Our Staff
OLGERT DALIPI
Meet Olgert Dalipi – Director of Coaching, Valley Football Club
Olgert Dalipi is the Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club and the Head Coach for several of the club’s top-level teams, including:
VALLEY FC 2010 Girls – USYS National Team
VALLEY FC 2012 Boys – USYS National Team
With over 25 years of coaching experience in Connecticut, Olgert brings a deep knowledge of the game and a passion for player development. He holds multiple prestigious coaching certifications, including:
USSF C License
United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma
UEFA B Diploma
Olgert also spent 12 seasons as the Assistant Coach for the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Men’s Soccer Team, where he contributed to the success of their NCAA Division I program.
Before coaching, Olgert had a distinguished professional playing career in Albania, Italy, and Greece, and represented the Albanian National Team at the U-16 through U-20 levels.
With his vast experience at both youth and collegiate levels—and as a former professional player—Olgert is dedicated to guiding young athletes on and off the field.
JAMES PERKINS
Meet James Perkins – Girls Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club
James Perkins is the Girls Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club and serves as the Head Coach for the following teams:
VALLEY FC 2008 Girls USYS National Team
VALLEY FC 2009 Girls USYS National Team
A former player for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team, James now serves as the Goalie Coach for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team. In addition to his coaching role, James is the President of Elite Soccer Performance, where he offers private sessions to help players improve their skills and performance on the field.
SHAUN GREEN
Meet Shaun Green – Head Coach for Valley FC 2006 EDP Premier Boys
Shaun Green will be the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2006 EDP Premier Boys. Shaun brings over 35 years of experience as the Head Coach of the Division 1 CCSU Men’s Soccer Team, where he led the team to success over an incredible tenure.
With a deep understanding of the game and a wealth of experience at the collegiate level, Shaun is excited to bring his expertise to Valley FC and help develop the next generation of soccer talent.
LUKE ALBERTINI
Meet Luke Albertini – Assistant Coach for Valley FC 2006 EDP Premier Boys
Luke Albertini is the Assistant Coach for VALLEY FC 2006 EDP Premier Boys. Luke’s extensive playing experience includes a stint with the New England Revolution and serving as the Captain of the Division 1 CCSU Men’s Soccer Team. Currently, Luke is also the Assistant Coach for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team, bringing his knowledge and passion for the game to Valley FC.
Coach Shaun Green and Coach Olgert Dalipi will be assisting Luke with the development of the 2006 teams, ensuring top-tier coaching for these talented players.
GARRET RACLIFFE
Meet Garret Racliffe – Head Coach for Valley FC 2006 EDP National Girls & Valley FC 2013 EDP Premier Boys
Garret Racliffe will be the Head Coach for 2006 VALLEY FC EDP National Girls and VALLEY FC 2013 EDP Premier Boys. Coach Garret brings a wealth of experience from his time coaching with both Oakwood Soccer Club and Farmington Soccer Club, where he has helped develop players at various levels.
With his strong background in coaching and player development, Garret is excited to lead these teams to success and foster a positive, growth-focused environment for all players.
GERHARD PROGNI
Meet Coach Gerhard – Head Coach for Valley FC 2013 Boys
Coach Gerhard brings a wealth of professional playing experience to his role as Head Coach for the Valley FC 2013 Boys team. He has played professionally in the Albanian Super League, where he participated in the Europa Champions League, as well as in Kosovo and Azerbaijan.
In addition to his playing career, Coach Gerhard holds the UEFA B Diploma, which further enhances his coaching expertise. With his extensive experience in both playing and coaching, he is excited to guide the 2013 Boys and help them reach their full potential on the field.
ALEX PENA
Meet Coach Alex Pena – Assistant Coach & Head Coach at Valley FC
Coach Alex Pena, originally from Colombia, has been coaching with Valley FC for the past 4 years. During his time with the club, Alex has served as the Assistant Coach for the 2009 and 2008 Valley FC Girls teams and as the Head Coach for the VALLEY FC 2011 Girls USYS National Team.
With his international experience and dedication to developing young talent, Coach Alex continues to be a key figure in shaping the future of Valley FC players.
LAUREN LATTANZIO
Meet Lauren Lattanzio – Head Coach for Valley FC 2015 Boys
Lauren will be the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2015 Boys team.
With a passion for developing young players and fostering a positive team environment, Coach Lauren is excited to guide the 2015 Boys to success this season.
SHANE SINCLAIRE
Meet Shane Sinclaire – Head Coach for Valley FC 2014 Boys
Shane Sinclaire is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2014 Boys team. Shane brings a rich playing and coaching background to his role.
Playing Career:
2023-2024: UPSL, 3rd Eye FC
2021-2023: CSL, 3rd Eye FC
2017: Manchester Silk City
2017-2019: Greater Lowell Rough Diamonds
2011-2015: The Mico University College
Coaching Career:
2021-2024: UPSL, 3rd Eye FC
2017: Manchester Silk City
With experience both as a player and coach in various leagues, Shane is dedicated to developing young players and fostering growth both on and off the field. He is excited to lead the Valley FC 2014 Boys and help them achieve their potential this season.
RODRIGO GIRALDO
Meet Rodrigo Giraldo – Head Coach for Valley FC 2016 Boys
Rodrigo Giraldo is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2016 Boys team. A former player at CCSU, Rodrigo has a solid playing foundation and extensive coaching experience. He has previously coached for West Hartford Soccer Club, where he honed his coaching skills and developed a deep understanding of the game.
Rodrigo is excited to lead the 2016 Boys team, bringing his experience and knowledge to help players grow and excel this season.
MELINA FORD
Meet Melina Ford – Goalkeeper Coach at Valley FC
Melina Ford is the Goalkeeper Coach for Valley FC, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for developing top-tier goalkeepers. With her expertise, she focuses on refining technical skills, positioning, and decision-making to help players reach their full potential.
Melina is dedicated to fostering a strong goalkeeper community within Valley FC and is excited to work with our athletes to elevate their game.
RILEY POWERS
Meet Riley Powers – Head Coach for Valley FC 2017/18 Girls
Riley Powers is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2017/18 Girls team. Currently a player for the CCSU Women's Soccer Division 1 team, Riley brings a strong playing background and deep understanding of the game to her coaching role.
Her experience at the collegiate level equips her to guide the 2017/18 Girls with the skills, discipline, and mindset needed for success both on and off the field.
RACHEL WYGANT
Meet Rachel Wygant – Head Coach for Valley FC 2015 Girls
Rachel Wygant is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2015 Girls team. Currently playing for the CCSU Women's Soccer Division 1 team, Rachel brings her high-level playing experience and passion for the game to her coaching role.
Her experience at the collegiate level allows her to provide valuable insights and guidance to the 2015 Girls, helping them develop both their technical skills and their understanding of the game.
GABBY NIMAN
Meet Gabby Niman – Head Coach for Valley FC 2014 Girls
Gabby Niman is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2014 Girls team. Currently playing for the CCSU Women's Soccer Division 1 team, Gabby brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her collegiate career to her coaching role.
Her experience at the Division 1 level allows her to provide valuable guidance and training to the 2014 Girls, helping them enhance their skills and game awareness.
SOPHIA DALIPI
Meet Sophia Dalipi – Assistant Coach at Valley FC
Sophia Dalipi is an Assistant Coach at Valley FC. Currently playing at New Haven University, Sophia brings a strong playing background and a passion for coaching to her role at the club. Her experience as a college athlete allows her to share valuable insights and contribute to the development of players at Valley FC.
Sophia is excited to work with the team and help foster growth and success both on and off the field.