played middle school soccer at Jupiter Middle School and the team was undefeated in her 3 years there. 52-0 ( 3 county Championship) Kelly played travel soccer for the Boca Blitz which won states 3 years in a row under 14, 16, 18. She attended Jupiter High School. She currently holds the All-Time leading goal scorer 30 years later she still holds a record 161 goals in four years. She is 4-Time MVP and Four Time All-State Team. Jupiter high went to the state finals 2 of her 4 years there. Kelly then Attended Florida Atlantic University on a soccer scholarship. Kelly ranks as the All Time Leading goal scorer for the program. She was selected Umbro All-American 3 years in a row. Her Senior Year she transferred to Florida State University and was Captain of Team. Kelly currently holds the record for most 1st half goals and was selected to 1st Team All-American. In 2005 Kelly Played pro Football for the Miami Fury and was the field goal kicker for 2 years. Kelly has coached at all sorts of soccer camps. She coached for the Palm Beach Soccer Academy for 2 years and has given numerous private soccer lessons. Kelly is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Name: Terry Leeder
Role: Head Coach
My name is Terry Leeder originally from Dagenham in East London England. I started playing at a young age and represented the District Schools Team playing as Center Forward. As a teenager I was invited to the West Ham United Football Academy and enjoyed a short spell at the Club. At 19 years of age I created an amateur team called Castle Manor who played in the Barking & Dagenham Sunday League. Our Team consisted of ex-academy players from Arsenal, Fulham, Millwall and West Ham United. We won the League in our first year and got promoted 4 divisions higher to the Premier Division after our first season. We played Tottenham Hotspur XI for the Peter Southey Challenge Trophy at Barking Football Ground and shared the Trophy after a 2-2 draw. We travelled to Europe to play in Holland and won The Prestigious Inter- Continental Challenge Cup. I was also involved at a Semi-Pro level with a short spell at Dagenham FC. I left England at age 25 moving to the US. Since moving to the US I have coached at Wellington Rec, and I am now privileged to be coaching for the Liverpool FC Academy of South Florida.
Name: Caitlin Kader
Role: Head Coach
Coach Caitlin began her soccer journey at the age of 4 years old. She played travel soccer at a competitive level throughout the United States, and even internationally in Sweden. The mentorship of experienced and knowledgeable coaches and her dedication to bettering herself as a soccer player eventually granted her the opportunity to play Division 1 college soccer at the University of North Florida. At UNF, Coach Caitlin played three years of women’s college soccer and was the captain of her team before she retired from the game. Nowadays, Coach Caitlin has found herself back on the field as a coach, previously at Palm Beach Soccer Academy and now with the Liverpool academy. She is passionate about helping the younger generation better their skills , develop on and off the field and learn more about the beautiful game of soccer.
Name: Pete Marino
Role: Head Coach
Pete is passionate about the game and is one of the most successful soccer players to come from Florida and spent six seasons in Major League Soccer and one in the USL Premier Development League. He attended Brevard College before moving to Germany to pursue a professional career. He spent two and a half years playing in the lower division with SC Brouck before his move to Bayer Leverkusen. Marino was picked by the Columbus Crew in the 12th round of the 1996 inaugural draft overall, and emerged as the 13th-highest scorer in the first season of MLS. In 1997, Marino led the Crew in scoring and was traded to the Kansas City Wizards before moving to the Tampa Bay Mutiny. In 2000 he moved to D.C. United before finishing his pro career with the Miami Fusion. Marino was a founder of, and player with, the Treasure Coast Galleons of the newly formed Florida Elite Soccer League (FESL) and named the league MVP as the Galleons won the league title. Since retirement he has coached extensively in the Palm Beach area and his wealth of experience will help to develop young Liverpool academy players.
Name: Greg Gidman
Role: Head Coach
Coach Greg Gidman is excited to join the Liverpool family and will focus on player and team development at the U13 Boys’ age group. Coach Gidman holds his Brazilian Professional Coach’s License, a Master of Arts Degree in Sport Administration from the University of Victoria, BC and Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Houghton College, NY. He is currently a Physical Education teacher with the Palm Beach School District and coaches with Berean Christian School. Coach Gidman has served as Head Coach of Roberts Wesleyan College, NY, Bethel University, IN, and Indian University South Bend over a 17 year period. During that time he led his teams to numerous National Championship Tournaments, had many All-Americans, and was voted National Coach of the Year in 1998. Coach Gidman also served as Director of Coaching for the Junior Irish Soccer Club in South Bend, IN and Director of Coaching for the largest recreational league in Indiana called the Michiana Soccer Association. Coach Gidman has run two indoor soccer centers and believes small-sided play is critical for player development. As a player, Coach Gidman played with some of the top youth club teams in Canada (Toronto Italia) and was an All-American at Houghton College and All-Canadian Scholar-Athlete with UVIC. He played professionally in the Canadian Soccer League with the Kitchener Kickers. Coach Gidman has strengths in team training, tactical application, and technical skill development. His goal is to raise the level of play for each athlete individually while developing a cohesive and tactically unified team competitively.
Any players who are 8,9,10,11 years old and would like to play for Liverpool International Academy in Palm Beach Gardens , please contact us at:
Jorge@lfcacademysouthflorida.c
Or
Greg@lfcacademysouthflorida.co
Or call the club line at 561 252 6729
You Never Walk Alone !!