Beyond the Sidelines: Meet the Coaches Behind New England Surf Futsal
From college championships and international futsal competitions to unexpected yellow cards, rock bands, and a few impressive soccer connections, there’s a lot more to our futsal coaching staff than you might expect.
What does a rock guitarist have in common with an award-winning fashion writer, a former Division I soccer player, and a coach who once received a yellow card for thanking the referee?
They’re all part of the New England Surf Futsal coaching staff!
As our winter futsal season gets underway, we’re introducing the people who bring the program to life. Different backgrounds, playing experiences, and coaching personalities, but a shared commitment to helping young players become more confident, creative, and comfortable on the ball.
And while we’ve already introduced Jefferson “JJ” Mejia, the former Surf player behind our futsal training methodology, there’s plenty more to discover about the coaches joining him on the court.
Different Journeys, One Passion for the Game
For Angela Cornacchio, futsal is much more than an offseason activity. She helped establish the first Safira women’s futsal team, competing at regional tournaments in Atlantic City and eventually celebrating a championship.
Her coaching career began in 2012 after an academy director approached her while she was covering a Boston Breakers game as a member of the media. Today, she’s passionate about teaching players the distinct demands of futsal.
“They won’t be playing ‘indoor soccer.’ They will learn how to play futsal.”
And speaking of the unexpected, Angela is also an award-winning fashion writer who once found herself face-to-face with Lionel Messi while covering a match!
Andy Ramirez shares that enthusiasm for the indoor game. A former goalkeeper, he loves how futsal keeps every player involved, particularly those protecting the goal.
“If futsal were played all year around, I honestly don’t think you would see me on a soccer field,” he admits.
Andy also brings championship experience from his college playing days, having won a conference title in a penalty shootout. His coaching sessions emphasize intensity, competition, and applying futsal techniques to situations players will face outdoors.
For Abby McCulloch, playing futsal as a goalkeeper meant improving her reflexes, growing more confident with her feet, and collecting quite a few bruises along the way!
Her first season coaching futsal also came with a memorable learning curve. She recalls entering the first game without knowing every rule, only to see her team reach the finals by the end of the season.
Her message to players is simple: be brave, embrace new experiences, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
From College Soccer to the Next Generation
Maddie O’Brien knows a thing or two about perseverance.
A former Division I player at Merrimack College and an NEC regular-season champion, Maddie competed through significant injuries during her collegiate career before transitioning into coaching.
Her experiences have shaped a philosophy centered on confidence, resilience, and giving players the freedom to challenge themselves.
“I want players to gain confidence on the ball and not be afraid to challenge themselves.”
Growing up, Maddie loved futsal and 3v3 soccer, and credits Brazilian coaches with helping shape her appreciation for technical ability, creativity, and quick decision-making.
Abel Barreto, meanwhile, has spent four years coaching across different age groups at New England Surf and recently earned his U.S. Soccer C License.
Soccer runs in the family: his father captained the Cape Verde national team in the 1980s!
Abel emphasizes competitive training, independent problem-solving, and the importance of creating an environment where players can take risks without fear.
And his most unexpected coaching moment? Receiving a yellow card for thanking a referee. Apparently, the referee wasn’t convinced he was being sincere!
Confidence, Creativity, and a Few Surprises
Alex Panos believes that young players develop best when they’re encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and enjoy the game.
Having played futsal himself growing up, he appreciates the opportunities it creates for technical development and quicker decisions.
One of his favorite coaching memories was facing his own former U10 coach from the opposite sideline, an intimidating but rewarding full-circle moment.
And when he’s not coaching? Alex plays lead guitar in a band!
Adilson DaSilva, who coaches New England Surf’s U13 and U14 State Royal Girls teams, focuses on helping players become better decision-makers while building confidence and strong habits.
For Adilson, futsal offers opportunities for creativity and technical development, while his approach emphasizes challenging players in a supportive environment.
His childhood soccer inspiration was Ronaldinho, whose creativity and joy on the ball left a lasting impression.
And away from soccer, Adilson has another passion: cooking!
More Than a Winter Season
Although each coach brings a different personality and experience to the program, their answers revealed something remarkably consistent.
They want players to be brave.
To become comfortable making mistakes. To develop confidence in tight spaces. To make quicker decisions, try unexpected solutions, and discover what they’re capable of.
And, just as importantly, to enjoy playing.
Through structured training and competitive league play, New England Surf Futsal gives young athletes the opportunity to develop those skills while learning from coaches who understand that growth doesn’t happen only when a team wins.
Missed Tryouts? You Haven’t Missed Your Chance!
There’s still time to join New England Surf Futsal this winter!
Whether your player is looking to sharpen their technical skills, build confidence, or experience a new challenge, our futsal program offers an exciting opportunity to keep developing throughout the winter.
Interested in joining? Contact our Program Director, Jonny Bonner, at jonny@newenglandsurf.com to explore available roster spots.