MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
AYSO PLAY! provides innovative recreation-based youth soccer programs tailored to the communities we work with.
Our program is built on the foundation and principles of the nonprofit American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), the oldest youth soccer club in the US with locations in over 650 communities nationwide.
AYSO PLAY! is an evolution designed specifically to bring high-quality, recreation-based soccer to communities and locations where we can introduce the game to even more players.
Welcome from the AYSO PLAY! team! Behind the scenes of our program is a squad of enthusiastic individuals committed to creating memorable community-based experiences and fostering a love for the beautiful game.
AYSO PLAY! OFFICE STAFF
Chris Solomons
Director, Community Engagement & Business Development
Passion: Using sports to drive change
Career: An adept sports business professional, entrusted with AYSO’s growth strategy, entered the organization with 15+ years of hands-on experience in the sports industry, spearheading programs across three continents, including nine years in the MLS.
Taidgh Simpson
Manager, Programs, Education and Development with AYSO and AYSO PLAY!
Experience: More than 20 years in soccer as a coach, referee and player. With AYSO since 2017 supporting AYSO Region programming. Facilitator with US Soccer Foundation in the Coach-Mentor Training program.
Certification: USSF: Grassroots (4v4, 7v7, 9v9), D License; AYSO: Coach Educator Developer, Advanced Coach, Coach Instructor, Intermediate Referee; US Soccer Foundation: Coach-Mentor; FA Grassroots Disability Football Coaching.
My Why: Soccer provides opportunities to build crucial experiences – social, emotional, and physical – life skills that players can carry forward for life. Creating welcoming, supportive environments where every child can learn, play, and thrive in their community is why I love what I do.
Karthik Srinivasan
Schools Development Lead
Experience: 15 years in soccer as a coach, 30+ years as a player. Former AYSO volunteer coach, now working in AYSO PLAY!’s schools space, helping Community Leads with school districts’ vendor approval processes, expanding programming into new markets, and proposal & grant writing.
Certification: USSF: Grassroots (4v4, 7v7, 9v9), SafeSport Certified, AYSO Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness training, Mandated Reporter
My Why: Soccer embraced me with open arms when I moved to the US, and it has never let go. Watching the sport, playing it, analyzing it, and coaching it are all tremendously satisfying, but nothing beats the smiles on children’s faces when they are engaged, active, and ready to learn on the field.
Adam Webb
AYSO PLAY! Coach Education & Development Lead
Experience: Over 20 years of youth coaching experience and more than 15 years as a qualified teacher and Athletic Director. Currently in my second year with AYSO PLAY! in Coach Education and Development, supporting coach growth and player-centered environments. Also, a USSF National Soccer Coach with the US Dwarf Futbol Association.
Certification:
AYSO Coach Educator
AYSO/USSF Coach Mentor Certification
USSF D License
USSF 7v7 Grassroots License – Adaptive Soccer
USSF Grassroots License (4v4, 7v7, 11v11)
USSF Certified Grassroots Referee
AYSO EPIC Volunteer Training
FA Disability Football Coaching
FA Play Phase
*BOLD = In-Person Requirements/Assessment
My Why: I believe everyone deserves the right to play—to be active, encouraged, and to have fun, regardless of background, ability, or experience. Soccer is more than a game; it’s a place where confidence is built, friendships form, and young people feel they belong both on and off the field. My why is rooted in creating inclusive environments where every player is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to grow, because when everyone plays, the entire community benefits.
Blane Shepard
Director, Community Engagement & Business Development
Passion: To help #GrowtheGame of soccer in North America.
Career: For close to 30 years, I have helped grow soccer in AYSO, MLS, USL and USYS through community development, strategic soccer programming, commercial partnerships, business innovation, marketing, and local, regional, and national events.
Andy Price
Director, Program Development
Passion: To promote Grassroots soccer and provide an opportunity for all kids to play.
Career: Comprehensive sports management and coaching experience in both the UK and US, with licensing from the English FA, UEFA and USSF. Strong background in all aspects of soccer operations and logistics. Entrepreneurial thinker with a passion for building the next generation of soccer players.
Dan Howald
Senior Director, Program Implementation
Passion: Enabling the transformative power of sports for kids and community.
Career: Digital Marketing career with 25+ years AYSO experience, holding positions from team coach to VP National Board of Directors, prior to joining professional staff to oversee creation of new access points for first-time players.
Flower Edington
Customer Success Manager
Passion: Guiding youth players towards character development.
Career: Dedicated soccer player and coach, experienced in both on-field and off-field management for youth sports programming. Educated background with US Soccer licensing, proficient Social-Emotional Learning training, and 4 years working for Major League Soccer.
Community-Forward Youth Soccer
AYSO PLAY! Locations Team
Diego Mendez
AYSO PLAY! Territory Lead, Bay Area (CA)
Experience: In May 2026, I will reach two years with AYSO PLAY!. I recently earned a Master’s in Sport Management and previously spent ten years coaching with my local AYSO Region as both a Head and Assistant Coach
Certification: AYSO Advanced Coach
My Why: I grew up in AYSO, starting at age six in Region 146 (Daly City) as a player and later serving as a referee, coach, and board member. Working with the organization that sparked my passion for soccer is a privilege, and our programs strive to create fun, positive, and safe environments where youth can discover or continue their love for the game.
Alex Chandler
AYSO PLAY! Community Soccer Lead, Kansas City
Experience: Seven years of coaching experience and currently in my second season with AYSO, supporting positive and player-centered development.
