Directors

Mickey Kydes – Program Director

Mickey Kydes is the Founder and Director of Coaching at Beachside of Connecticut Soccer Club. Founded in 1994, Beachside has become one of the premier soccer specific organizations in the country. Between Beachside, and Mickey Kydes Soccer–a professional coaching organization established in 1996 that supports travel and recreational soccer for several Connecticut clubs, Mickey is responsible for the soccer development and education of close to five thousand children.

Mickey’s distinguished playing career is the cornerstone of MKS’ tremendous success. As a standout youth and high school player out of Norwalk, CT, Mickey won a state U-13 travel soccer championship before becoming a four-year starter for Norwalk High School. As a 2-time All-State player and member of the Connecticut ODP team, Mickey was offered a full scholarship to play soccer for Division I powerhouse, Long Island University. At LIU, Mickey was a two-time All-American, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. The Dallas Sidekicks drafted Mickey in the MISL first round as the eighth overall pick. 1984 United States Open Cup Champion and 1986-87 (MISL) Major Indoor Soccer League Championship with the Sidekicks. Mickey played for the 1987 USA National Team, professionally throughout Greece and the United States, and was drafted by the New York / New Jersey MetroStars in the MLS inaugural season. Mickey retired in 1996, after nine years of professional soccer.

His motivation to teach the game has led him to obtain his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘Youth’ National Coaching Licenses. Mickey is also one of only eighty people in the country who holds a USSF ‘Technical Directors License’.  He is now a presenter for the USSF Technical Director Course. Visited and observed at the following clubs throughout the World: Spain – FC Barcelona (twice), Espanyol, AC Bilbao, Argentina – Boca Juniors, Racing Club, Independiente, Estudiantes, England – Arsenal, Manchester City, Germany – Frieberg, Belgium – Genk, USA – Philadelphia Union, NY Red Bulls, NYCFC.   

Through his wealth of playing experience, Mickey was exposed to many different coaching philosophies and management styles. As a lifelong student of the game, he constantly took mental notes regarding what systems created success, and which systems bogged down forward momentum. From summer camps, successful developmental and premier programs, to the growth and development of the Old Greenwich, Riverside, Westport, and Wilton soccer programs, his learning experiences as a player have directly impacted his success as a coach and manager of soccer programs. World Cup player, US Senior National Team players, MLS and European professionals, MLS Champions, MLS All-Star, MLS Rookie of the Year, US Youth National Team players, NCAA Herman Award Winner, NCAA Division 1 & 3 Champions, NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 student-athletes, all have benefited from Mickey’s exposure and influence. What Mickey cares most about is the personal development of the thousands of young people that acquire life skills by participating in his programs.

Mickey Kydes is a true Soccer educator, with a sincere and artistic passion for passing on his knowledge to the young people on and off the field. The mixture of his love of the game, with his unmatched work ethic, integrity, attention to detail, ability to organize, lead and educate, have led to the superb national reputation of Mickey Kydes Soccer & Beachside of CT Soccer Club.

• 2005 – Long Island University Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2008 – Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2008 – NY Greek-American Soccer Club Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2010 – Norwalk High School Wall of Honor Inductee
• 2017 – New York City Soccer Gala Honoree
• 2018 – NE Soccer Journal: Top 50 Most Influential Soccer People in New England

Paul Melitsanopoulos – Operations Director & Coach

A lifelong resident of Norwalk, CT, Paul was able to join Beachside as a goal keeper at U-14, and continued his playing career with the club until entering college. Paul earned All-FCIAC first team honors while playing for Norwalk High School. At NHS, his team won the first FCIAC soccer championship in school history. In college, as a player at Western Connecticut State University, his team won the LEC championship, earning a bid into the NCAA tournament. Paul continued his education at the University of Connecticut and graduated with high honors.

As an Assistant Coach & GK Coach, Paul has seen success in winning FCIAC titles with Staples HS, and FCIAC and State title with Norwalk High School.  Paul has coached several travel teams and directed several of MKS Programs. Paul is currently the Beachside USSDA Development Academy Director and oversees all Academy teams. Paul holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” License, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, and will partake in the prestigious USSF Technical Directors Course in 2019-20.

Paul understands the lifelong values that can come from the game of soccer, and truly enjoys motivating his players to reach their full potential on and off the field. Paul has been the coaching and directing for MKSE since 2010.

Javier Miraballas  – Wilton Rec Tots, PreK, and K-2nd Coaching Director

Javier was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and raised in Trumbull, CT, where he was a 4-year HS varsity player – and was voted Captain his senior year. Javier then went on to play collegiate soccer at Merrimack College for two years (1994-1995)) and finished his college career with Western Conn. Univ. (1997-1998).

In 1999 Javier began his coaching career in Trumbull with a boys U-10 travel team. In 2002, he began his long tenure under the Mickey Kydes program as a travel coach in Westport. Javier was fortunate enough to reach the state finals and semifinals twice as a coach under the Westport program. In 2006 Javier o coached a team in the Local Legends League (which provided active college players and recent college graduates the opportunity to play during the summer months) taking over a team that finished last and in one year went on to win the league. In 2014 Javier began his Beachside coaching career with a U-14 boys premier team. Javier is currently coaching the Beachside 2004 boys premier team, assisting in our Development Academy program and assistant coaching for the University of Bridgeport Mens Soccer program.

Javier Miraballes is currently finalizing his United States Soccer Federation ‘C’ level license and his Beachside Coaching Development Plan has him completing his ‘B’ license by the fall 2020. Coaching in the MKS organization since 2003.

Coaches

Shane Recklett - Coach

Shane spent his entire youth soccer career u12-18 as a standout player for Beachside Soccer Club. As a Shelton, Connecticut native, Shane was a 4-year varsity starter from 2002-2006 at Shelton High School where he received All-Area, All-Conference, All-State and All-American accolades as well as receiving the Tony DeNegri Outstanding Male Soccer Player of the Year award his senior season.

