Meet the Coaches
John Soltani
Director of Coaching
John Soltani is Spartan FC’s Director of Coaching, overseeing all aspects of the club’s soccer operations and ensuring a positive experience for all club members. He has coached in the Spartan FC program since its inception in 2008, and also Girls Assistant Director at FC United, Spartan FC’s U12-U18 affiliate club. John is also the assistant coach of the Glenbrook North High School Girls Varsity Soccer team, and a chairman of the Young Sportsman’s Soccer League (YSSL).
As a Coach
John began his coaching career in 2004. Aside from his experience with Spartan FC, FC United, and Glenbrook North, John is an Illinois Olympic Development Program State staff coach, and a Region II Olympic Development Program staff coach.
As a coach, John’s primary objective has always been to play a role in each child’s development and instill them with an appreciation for the great game of soccer. He strives to assist his players in reaching their potential both technically and emotionally, noting that soccer is a vehicle that can be used to teach important life lessons.
As a Player
John played his youth soccer in Northbrook and was a high school standout at Notre Dame High School.
Personal
John is a lifelong Northbrook resident who has a strong sense of community, and a desire to give back through his love for soccer.
Certifications
- USSF A License
- NSCAA Premier Diploma
- Youth National License
- Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coaching Certification
Paul Gibbs
Technical Director
Paul Gibbs has coached at Spartan FC for the last 3 years and has served as the club’s Technical Director since YEAR. Paul is also boys Assistant Director at FC United, Spartan FC’s U12-U18 affiliate.
As a Coach
Paul’s began coaching in his native UK, where he was Head Coach of the Football Development Center at Newcastle College, acting as head coach of player and coach recruitment, technical and tactical coaching, and strength and conditioning. Paul also spent time at the famed Newcastle United Football Club as an academy and foundation coach. While at Newcastle United, he tutored and mentored the club’s young professional and apprentice soccer players, a number of whom currently play in the English Premier League, Europe’s most famous professional football league.
As a Player
Paul spent three years playing for Northumbria University in Newcastle, and spent 14 years playing semi-pro soccer in England for Gateshead FC, Durham City FC, Newcastle Benfield, West Allotment Celtic and North Shields FC.
Personal
Paul grew up in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England and now is a resident of Northbrook where he lives with his wife, young daughter, and German Shepard. He is an avid Newcastle United fan, a boxer, and a golfer.
Certifications
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USSF A License
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English FA Youth Award
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NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
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UEFA A License Prep Course
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FA Level 3 Certificates in Coaching Football/UEFA "B" Coaching License
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Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma
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BA Honors Degree in Sports Studies
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Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
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Illinois Physical Education Certificate
Alex Lofgren
Youth Director
Alex joined Spartan FC as a coach in 2013. He also serves as Director of the club’s Pre-Spartan and Future Spartan programs, which strive to create a positive and rewarding environment, in which the youngest players can learn the game of soccer and begin to develop a love of the sport.
As a Coach
Since joining Spartan FC in 2013, Alex has excelled at getting the best out of his players, no matter the age or skill level. In addition to his work with the Spartan and Pre- and Future Spartan programs, Alex also coaches at various area camps, as well as with U12-U18 teams at FC United, an affiliate of Spartan FC.
Alex notes that the opportunity to share and transfer the soccer knowledge he gained throughout his playing career is the primary reason he enjoys coaching. Taking a simple approach, by possessing, connecting easy passes, and moving off the ball can create a special flow only experienced by the top clubs of the world. Alex feels it is his duty to help instill these core values, as well as a strong work ethic, leadership, and sportsmanship.
As a Player
Alex was a three-year Varsity player for Glenbrook South High School, where he was a two time All-Sectional and one time Chicago Tribune All-State selection. Following his high school career, he moved on to Lake Forest College, where he served as team captain, and earned Second Team All-Midwest honors.
Personal
A native of Glenview, Alex and his wife Katie currently live in Northbrook.
Certifications
- USSF C License
Coaching Staff
Jannelle Flaws
Jannelle joined the Spartan FC coaching staff in 2016.
As a coach
Jannelle began her coaching career with Loyola Academy in 2011 and continued to work for them during her summers off of college. While being a student-athlete, she worked with Illinois FC down in Champaign, IL. Jannelle is now a member of the Loyola Academy Varsity coaching staff and FC United.
As a player
Jannelle played her youth club days for ELA Elite and Glenbrook South High School. After high school, she continued on to play at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she ended her career as the school’s all-time career points and goals leader. She was a 2013 University of Illinois Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of the Year, 2013 and 2014 BIG Ten Forward of the Year, and a 2014 NSCAA All-American. In 2013, Jannelle was called into a US U23 National Team Camp in Seattle, WA. Today Jannelle is playing professionally in the National Women’s Soccer League with the Chicago Red Stars.
Personal
Jannelle grew up in Glenview and continues to reside there while she continues to play professionally and her love for coaching.
Certifications
USSF “E” License
Marcelo Abayay
Marcelo joined the Spartan FC coaching staff in 2015.
As a Coach
Marcelo believes strongly that the proper teaching and development of soccer skills for players at a young age is vital to their future success. He began coaching in the Chicago Public School system in 2008, coaching players ranging from six years, all the way up to high school Varsity teams. Marcelo has also coached youth teams in the FC Schaumburg, Elgin Pumas, and United Chicago soccer organizations.
