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Meet Our Coaches

Director of Coaching

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Metin Meral

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          As an experienced soccer coach, I am highly skilled in coaching players to improve their gameplay, maximize agility, and increase their strength. I oversee team dynamics and run high-quality programs with a practiced eye, while prioritizing safety and skill-building.

          My background includes classroom instruction and team management, and I offer 14 years of related playing experience and 17 years of coaching experience. With a record-winning history in two high schools as a head coach and college as an assistant coach, I am considered a valuable asset in any sports program. I manage and improve team operations with diplomatic and resourceful leadership, and I am a high-energy problem-solver who is knowledgeable about competitor strategies and talented in adapting team techniques to overcome challenging styles.

         Additionally, I devise and deploy solid recruitment strategies to bring in top local youth soccer athletes. My skills include motivational leadership style, performance improvements, recruitment, athlete safety, team bonding, personal training and coaching, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Phone: 858 405 4405 - Email: meralmetin@hotmail.com

Playing Experience

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  • 1992-1994 Yedikulespor - Istanbul/Turkiye

  • 1994-1998 Istanbul University - Istanbul/Turkiye

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Coaching and Teaching Experience​

  • 2024- SD LIONS FC Director

  • 2017- SDSU ENS Soccer, Futsal, Badminton, Pickleball Instructor

  • 2021-2024 - Olympian HS Girls Soccer Head Coach

  • 2021-2024 - Rebels Soccer Club - Staff Coach

  • 2011-2021 - Southwestern College Men Soccer - Asst Coach

  • 2017-2021 - Southwestern College - Exercise Instructor

  • 2015-2020 - Scripps Ranch - Staff Coach

  • 2014-2015 - SD Fusion - Staff Coach

  • 2013-2014 - University of San Diego - Men's Club Soccer Head Coach

  • 2012-2013 - Crafword High School Boys Soccer

  • 2011-2012 - Xolos Academy San Diego Staff Coach

  • 2010-2011 - Southwestern College Women Soccer - Asst Coach

  • 2007-209 - PB Blast Soccer Club Staff Coach  

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Contact

At SD Lions FC, we have a team of dedicated coaches who are passionate about developing young soccer players. Our coaches have years of experience and are committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for our players to reach their full potential. Meet our coaches below:

Coach
David Garcia

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David has been deeply involved in the sport of soccer for many years. He has had the opportunity to play for two different club teams, Atlante FC and Aztecs FC, where he honed his skills and developed a strong passion for the game. During his high school years, David played soccer for San Ysidro High.

Currently, David is attending San Diego State University, where he is studying Kinesiology.  His dedication to the sport of soccer has given him a unique perspective on the importance of physical fitness and proper training, which he hopes to apply to his future work in the field.

Coach
Yawara (Yaya)

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Yawara is a native of Chula Vista, CA and played soccer at Rebels Soccer Club, where her team won National Cup, CSL Premier, and a Regional Title. As a freshman, she started playing for the Eagle's Varsity Girls Soccer team at Olympian High School, later became captain, and in her senior season, she was named to the Academic All-Conference Team. She committed to play Division 1 as a Terrier at St. Francis Brooklyn in New York, starting in all 16 games of her freshman year. After one more season, she returned to her hometown and took the position of head coach at her alma mater for both the JV and Novice Girls Soccer Team. Currently, she works with individuals of all ages, ranging from 6 year olds to professional players, for one-on-one personal training. As of this past December, Yawara has signed to play at Westcliff University in Irvine as a Warrior.

Coach
Alexander Garcia

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Alexander has a deep passion for soccer. He played for Aztecs FC for many years and developed his skills as a player. After his time as a player, Alexander transitioned into coaching and worked for Atlante FC development league. His experience as a player equipped him with the knowledge to become an effective coach and mentor for aspiring soccer players. Currently, he is studying sports psychology at SDSU. This field of study is giving him the opportunity to explore the mental and emotional aspects of sports and how they impact performance. Alexander hopes to use his knowledge and experience in soccer and sports psychology to help athletes achieve their full potential.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions about our programs or tryouts, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Tel: (858) 405 4405     Email: sdlionsfc@gmail.com

Thank you for contacting us!

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