Academy Staff

Academy Director: Sean McCafferty

Sean McCafferty joined the Red Bulls organization from FC Barcelona's Barça Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona, where he served as the Academy Director since December of 2016.

McCafferty, a native of Derry, Ireland, was tapped to lead the Barça’s Residential Academy in the U.S. before it opened in 2017. The Barça Academy holds U.S. Soccer Development Academy status, and it competed alongside Red Bulls Academy in the highest division of USSDA.

Learn more about McCafferty here: New York Red Bulls Name Sean McCafferty Director of Red Bulls Academy

Director of Academy Operations: Ryan Brooks

Ryan Brooks, a North Jersey native, joins the Red Bulls with experience at several MLS clubs, having managed day-to-day academy operations with Minnesota United FC and Chicago Fire. He was also the assistant coach and video analyst for Real Salt Lake’s First Team.

In his most recent role with Minnesota, Brooks oversaw day-to-day academy operations, developed and implemented a residency program, led education initiatives, and managed the budget.

Brooks earned his Master's in Sports Leadership from Duquesne University and holds his USSF “A” License.

Sr. Director Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations: Dave Jervis

David Jervis has been with the New York Red Bulls since 2001 and is one of the original employees of the youth system. Responsible for the strategic development and leadership of the Youth Programs and support of Academy Operations, Jervis has been involved in Youth Business Development for over 20 years.

Jervis holds his USSF A and UEFA B coaching licenses and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Sports, Exercise, and Coaching Science.

Academy Manager: Grant Findlay

Grant Findlay has been with the New York Red Bulls since 2014, previously working as part of the Youth Programs as a Coaching Education Manager and Regional Manager for northern New Jersey.

Prior to joining the Red Bulls, he was an Academy Coach at Rangers Football Club in Scotland before moving to the United States in 2012 as the Director of Coaching Education and Recruitment for United Soccer Academy.

Findlay has a Master’s degree in Sports Coaching and Management from the University of Stirling as well as a UEFA “A” License.

U-18 Head Coach: Jonathan Rhodes

Jonathan Rhodes has been coaching in a variety of roles over the past 2 decades. He started his coaching career working with Leeds United AFC in the UK. After finishing his studies and playing career, he has spent the last 18 years in the US.

Rhodes led the development academy program at FC DELCO as the Academy Director for four years. He most recently had a leadership position at Penn Fusion SA as their Boys Technical Director. Rhodes currently holds both his United Coaches “Premier” license and USSF “A” license.

U-16 Head Coach: Simon Nee

A native of Stoke-on-Trent, England, Simon Nee joined the Red Bulls in 2006. He is a graduate of Staffordshire University, where he was a four-year starter and graduated with a first-class honors degree in Exercise Science.

Nee has over 20 years coaching experience and has coached at each age groups within the Red Bulls Academy System from U13 up to U23.

Nee currently holds USSF “A”, UEFA “A”, and EFCL coaching licenses.

U-14 Head Coach: London Woodberry

Woodberry is entering his first season with Red Bulls Academy, with his most recent experience coming from Austin FC Academy, where he served as a U15 Coach/Mentor. In Austin, Woodbury was part of the coaching staff for the U15 side that won the 2023 GA Cup and advanced to the round of 16 in this year’s MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Prior to Austin, he began his coaching career at FC Westlake Academy.

Born in McKinney, Texas, he spent time in the FC Dallas Academy on their U18 team. Following his academy days, Woodberry played collegiate soccer at the University of Maryland, where he picked up several accolades. A two-time second team all-ACC member, and a third team All-American in 2012, Woodberry was a key force on multiple elite defenses.

Appeared in 46 matches over three seasons for the New England Revolution from 2015-2017. He started his MLS career with FC Dallas as a homegrown in 2013. In addition to the MLS, Woodberry also spent time in the USL, playing for Arizona United, Nashville SC, and most recently, Austin Bold FC in 2019.

U-13 Head Coach Juan BijKebbe

Juan joins Red Bulls Academy with over 10 years of coaching experience from across all youth levels–with a keen focus on coaching development phase ages (U12-U14).

Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Juan served as Head and Assistant Coach with Blau Weiss Gottschee–an affiliate club–for the past 4.5 years, working across all age groups in the MLS Next program. He most recently managed the U19 age group. Concurrently, for the last 7 months, Juan has been a member of our very own NYRB Academy Affiliate Coaching Mentorship Program, working as an Assistant Coach of the U17 Age group.

Juan started his coaching career in South Florida before continuing his growth as a coach with Red Bulls Youth Grassroots Program in NYC.

Juan currently holds a USSF "A" License, CONMEBOL "A" license, UEFA C Certificate and is undergoing studies for UEFA B Licenses with the Welsh FA. Juan has a Bachelors in Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Florida and is originally from Venezuela.