In 2006, Shane graduated from Shelton High and went on to play NCAA Division I soccer for Quinnipiac University. Shane debuted for the Bobcats his freshman year as a central defender and secured his starting position for the next four years, while being named captain after just his sophomore season. Over his 4-year career at Quinnipiac, Shane received multiple All- Conference and All- Region team selections as both a central defender and central midfielder.

Shane went on to further his playing career by signing his first professional contract with Germania Schцneiche, who compete in the Oberliga in Germany. Shane spent two seasons with the club, and was named captain of his club after just his first season. In 2012, Shane was recruited and signed his next professional contract with VFC Plauen, who compete in the Regionalliga Nordost in Germany. Shane was a regular in the starting 11 for VFC Plauen and a strong presence in the center of the midfield, and in the winter of 2013 Shane was offered a contract with one of the biggest names in Hungarian soccer, Vasas SC. Shane signed with Vasas during the 2013-2014 season where he made 22 starts for the club in his first season.

Shane has coached various age groups for Beachside in the last 3 years.  Shane Recklet has recently finalized his United States Soccer Federation ‘B’ level license. Our Beachside Coaching Development Plan has him completing his ‘A’ license by the fall 2020. Beachside Hall of Fame Inductee 2017. Coaching in the MKS soccer organization since fall 2017.

Rizvan Music - Coach

Rizvan is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, moved over to US in 2015. He played soccer at 2 different local clubs growing up until U18.  After graduating High school, he started being involved with U7/U8 teams helping out with basic development and stayed with the club until moving to United States.  Second year coaching for Beachside Soccer Club U10/U11 Girls. Holds a United States Soccer Federation National ‘F’ level licensed coach Coaching in the MKS organization since 2017.

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Allan Zuniga – Coach

Allan played college soccer at Sacred Heart University where he was named All-American. Played in the USISL from 1991 to 1995 and then went on to play professional soccer in Nicaragua for 1st division team Walter Ferreti Club.

Allan has coached Youth level throughout Fairfield County for the last 20 years and has coached in the Mickey Kydes Soccer organization since 1999, including being the Program Director for the WSA Recreation and travel soccer from 2002-2017.

Traveled with Club Technical Director Mickey Kydes to FC Barcelona (La masia), Spain in 2011. Allan also assisted the U17 Nicaragua National team and helped the youth program over the summer of 2010-2013.

Coaching at Beachside Soccer Club and Beachside Academy for the past 12 years winning three state cups one Northeast Regional. Allan Zuniga is a United States Soccer Federation ‘B’ level licensed coach. Coaching in the MKS organization since 1999.

Bruno Dias - Coach

Born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Came to the United States of America when he was 3 years old, and lived in Connecticut and Long Island, NY. Received 4 letters in varsity soccer in which he started for 3 years.  During his senior year of soccer in Carle Place, Long Island, Bruno helped his team win the conference title along with winning First Team All-Conference honors and All-State recognition. After the soccer season, he moved back to Fairfield, CT and was part of the first graduating class of Fairfield Ludlowe High School in 2006.  Played premier club soccer for Bridgeport, Alberta 89 FC (New York). Bruno plans on continuing his studies to receive my Bachelor’s Degree.

Bruno has been one of the top young coaches in Westport Soccer Association for the last 10 years. Coached at the WSA U9-U12 age groups and has directed the WSA rec clinics for the last 5 years.  Bruno now coaches in the Beachside Premeir Program. Bruno is a United States Soccer Federation licensed coach. Coaching in the MKS soccer organization since fall 2008.

Sean O’Brien - Coach

Sean began playing soccer at a young age for the Guilford Soccer Club. Sean went onto attend Guilford High School before going on to study and play at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT (Division 2). During his time at SCSU, from 2006-2010, Sean served as a three-year Capitan and led the team to a NE-10 Conference Tournament win in 2007; for his efforts, Sean was received All Conference & All Region awards as a Center Back.

After college, Sean took advantage of the opportunity to travel to Germany for tryouts with various professional and semi-professional teams. He signed a two-year contract with the semi-professional team: SC Hartenfels 04 in Torgau, Germany, from 2012-2014.

Upon his return to the states, Sean naturally transitioned into coaching by joining Notre Dame of West Haven High School & Cheshire Soccer Club. Sean returned to his Alma Mater SCSU as an Assistant Coach, while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sports Management. Sean recently finalized his United States Soccer Federation ‘D’ level license, and his Beachside Coaches Development Plan has him completing his ‘C’ license by 2020. We are thrilled to welcome Sean into first year coaching with MKS organization.

Nasir Amarah – Coach

Nasir is a recent graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a Masters degree in Exercise Science (2019). While at Southern, Nasir developed injury prevention and rehabilitation programs for the Women's soccer team. Nasir has also participated in recreational soccer since a child and now shares his passion with newer generations of soccer players. Coaching in the MKS soccer organization since fall 2018.

Matteo Alvarez – Coach

Matteo is originally from the country of Italy.  Growing up in Italy he played in several youth academies such as AC Aqyanera, USD Novese, USD Libarna and Polisportiva Lombardia Uno who is a youth academy affiliated with legendary pro club AC Milan.  The highest-level Matteo achieved in Italy was 4^th division.  As a volunteer in Italy coaches for the U12-U14 youth academy of USD Novese. Matteo has completed his 7 vs. 7 grassroots license and planning on completing the 11 vs. 11 grassroots license before the beginning of fall. Matteo is going in to his second season coaching in the MKS soccer organization – coached in the Wilton K-2^nd rec clinics in spring 2019.

as of Aug 2019