ABOUT US
MERLIN VILLAGOMEZ
FOUNDER / PRESIDENT / OWNER
Merlin Villagomez is the President /Founder of the Merlin Soccer Club. Villagomez brings both a scientific view as well as a coaching background. He is one of a very small group of coaches who are certified in five different specialties:
- USSF National “A” Coaching License (United States Soccer Federation).
- Ecuadorian Football Federation National Pro “A” Coaching License.
- USSF Director of Coaching Certification.
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the International Sports Sciences Association.
- Performance Analyst Certification by CONMEBOL.
- Member of the Coaching Education Staff for New Jersey Youth Soccer.
Villagomez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science from Kean University in 2009. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Senior Football Technical Direction and Football Management from the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Fútbol. Additionally, he received education from Manuel Fajardo University in Cuba and the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
With over 30 years of professional experience at the club, high school, university, and international levels, he has built a distinguished career. As a professional football coach, he led C.D. FAS, a first-division team in El Salvador. Prior to that, he coached at Essex County College, Kean University, and MLS teams, including the NY/NJ MetroStars (Red Bulls) and LA Galaxy, for a total of six seasons. In 2002, he served as the interim head coach for the MetroStars, helping the team secure the Eastern Division title. In 2022, he was part of the coaching staff for C.D. FAS, which won the Salvadoran first-division championship.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is focused on the players, because they learn to play, have fun, win, lose and then get up. We understand that to play it is essential to be a team and that chivalry and respect are the rules that govern conduct with opponents, as well as having sportsmanship.
GOALS
The main goal of the club is to identify elite youth players and provide them with protected high-level training and competition. We are a multi-cultural Club with a vast array of staff and players. Our Club is proud to represent New Jersey and sets out to achieve heightened recognition of our city and its neighboring areas.
To make a significant contribution to raising the level of U.S. soccer towards the international standard .Merlin Soccer Club is dedicated to helping youth soccer players develop the confidence and ability to pursue their soccer dreams, as well as focusing on developing a well rounded player.
We prepare and encourage our players to make a positive difference in their lives whether it be on the soccer field, in the classroom, or later on in life.
Merlin Soccer Club uses Athletic Diplomacy, as well as the thrill and challenges of international competition to develop well rounded soccer players and individuals. To provide an academy of excellence that teaches challenges, and develops aspiring players in a positive, fun environment.
We aim to provide
an academy of excellence that teaches, challenges, and develops aspiring players in a positive and fun environment.
Our principles
The success of Merlin Soccer Club is reflected in a strong organization, based on the principles of:
Merlin Soccer Club believes in teaching Soccer Speed, Coordination, Balance, Quickness, Strength, Power and Agility. Soccer depends on rapid changes of speed which require the ability to quickly accelerate and decelerate the body. Athletes often fail to take full advantage of their muscular potential because of weakness, losses of balance or breakdowns in movement rhythm. Often, even the best soccer athletes are deficient in the basic balance and postural requirements for safe performance. They may never even know of their injury potential until after their injury occurs.