Certification: AYSO U10 Soccer coach, AYSO Referee, and Safe Soccer
My Why: In my area, soccer isn’t very accessible. With our programming, I strive to ensure that all our programming is available to all students, and that everybody gets a chance to play, and receive player development that they may not have otherwise had, due to cost restrictions/lack of access!
Nicole Chapman
AYSO PLAY! Community Soccer Lead, Corvalis/Willamette Valley (OR)
Experience:
Region 149 Assistant Region Commissioner
Head Coach AYSO Region 149 12U & 14U Core & Extra Girls Teams
Head Women’s Soccer DII Coach & Assistant DI Coach
Played Soccer at Seton Hill College & Semi Pro in OH and PA
Certification: USSF B’ License, National Youth License, AYSO Intermediate (14U) Coach
My Why:
I joined AYSO PLAY! because I’m very passionate about player development. AYSO PLAY! allows kids of all ages and abilities to participate without the stress of winning and losing. Learning basics skills in a fun and positive environment is important so that kids continue to play sports and stay active throughout their lives.
Lauren Parliament
Community Soccer Lead – Denver Area
Experience: I have 1.5 years of experience in my current role as Community Soccer Lead, 26 years of referee experience with U.S. Soccer—including serving as a National Referee Coach for USSF/PRO—and eight years of coaching experience across elementary after-school programs, high school teams, and competitive club soccer.
Certifications: 7×7 Grassroots Course through USSF 9×9 Grassroots Course through USSF 11×11 Grassroots Course through USSF
AYSO U8 & U10 Soccer coach, AYSO Referee, and Safe Soccer
Why:
I love that AYSO PLAY! brings soccer directly into the community, giving youth who may not have access or financial means the chance to experience the game. Being present in various afterschool programs allows us to reach a wide range of young people who are discovering soccer—many for the very first time—and watching them grow to love the sport has been inspiring.
Full name: Fraser Mitchell
Position (caption): Community Soccer Lead, Albuquerque
Experience: With 8 years of experience in the soccer industry, My journey began at age 18 with UK International Soccer in partnership with the University of South Wales. I bring a global perspective rooted in passion, community, and player development. I’ve worked alongside the dedicated AYSO volunteers for 8 years to deliver impactful camps and technical training programs across 10 states, supporting players and coaches in positive, inclusive environments.
Certification: BSc Football Coaching, Development and Administration, USSF C LICENSE, FAW C Certification
My Why: Originally from England where soccer isn’t a choice but a way of life, I believe in the global game and in AYSO’s philosophy that Everyone Plays. Soccer is a universal language, and through Positive Coaching and Player Development, my goal is to create experiences that develop not only better players, but better people.
Fraser Mitchell
Community Soccer Lead, Albuquerque
Experience: With 8 years of experience in the soccer industry, My journey began at age 18 with UK International Soccer in partnership with the University of South Wales. I bring a global perspective rooted in passion, community, and player development. I’ve worked alongside the dedicated AYSO volunteers for 8 years to deliver impactful camps and technical training programs across 10 states, supporting players and coaches in positive, inclusive environments.
Certification: BSc Football Coaching, Development and Administration, USSF C LICENSE, FAW C Certification
My Why: Originally from England where soccer isn’t a choice but a way of life, I believe in the global game and in AYSO’s philosophy that Everyone Plays. Soccer is a universal language, and through Positive Coaching and Player Development, my goal is to create experiences that develop not only better players, but better people.
Xinia Ramirez
AYSO PLAY! Community Soccer Lead, San Diego
Experience: I have coached soccer for about 14 years starting as a volunteer at my home AYSO region, and now I have been with AYSO PLAY! In the San Diego community for about a year!
Certification – AYSO U10 Soccer coach, AYSO Referee, and Safe Soccer
My Why – Every single day I get to meet kids from my community and help them out – help them learn to kick a ball, learn control, or just help them have fun. But most importantly, I get the honor of helping them learn to be a good human with the help of soccer, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nikita Chernik
AYSO PLAY! Community Soccer Lead, Chicago
Experience: Coaching youth soccer since 2019; leading the Chicago market since 2023
Certification: USSF D License
My Why: I believe every player deserves the opportunity to grow in a positive and supportive environment. In this role, my goal is to help players build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the game, so soccer becomes a meaningful and lasting part of their lives beyond wins and losses.
Ally Bower
AYSO PLAY! Community Soccer Lead, Charlotte
Experience: I’ve been involved in soccer for as long as I can remember — playing since I could walk and coach at all levels of the game. I’ve had the opportunity to work with players of all ages and abilities, and I’ve been part of AYSO PLAY! since the very beginning.
Certification:
US Soccer Grassroots License, SafeSport Certified, Coach Safe Haven Certification, Concussion Awareness training
My Why:
Soccer has always been more than a game to me — it’s a way to build confidence, community, and lifelong skills. I’m passionate about AYSO’s Everyone Plays and Positive Coaching philosophies, and I believe every player deserves the chance to develop at their own pace in a supportive, encouraging environment. My goal is to help players grow not just as athletes, but as teammates and individuals, while fostering a genuine love for the game. There’s nothing I love more than seeing kids enjoy the sport that means so much to me!
Work For Us
AYSO PLAY! recruits and trains individuals with a passion for the game and a desire to also work off the pitch to make a difference for the youth of their community. Coaching experience is a plus. If you’re interested in learning more, please fill out the following form: