WHO WE ARE
THE DNAMO WAY
DNAMO FC believes the pursuit of excellence in the areas of academics and soccer helps develop maturity and self-confidence. We believe the experiences a player has with DNAMO FC will be beneficial throughout their lifetime. We are resolute in dedicating our time and resources to the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of playing soccer.
THE DNAMO WAY
OUR MISSION
Our mission is simple, we strive to inspire our youth both on and off the field to be better people and players. Focusing on player development, and the love of the game we help to empower our members to be positive and skilled athletes. DNAMO FC is dedicated to serving the needs of the more committed soccer players by providing the highest level of education and instruction available thereby preparing the players to be a proud representative of the club at local, state, regional and national competitions. DNAMO FC strives to develop confident players who have not only reached their full athletic potential but are also prepared to become active and productive members of the community.
DEVELOPMENT
Developing soccer players is a long-term process that requires passion and commitment from professional coaches and a community of members who genuinely care. At DNAMO FC, we are truly invested in your children from the get-go, and seeing them flourish and reach their full Potential Is truly our reward.
OUR COMMUNITY
We look to harness the ability of our members and provide them with the opportunities to excel both on and off the field. Our motives are to create a reputation of developing exceptional human beings while aiding those who wish to graduate onto programs of the highest caliber.
MEET OUR TEAM
TECHNICAL STAFF
Our coaching staff is nationally licensed and continually attending professional development programs. our coaches are highly professional, supportive of each child, knowledgeable in player development methodologies, and are hired for their approach, mindset, and their experience. Many of our coaches have extensive playing experience, some playing at national level.
Ika Kvavilashvili
Director of Coaching
USSF B LICENSE
Driven by a desire to give back to the sport that changed his life, Ika Kvavilashvili founded Dnamo FC. His vision was to create a platform where young athletes could experience the same opportunities and guidance that shaped his own journey. From his roots at Dinamo Academy in Georgia to conquering titles like the Dallas Cup and Surf Cup with Sant Clara Sporting in the US, his journey is a testament to his talent and tenacity. Ika draws on his rich experiences from Europe and the US to positively impact young athletes. While testing his skills professionally in Turkey and Georgia, coaching emerged as his true calling. His journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating the transformative power of soccer and the profound impact that mentorship and guidance can have on young athletes.
Claudio Castro
Director of Formations
USSF B LICENSE
Claudio Castro, a revered Bay Area coach, began his journey with Mt. Diablo Soccer Club, excelling later with Diablo Valley Soccer Club as an ODP Regional Player. Influenced by Paulo De Souza & Ivan Kepčija, he reached the Futsal Nationals Semi-final in 2007, showcasing his tactical prowess. In high school, he led Concord High’s NCS Championship run in 2012-2013, emerging as the top goal scorer, earning widespread recognition. Obtaining his C license in 2022, he aims for the UEFA B license to enhance his coaching expertise. In 2023, all 4 teams he coached made state cup finals, with 3 emerging victorious, marking his coaching prowess at NorCal’s highest levels.
Guillaume Rahem
Director of Microsoccer & cAMPS
USSF C LICENSE
Guillaume, also known as “Ganso,” hails from France, specifically Suresnes in West Paris, the same city as midfielder Ngolo Kanté. His soccer journey began at 5, inspired by PSG and Zinedine Zidane. He played for local clubs and started coaching in 2021 with Dnamo FC. With 3 years’ experience coaching from Micro soccer to NorCal competitive levels, he holds a C National Coaching license and aims for a UEFA B license. Coaching allows him to stay connected to soccer, imparting life lessons and nurturing young players’ growth on and off the field, fulfilling his passion while positively impacting lives.
Luis Soto
Director of Player Pathway
USSF C LICENCE
Coach Luis, originally from Guatemala, arrived in the United States at the age of two. His soccer journey began at six with America Scores, igniting his passion for the sport. He clinched the state cup in 2014-2015 and triumphed in the CIF Championship with Lowell High School. A devoted fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis coaches to provide youngsters with the same opportunities he cherished. Coaching for two years now, he relishes every moment, striving to enhance his players’ understanding and skills. With a National Coaching D license, he guides both recreational and travel teams at Dnamo, eager to continue the journey with the club.
Paulo Romero
Director of Goalkeepers
USSF d LICENSE
Coach Paulo, a distinguished mentor at Dnamo FC, boasts a remarkable 12+ years of coaching tenure. His soccer journey began as a promising goalkeeper in Peru’s top academies, earning a spot on the U-15 national team through talent and dedication. Now, at Dnamo FC, he channels his passion and expertise into shaping goalkeepers and teams. With a profound understanding of the game, he fosters growth and camaraderie. Transitioning from player to coach, Paulo inspires excellence, instilling discipline and teamwork. His enduring impact at Dnamo FC nurtures talent and fosters a culture of excellence, serving as inspiration for athletes and coaches alike.