U-13 Assistant Coach: Artjon Dibra

Tony joined Red Bulls Academy in 2016 and brings over a decade of coaching experience, specializing in youth soccer coaching across all age groups and Coach Education. He currently serves as a Coach Developer Coordinator with the Youth Program, where he is responsible for the education and support of the youth staff, ensuring that all training sessions and programs meet the highest standards. In this role, Tony balances his coach education responsibilities—delivering impactful educational content and overseeing coaches’ development—with field-based coaching, assisting in planning and delivering session plans, monitoring team performance, and fostering player development with the Red Bulls Academy U13 team.

Tony began his coaching career in Albania before continuing his professional growth with Red Bulls Academy. Over the years, he has held various roles, including assistant IDP coach and Assistant Coach for the U13 & U16 teams since 2022. Additionally, he has served as Head Coach for several youth programs across all ages, as well as the Regional Development School program.

Tony holds a UEFA A License and is currently pursuing a USSF B License. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Tirana.

U-12 Head Coach: Justin DuQue

U-12 Assistant Coach: Manny Schellscheidt

Manfred “Manny” Schellscheidt has been a mentor and coach with the New York Red Bulls Academy since it was founded in 2006 and is one of the most iconic figures throughout U.S. soccer. A former coach for the D1 Men’s Soccer Program at Seton Hall University for 24 seasons, he earned two Big East championships, eight NCAA tournament berths, seven conference title game appearances, and a trip to the 2001 Sweet 16 during his tenure.

Schellscheidt is most recognized for his coaching accomplishments with the U-14 & U-17 US Youth National teams, leading the U17’s through World Cup Qualifications in 1985 and 1994. He also served as head coach of the senior USMNT in 1975.

Schellscheidt emigrated from Germany to the US and began his professional playing career in the NASL and later the ASL. As a player, Schellscheidt won one NASL championship with the Philadelphia Atoms (73’) and two ASL championships as a player-coach with the Rhode Island Oceaneers (74’) and NJ Americans (77’). He was also named the 1974 ASL Coach of the Year.

Among his many accomplishments, Schellscheidt has also coached world-class soccer legends such as Steve Highway (Liverpool) and Eusebio (Portugal) among others. In 1990, Schellscheidt was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Academy Goalkeeping Coach (U12-U15): Froylan Onofre

Froylan Onofre joins Red Bulls Academy with extensive coaching experience across the U.S., New Zealand, and Germany, specializing in goalkeeper development at elite levels. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sports: Boys’ Soccer at Buchanan High School, where he led the program to back-to-back Harold S. Young Tournament titles and earned recognition as the 2023-2024 Central Section Division 1 Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year. Concurrently, he was the Goalkeeper Coach at Fresno Pacific University, helping the team reach the PacWest Tournament final this past season.

Prior to his time in California, Onofre was the Director of Goalkeeping at Ole Football Academy in New Zealand and Head of Goalkeeping for SV Darmstadt 98’s Youth Bundesliga teams in Germany. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, tactical awareness, and mental resilience, with a track record of developing goalkeepers who progress to professional contracts and national team honors.

Now joining Red Bulls Academy, Onofre brings a wealth of experience in goalkeeper development, with a strong emphasis on individual player progression and tactical understanding. His approach integrates detailed periodization, video analysis, and specialized training methodologies tailored to elite youth goalkeepers. He holds a UEFA B License, FAW Goalkeeping Award, and an MBP Scouting & Analysis Certificate, reflecting his commitment to continuous education and high-level coaching. Onofre also earned a Bachelor's in Sports Management, further enhancing his ability to develop players both on and off the field.

Performance Analyst (U16-U18): Liam Akhras

Liam Akhras, a Houston, Texas native joined the New York Red Bulls as a Performance Analyst intern in 2023, quickly progressing through the ranks to become a full-time member of the team. Prior to this, he worked as a Performance Analyst at the Houston Dynamo Academy.

Liam is committed to advancing his career in football coaching and analysis. He is currently pursuing his UEFA B License with the Welsh FA, with plans to continue his development by obtaining the USSF B License after completion. Liam has a clear vision of advancing through the ranks of both coaching pathways.

Academy Scout: Kelvin Kote

Kelvin was originally born in Albania, and made his way over to the United States at the young age of 2 years old. He has been living in Clifton, NJ ever since. A town rich in soccer culture, it was on the fields in Clifton where he fell in love with the game. He went on to play for the Clifton Stallions, Clifton High School, and Clifton Elite FC.

After high school, Kelvin went on to receive his degree in Biology from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. While he enjoyed being around labs, he always knew he wanted to be involved in soccer. In 2016, Kelvin joined the NY Red Bull Youth Programs; coaching in Verona, and Hoboken till 2021. He then went on to join our Pre-Academy teams as a coach for the NYC based U10s, while also video scouting for our academy starting in 2022.

Kelvin currently holds a USSF "C" License and is looking to continue his education, to work his way to a USSF “A” License.

Head of Academy Sports Performance: Sam Joyce

Sam joins Red Bull Academy from Nashville SC where he was the Head of Sports Science within the first team set up, and is in his 13^th year in professional soccer as a Sports Performance practitioner.

After completing his studies in Sports Coaching and Performance and a Masters Degree in Strength and Conditioning in the UK, Sam began his career at Nottingham Forest academy where he worked in a variety of roles for 6 years. During this time the academy successfully produced multiple Premier League and International players, and Sam was part of developing an elite level athletic development pathway.

Sam then moved over to the US working with Indy Eleven and Detroit City FC in the USL Championship between 2019-2022 before joining Nashville in January 2023.

Originally from Leicester, England Sam is an NSCA-Certified Performance Sports Scientist, holds a NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification and has completed his USSF D-License.

Athletic Trainer (U16-U18): Sebastian Neira

Sebastian Neira, a Bogota, Colombia native, joined the New York Red Bulls Academy sports medicine team in 2022. A graduate of Long Island University Brooklyn, Neira worked with Columbia University football and women’s basketball as part of his final clinical rotation for graduate school.

Most recently he held the role of seasonal assistant athletic trainer at Real Monarchs of the USL.

Physical Therapist: Andy Seraphin

Andy Seraphin joined New York Red Bulls Academy sports medicine team in 2022. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University and his bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Temple University.

Prior to joining Red Bull Academy, he previously worked with Duke University, Orlando City SC, North Carolina FC, and NC Courage.

In addition to being a board-certified sports physical therapist in New Jersey and New York, Seraphin is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, emergency medical technician, and holds a diploma in football medicine from FIFA.

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Jose Puga

Jose Puga joined the New York Red Bulls as the Academy Strength and Conditioning coach in 2022. His previous work experience includes stints at Real Salt Lake and Mexico’s Acatlan Futbol Club. A former soccer player from Eastern Illinois University, Puga graduated with his bachelors in Exercise Science and Master’s in Exercise Physiology.

Puga is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA.

Academy Administrator: Matt Zamorski

Matt Zamorski, a Bridgewater, NJ native, joined New York Red Bulls in 2020. A graduate from Arcadia University, Zamorski played soccer and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business Administration. He began gaining experience in professional soccer environments in 2019 when he interned with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) and Philadelphia Union.

Zamorski has also been involved in coaching with Red Bulls Youth Programs, and in April of 2022 began working in the Academy’s administration and operations department.

Mental Performance Coach: Amanda Ferranti

A native of New York, Amanda Ferranti joins Red Bulls Academy with over a decade of experience as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, specializing in youth athlete development and peak performance. Amanda holds an MA in Sport and Exercise Psychology and is certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), bringing a deep understanding of the mental skills required to succeed on the professional pathway.

Amanda’s lifelong love for the game has driven her success. She has had a decorated playing career at all levels, from youth to competing with Princeton Women’s Soccer and later at the semi-professional level with the Long Island Rough Riders. Over the past 15 years, Amanda has also coached youth and collegiate teams, gaining valuable insights into athlete development. These experiences make her uniquely qualified to support the players at Red Bulls Academy as they navigate the demands of elite performance and growth.

Amanda's unique methodology integrates performance strategies with emotional well-being, ensuring athletes are equipped to perform under pressure while maintaining a strong sense of self. A recognized speaker and advocate for youth sports, she is passionate about creating positive and growth-centered environments where athletes can thrive. She is also the author of Own Who You Are, a brain training workbook designed for athletes to help manage emotions and build composure under pressure.

Graduate Athletic Trainer (U12-U15): Kassandra Garcia-Giron

Froylan Onofre joins Red Bulls Academy with extensive coaching experience across the U.S., New Zealand, and Germany, specializing in goalkeeper development at elite levels. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sports: Boys’ Soccer at Buchanan High School, where he led the program to back-to-back Harold S. Young Tournament titles and earned recognition as the 2023-2024 Central Section Division 1 Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year. Concurrently, he was the Goalkeeper Coach at Fresno Pacific University, helping the team reach the PacWest Tournament final this past season.

Prior to his time in California, Onofre was the Director of Goalkeeping at Ole Football Academy in New Zealand and Head of Goalkeeping for SV Darmstadt 98’s Youth Bundesliga teams in Germany. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, tactical awareness, and mental resilience, with a track record of developing goalkeepers who progress to professional contracts and national team honors.

Now joining Red Bulls Academy, Onofre brings a wealth of experience in goalkeeper development, with a strong emphasis on individual player progression and tactical understanding. His approach integrates detailed periodization, video analysis, and specialized training methodologies tailored to elite youth goalkeepers. He holds a UEFA B License, FAW Goalkeeping Award, and an MBP Scouting & Analysis Certificate, reflecting his commitment to continuous education and high-level coaching. Onofre also earned a Bachelor's in Sports Management, further enhancing his ability to develop players both on and off the field.