We'll be adding all our team members, their bios, their experience, and their professional certifications here.
At Mavericks Football Academy, we believe that elite player development starts with world-class leadership. Our Founder and Director of Coaching, Dio, brings a wealth of experience, an unparalleled passion for the game, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of soccer players.
A Career Rooted in Elite-Level Soccer
With a background in professional soccer, Dio has competed at the highest levels of the sport. He played professionally from a very young age for some of the most esteemed clubs in both Morocco and France, while also representing the Moroccan National Team through the youth ranks. Though his professional playing career was cut short due to injury, his passion for the sport never wavered—it simply evolved into a lifelong mission to develop young athletes.
A Proven Leader in Coaching & Player Development
Since transitioning into coaching in 2007, he has built an impressive track record of guiding youth players toward success. His coaching experience spans U8 through U18 competitive travel teams for both boys and girls in Pennsylvania and Illinois. In addition to club soccer, he has also worked as a high school head coach (JV) and varsity assistant coach, shaping young athletes in both competitive and academic environments.
He later founded a Futsal Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, further demonstrating his dedication to developing technical excellence in young players. As the Director of Coaching for a prominent Illinois club, he played a critical role in:
→ Creating a club-wide curriculum to ensure consistent, high-quality training at all levels.
→ Developing a college pathway program to help players secure opportunities at the collegiate level (numerous players from the club secured full soccer scholarships)
→ Implementing a parent education program, fostering a supportive and knowledgeable soccer community.
→ Streamlining club operations and administration, bringing efficiency and structure to the program.
Elite Coaching Credentials & Soccer Education
Dio holds some of the highest coaching qualifications available in U.S. Soccer. His dedication to continued education ensures that Mavericks Football Academy operates with the highest coaching standards:
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) E Certificate – A foundational course focused on youth development principles and grassroots coaching.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National D License – Covers team tactics, principles of play, and player-centered coaching approaches.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National C License – Equips coaches with advanced game analysis skills, session planning expertise, and a deep understanding of player development.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National B License – A highly regarded certification that delves into high-performance coaching, advanced tactics, and player progression.
• United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) National Youth License – Specializes in age-appropriate training methods, focusing on the physiological, technical, and psychological development of young players.
• United States Soccer Coaches Association (USSCA) Director of Coaching Diploma – A prestigious qualification for leaders in youth soccer development, emphasizing program management, leadership, and coaching methodology at a club-wide level.
These certifications place him among the elite coaching professionals in the U.S., reinforcing Mavericks Football Academy’s commitment to excellence in player development.
Academic Excellence & Strategic Vision
Beyond his soccer credentials, our Founder brings academic excellence and a strategic mindset to Mavericks Football Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Pre-Law and Accounting from Nicholls State University, graduating Cum Laude. He then pursued and completed a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law.
This strong educational foundation gives him a unique ability to structure, manage, and grow Mavericks Football Academy with a focus on long-term success, player welfare, and professional integrity.
A Commitment to Building the Best Soccer Academy
At Mavericks Football Academy, we aren’t just developing players—we’re building a culture of excellence, discipline, and opportunity. Under our Founder’s leadership, we are committed to delivering the best soccer education, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment, and helping players achieve their highest potential—whether that means excelling in club soccer, earning college scholarships, or reaching the professional level.
Parents can trust that their child will be trained under the guidance of one of the most qualified and experienced youth soccer directors in the country. Mavericks Football Academy isn’t just another club—it’s a pathway to excellence.
Join us in shaping the future of elite youth soccer.
Welcome to Mavericks Football Academy!
At Mavericks Football Academy, we believe that elite player development starts with world-class leadership. Our Founder and Director of Coaching, Dio, brings a wealth of experience, an unparalleled passion for the game, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of soccer players.
A Career Rooted in Elite-Level Soccer
With a background in professional soccer, Dio has competed at the highest levels of the sport. He played professionally from a very young age for two of Morocco’s most esteemed clubs, while also representing the Moroccan National Team through the youth ranks. His talent earned him a place with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France, one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. Though his professional playing career was cut short due to injury, his passion for the sport never wavered—it simply evolved into a lifelong mission to develop young athletes.
A Proven Leader in Coaching & Player Development
Since transitioning into coaching in 2007, he has built an impressive track record of guiding youth players toward success. His coaching experience spans U8 through U18 competitive travel teams for both boys and girls in Pennsylvania and Illinois. In addition to club soccer, he has also worked as a high school head coach (JV) and varsity assistant coach, shaping young athletes in both competitive and academic environments.
He later founded a Futsal Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, further demonstrating his dedication to developing technical excellence in young players. As the Director of Coaching for a prominent Illinois club, he played a critical role in:
→ Creating a club-wide curriculum to ensure consistent, high-quality training at all levels.
→ Developing a college pathway program to help players secure opportunities at the collegiate level (numerous players from the club secured full soccer scholarships)
→ Implementing a parent education program, fostering a supportive and knowledgeable soccer community.
→ Streamlining club operations and administration, bringing efficiency and structure to the program.
Elite Coaching Credentials & Soccer Education
Dio holds some of the highest coaching qualifications available in U.S. Soccer. His dedication to continued education ensures that Mavericks Football Academy operates with the highest coaching standards:
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) E Certificate – A foundational course focused on youth development principles and grassroots coaching.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National D License – Covers team tactics, principles of play, and player-centered coaching approaches.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National C License – Equips coaches with advanced game analysis skills, session planning expertise, and a deep understanding of player development.
• United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National B License – A highly regarded certification that delves into high-performance coaching, advanced tactics, and player progression.
• United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) National Youth License – Specializes in age-appropriate training methods, focusing on the physiological, technical, and psychological development of young players.
• United States Soccer Coaches Association (USSCA) Director of Coaching Diploma – A prestigious qualification for leaders in youth soccer development, emphasizing program management, leadership, and coaching methodology at a club-wide level.
These certifications place him among the elite coaching professionals in the U.S., reinforcing Mavericks Football Academy’s commitment to excellence in player development.
Academic Excellence & Strategic Vision
Beyond his soccer credentials, our Founder brings academic excellence and a strategic mindset to Mavericks Football Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Pre-Law and Accounting from Nicholls State University, graduating Cum Laude. He then pursued and completed a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law.
This strong educational foundation gives him a unique ability to structure, manage, and grow Mavericks Football Academy with a focus on long-term success, player welfare, and professional integrity.
A Commitment to Building the Best Soccer Academy
At Mavericks Football Academy, we aren’t just developing players—we’re building a culture of excellence, discipline, and opportunity. Under our Founder’s leadership, we are committed to delivering the best soccer education, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment, and helping players achieve their highest potential—whether that means excelling in club soccer, earning college scholarships, or reaching the professional level.
Parents can trust that their child will be trained under the guidance of one of the most qualified and experienced youth soccer directors in the country. Mavericks Football Academy isn’t just another club—it’s a pathway to excellence.
Join us in shaping the future of elite youth soccer.
Welcome to Mavericks Football Academy!
We'll be adding all our team members, their bios, their experience, and their professional certifications here.
Copyright 2025. Mavericks Football Academy LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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