Benno Nagel
director of indIVIDUAL development program
uefa b & ussf b
Benno Nagel brings more than 15 years of experience across youth development and the professional game to Dnamo FC. His coaching journey has taken him through competitive youth, collegiate, and professional environments, including work with the renowned Dinamo Zagreb Academy in Croatia and Rayo OKC of the former North American Soccer League. In addition to coaching, Benno has been involved in the growth of the game in the United States, contributing to the launch of professional clubs such as Oakland Roots SC and The Town FC. His experience across both youth development and professional environments gives him a broad perspective on the pathway from youth soccer to the highest levels of the game.
Lexi Cabotage
coach
Coach Lexi was born and raised in Livermore, CA, where she grew up playing soccer. She spent her premier career playing with Fusion SC before relocating to study at USF. She stayed active in the sport through school and city leagues, which reignited her passion for the game.
Coach Lexi began coaching about two years ago and has since worked with various soccer programs, from the JCC to St. Ignatius College Prep. She finds working with players of all ages and levels incredibly rewarding and continues to grow as a coach through these experiences. Her goal is to share her love for the game, helping players reach their full potential and develop a strong understanding of soccer. She is passionate about laying the foundational skills for the next generation and watching them build on it in their own unique way.
Gaby Ebissou
coach
USSF d LICENSE
For Coach Gaby, football is the sport of his life. Since the age of three, he was always accompanied by a ball. At the age of six, he joined his local club, US Joué-Lès-Tours, where he started to learn what football is all about. Very quickly, he discovered his qualities as a goalkeeper. At the age of 10, he joined the major club in his city, Tours Football Club, which is a second-division team in France.
Joining the TFC Academy led to very rapid development; he spent eight years there, from U10 to U18. Now, Coach Gaby is a youth coach in San Francisco who takes joy in sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport.
Ahmed Fara
Coach
USSF C LICENSE
Ahmed Fara, fueled by an enduring passion for football, brings a wealth of experience and love for the game to his dual roles as coach and player. Transitioning from player to esteemed coach, he began his coaching journey in high school. In 2022, Ahmed assumed the role of coach at Dnamo Football Club, where he has privileged opportunities to share his expertise with aspiring athletes. His tenure at Dnamo is characterized by his commitment to excellence and a dedicated focus on holistic player development. Ahmed strives to cultivate well-rounded individuals, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Through mentorship, he aims to empower young athletes to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and determination.
Alex Flores
coach
USSF d LICENSE
Born and raised in San Francisco, Alex’s passion for football blossomed while playing at the club level. In 2022, he began coaching at Dnamo, aiming to reach professional levels under expert guidance. Alex is deeply interested in the tactical nuances of football, drawing inspiration from esteemed managers like Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, and Jose Mourinho, and incorporating their strategies into his coaching style to innovate and evolve.
Roberto Gomes
coach
USSF C LICENSE
Coach Roberto grew up in Brazil, where he developed a deep passion for football from a young age. He left home at 11 to join an academy and signed his first professional contract at 15 with Atlético Mineiro. As a goalkeeper, his career took him through the highly competitive Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Série B with major clubs like Goiás and Atlético Goianiense. He also gained valuable international experience with Udinese in Italy. Now living in the United States, Coach Roberto is dedicated to sharing his lifelong love for the game, focusing on helping young athletes develop strong skills, a deep tactical understanding, and the dedication needed to chase their football dreams
Armando Acosta
Coach
Coach Armando (Mando) started playing fútbol in Colombia at the age of three in a neighborhood team where he learned the basics. He then joined the team from his city and played there from U10 to U15, competing in semi-professional tournaments in Colombia. Coach Armando moved to the U.S. at the age of 16, played two years on his high school varsity team, and was planning to play in college, but a surgery prevented him from playing for a long time. Now that he is a coach, he has learned that playing is not the only reason to love fútbol
Salvador Herrera
coach
Coach Salvador's passion for soccer began in Mexico City, where he was born and raised, starting to play at the age of six. He played throughout his school years and with local clubs, which built a strong foundation in the sport.
Ten years ago, he began his coaching journey in San Leandro and Hayward, where he developed his skills working with young players. His experience as both a player and a coach has deepened his understanding of the game and strengthened his desire to teach and mentor others.
As a father of three—two boys and one girl, all of whom play soccer—he values the importance of discipline, teamwork, and personal growth in youth sports. Since joining San Francisco Dynamo FC Club a year ago, he has continued to grow as a professional coach, training players of different ages and helping them reach their full potential.
Paolo Lacoste
coach
USSF C LICENSE
Paolo, originally from Paris, France, has harbored a profound love for football since childhood, honing his skills amidst the streets of Paris. He was fortunate to undergo training at prestigious professional youth academies in Paris, where he found himself among future professionals and national team contenders, an experience that profoundly shaped his adoration for the sport. His allegiance firmly lies with PSG. For Paolo, coaching resonates deeply as his true vocation. He aspires to emulate the kind of mentorship he received during his formative years – one that not only focuses on skill development but also nurtures a genuine love for the game and imparts invaluable life lessons. Two years ago, he joined Dnamo, following a year-long stint in Berkeley, where he absorbed the vibrant soccer culture. Additionally, he holds a US Soccer license, further bolstering his coaching pursuits.
Juan Larios
Coach
Juan Larios introduces himself as someone who has devoted the past three years to coaching at Dnamo FC. His soccer journey commenced at the tender age of three when he joined his inaugural team, EDYSL (now East Country Revolution). Fueled by unwavering passion, Juan’s trajectory led him to a notable four-year stint playing collegiate soccer at Cal State University of San Bernardino. His collegiate career reached a pinnacle at the Regional Championship of the NCAA 2 tournament, falling just two games short of national champions. Reflecting on his odyssey, Juan expresses profound gratitude to his parents for enrolling him in soccer at such a young age, recognizing it as the cornerstone of his present standing. As a coach at Dnamo FC, he harbors aspirations of making a meaningful impact in the lives of his players.
Jesus Quinteros
coach
Coach Jesús Quintero started playing soccer at the age of four in Colombia and continued until he was seven. He then moved to Spain, where he played for five more years. After returning to Colombia, he decided to leave home at age 13 to follow his soccer dream.
His debut as a professional player was in Colombia at the age of 17. Later, Coach Quintero also had the opportunity to play professionally in Chile, Mexico, and the United States (in the second division in Las Vegas).
He started his coaching career in the United States in 2016. Coach Quintero is deeply passionate about soccer, stating he has it "in his blood." He loves being able to transmit all his knowledge to children, helping them grow both in football and as people.
Alberto Toledo
coach
USSF d LICENSE
Alberto Toledo, from San Francisco, excelled as a goalkeeper and captained his high school team to numerous accolades, including Student Athlete and MVP awards. He played at the highest level in NorCal starting at age 14 and later competed in Europe’s Donosti Cup. Recently, he completed his Molecular Biology degree at UC Santa Cruz. Now a goalkeeper coach with a deep passion for football, Alberto plans to become a physical therapist, merging his sports expertise with his dedication to physical well-being.
Diego Sanchez
Coach
Diego Sanchez, a passionate football enthusiast, has left an indelible mark on the Guatemalan national team and Mission Green FC, where he showcased his prowess on the field. With a stellar career that includes appearances at prestigious tournaments like the Donosti Cup, Dallas Cup, and Surfs Cup, Diego has proven his mettle time and again. Beyond his achievements as a player, Diego’s commitment to the sport extends to coaching, as evidenced by his possession of a Coaching D license. Driven by an unyielding desire for growth and improvement, Diego aspires to attain his Coaching C license, further cementing his legacy in the world of football.
Rodrigo Silveira
coach
Coach Rodrigo, born and raised in Bahia, Brazil, has been passionate about soccer since age four. He developed his skills in the youth academy of Vitória FC in Salvador, learning the importance of teamwork, discipline, and creativity.
After moving to the United States in 2009, he continued playing at Oakland International High School. Coach Rodrigo began his coaching journey in 2014 with Soccer Without Borders, a global program that uses soccer for education and empowerment, particularly for youth from diverse backgrounds.
Since 2016, Coach Rodrigo has been coaching in San Francisco, working with middle school, high school, and club programs. His philosophy focuses on developing young players both technically and personally, building their confidence and love for the game. He continues to make a positive impact on and off the field, using soccer to connect communities and shape the next generation of players.
Michael Soto
coach
Coach Michael was born and raised in San Francisco, starting soccer at age six with Bay Area Scores. He instantly fell in love with the sport and hasn't stopped playing since. He joined Dynamo FC when he was 13, and the club helped him develop tactically, technically, physically, and mentally. Through their coaching philosophy, he was able to play at the highest level of youth soccer in the U.S., including MLS Next with the SF Glens and competing in showcases like MLS Flex and Surf Cup against many professional academies. Coach Michael is currently playing at City College of San Francisco and is excited to start his coaching career with the club that helped him achieve his success. He aims to teach the younger generations everything he has learned to help them develop into great soccer players and great people.
Charlotte Thelen
Coach
Charlotte Thelen, known as Coach Charlie, is all the way from Vail, Colorado. She has been playing or involved in soccer since she was three. She has coached, played, refereed, and organized. She runs the SFSU women’s soccer club and has also competed in soccer at the junior college level. She joined the Dynamo team in Fall 2025. Coaching lets her give a new generation the same love for soccer that she found when she was young. She aims to help in the development and skills of young players.
Douglas Donizet
coach
cbf b & goalkeeper 1 and 2 licence
Originally from São Paulo, Coach Douglas brings an elite professional pedigree and a sophisticated tactical approach to the pitch. His 11-year professional playing career, notably with Atlético Goianiense, provides him with a first-hand understanding of the technical and mental demands of high-level competition. This extensive on-field experience is backed by a robust set of international credentials, including a Brazilian Soccer Federation (CBF) B License, a USSF C License, and specialized Goalkeeper 1 & 2 Licenses.
By blending the creative flair of Brazilian football with rigorous modern coaching standards, Coach Douglas focuses on developing well-rounded athletes who are technically precise and tactically aware. Whether working with outfield players or specialists in the net, his mission is to translate a decade of professional insights into actionable growth for the next generation of talent.
MEDIA
GALLERY
Highlights from match days, training sessions, and club events.
