Meet Our Coaches
Benicia Arsenal FC
Coach Russell
Coach
Professional Goalkeeper Coach and Benicia High Class of 99’. Benicia resident since 1989. I have helped with some training over the years in soccer and spent 1 year with an AAU basketball team assisting.
Playing history:
I played Goalkeeper for Benicia high school and then attended DVSC where we joined with CCC to form a team and I played there in college. Following that, our head coach brought me over to train with the San Francisco Bay seals in 2000.
Hobbies:
Playing soccer, Basketball, Travel, Music
Role Models:
Any pro athlete out there giving back to their community like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo , Serena Williams , Neymar jr. These are very popular names in sports with very big impacts on their communities.
Coach Rodrigo
Coach
Building up today’s young athletes is my mission. I believe in the power of education, respect, courage, dedication, commitment and hard work. I use the beautiful game to teach and lead our youth to become role models in their communities. I am devoted to providing a joyous sporting experience, with the goal that they evolve to be better athletes each day.
Playing history:
I have been playing soccer since age 6 starting at the recreational levels working my way onto Select and becoming Captain of my High School team in Daly City, CA. I also played at Diablo Valley College in Concord, CA. To this day I continue to play, street soccer 5 aside is my top choice.
Coaching qualifications:
28 years’ experience coaching youth and young adults
4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 USSF Coaching License
Currently Enrolled in the “USSF National D” Coaching License course
Benicia Arsenal FC “Fall Comp” and Recreational Coordinator
USSF Grade 8 Referee (you have to know the rules of the game)
Owner of a Sporting Club, training athletes in the 4 major sports- Soccer, Football, Basketball and Baseball
Hobbies:
Spending time with my wife, two boys and my dog Spartan. I love listening and dancing to all types of music from hip hop to salsa to house! Traveling to different metropolitan areas (Chicago is one of my favorites)
Role Models:
My Sicilian Stepfather who raised me (I miss him! Forza Italia!!!)
Coach John Wooden- Legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach (“young people need models, not critics”)
Roberto Baggio- Legendary Italian National soccer player (“il maestro”)