As a Player
Marcelo enjoyed a successful professional playing career in his home country of Chile. He began his career with the Everton de Viña del Mar at the U14 level, before transferring to the Santiago Wanderers, a member of Chile’s first division, and the country’s oldest professional soccer club. Later in his career, Marcelo moved to the United States, where he played professionally in the AISL, USL and MASL.
Personal
Marcelo was born in Chile and came to the U.S. in 1998. Has has lived in Chicago since then.nce then. Marcelo is an avid supporter of Chilean club Colo-Colo, and also follows the MLS and the Chicago Fire. His other sports passion is tennis, but the most important thing in his life is his son Jean-Pierre.
Certifications
USSF D License
Ryan Dubois
Ryan rejoined Spartan FC as a coach in 2015. He previously coached with the program in 2012.
As a Coach
In addition to Spartan FC, Ryan’s youth coaching experience has included stints at top Chicago area clubs, including the Plainfield Legends and Chicago Fire West. Ryan was also head coach of the Rauner College Prep Boys Varsity soccer team.
As a Player
Ryan played for various Chicago area youth clubs growing up before moving on to the Glenbrook North Varsity soccer team. He was also a member of the Illinois ODP State Select Team, and went on to play Division I soccer at Marquette University.
Personal
Ryan grew up in Northbrook and now lives with his fiancé in Chicago. He is an equity options trader at Simplex Investments during the day.
Certifications
- USSF E License
Jeff Knouse
As a Coach
Watching young players grow in the game of soccer, and teaching them to apply those lessons in other aspects of their lives drives Jeff as a soccer coach. In addition to Spartan FC, Jeff has spent many years coaching youth soccer, and has also coached boys and girls teams at Glenbrook North High School and Warren Township High School.
As a Player
A Northbrook native, Jeff spent four years playing soccer for Glenbrook North High School, before moving on to West Virginia University, where he spent four years playing Division I soccer for the Mountaineers.
Personal
Jeff has been a special education instructor for nearly 20 years. He currently makes his home in Northbrook.
Certifications
- USSF E License
- NSCAA Member, 1994 to Present
Tristin Gunn
Tristin joined Spartan FC as a coach and trainer in 2015.
As a Coach
Tristin began his coaching career with Team Evanston and Trevians SC, later coaching the Lincolnshire Lightning. After relocating to Orlando, Florida, he spent two years as assistant Varsity coach at Dr. Phillips High School. While in Orlando, Tristin also coached with ACYS/Spirit United Soccer Club. He returned to Chicago in 2014 to coach the Cary Defenders, where he led one of his teams to the semifinals of the Presidents Cup, and to championships in the Puma Cup (Rockford) and the Grove United Memorial Tournament (Schaumburg/Palatine).
As a Player
A native of Arlington Heights, Tristin played his youth soccer with the Arlington Aces, and later at Rolling Meadows High School, before joining Byki FC, an area semi-professional club.
Personal
Tristin has a passion for travel, and counts Mexico, Brazil and Peru among his favorite destinations. He is also an avid reader and a sports enthusiast who loves soccer and overall sports fitness.
Certifications
- USSF D License
- NSCAA National Diploma
- NFHS High School Sports Certification
George Taylor
George Taylor has been coaching youth soccer for over a decade, and has been with Spartan FC since 2013.
As a Coach
Coach George has quickly become a recognizable face around the Spartan FC facilities. In addition to coaching a number of the club's youth teams, he also helps run the Pre-Spartan and Future Spartan classes for young children, helping to develop their love of soccer at an early age. Prior to joining Spartan FC, George coached with the Huntley Heat soccer club in Huntley, IL.
As a Player
George's successful playing career took him to Illinois Olympic Development and Illinois State Select teams. He earned a scholarship to play soccer at Robert Morris University, where he played four years of collegiate soccer.
Personal
In addition to coaching soccer, George is a budding graphic designer. After studying graphic design at Robert Morris, he was accepted into the Masters program at DePaul University, where he recently earned his Master of Arts degree in Computing and Digital Media.
Certifications
- USSF D License
Carly Stevens
As a coach
Carly Stevens began her soccer coaching career in 2011 after graduating from Loyola Academy. She conducted training sessions and coached summer league varsity high school games for Loyola Academy, and has helped run Loyola Academy's summer soccer camp for the last four summers. For the past two summers Carly has served as a coach for a Glenbrook South-sponsored goalkeeper camp. She is currently coaches and trains goalkeepers for FC United and Trevian SC, and serves as a goalkeeper trainer for Spartan FC.
As a player
A highly decorated high school goalkeeper at Loyola Academy, Carly earned numerous awards, including IHSSCA All-State from 2009-2011, Chicago Tribune Player of Year. and 2011 high school All-American honors. Her teams won two Pepsi Showdown Championships at Toyota Park by shutouts in 2009 and 2011. Carly played her college soccer at Loyola University-Chicago.
Personal
Carly holds a BBA from Loyola University-Chicago, graduating in May 2015. In addition to her coaching, she also works as a Game Operations Coordinator for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA. Carly lives in Wilmette, IL.
Certifications
- F license
- E license
- D license