Fernando Lucero
Director of Youth Development
Experienced Soccer Coach and Youth Development Director with 15+ years of
experience developing players ages 5–18. Proven ability to design structured
training programs that emphasize technical growth, sportsmanship, teamwork,
and character development. Strong leader with experience managing
coaching staff, building curriculum, and organizing community-based
programs.
Cedar Stars Academy-Coach & Director of Youth Development | 2011–2018
Future Soccer Academy-Coach & Director, Roots Program | 2019–2026
● Created and implemented a full curriculum for players ages 5–12
● Trained and mentored coaching staff to follow club philosophy and
age-appropriate training methods
● Focused on long-term athlete development and foundational technical
skills
● Collaborated with parents and leadership to support player
progression
Rumeysa Akkus
Youth Development Specialist
A passionate soccer coach and professional player with a strong competitive background. I played at Daytona State College, where I became a national champion, building a foundation of discipline and high performance. I went on to play professionally for Trabzonspor and Fatih Karagümrük. I am currently continuing my professional playing career while also focusing on developing the next generation of players through hard work, teamwork, and technical excellence.
Murat Desmond Salik
Founder/ Director of Coaching
Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Murat began playing soccer at the age of 7 and developed through top clubs including Pendikspor, Beşiktaş Youth Academy, and Karabükspor. In his early 20s, also played in Berlin, Germany.
He moved to the United States at 19 and played for Hoboken FC 1912 for over 12 years, including his final 4 years as a player-coach.
With over 15 years of coaching experience, actively representing and guiding players in their professional pathways.
Evren Akgul
Athletic Performance Trainer
Evren Akgul is a highly experienced athletic performance trainer with over 15 years of expertise in developing athletes across multiple levels of the game. A former soccer player, he brings a deep understanding of the sport, combining technical knowledge with advanced strength, conditioning, and performance training methods.
Throughout his career, Evren has worked with elite athletes, including German youth soccer players and national league competitors, helping them improve speed, agility, strength, and overall performance. His training approach focuses on maximizing each athlete’s potential while reducing injury risk and building long-term development.
Fluent in German, English, and Spanish, Evren effectively communicates with a diverse group of athletes and creates a professional, inclusive training environment.
Eva Mastalerczyk
Club Photographer & Digital Media Coordinator
Eva Mastalerczyk is a dedicated soccer team mom with a passion for photography, capturing the energy and key moments of every game. Her polished, social media–ready images help players, coaches, and families relive their best highlights on and off the field.
